What did you do in high school to make sure you were accepted into a good school?

Hi Liz,

Great question...and I think Ken provided you with sound advice. I would also add that although it's been a long time since I applied to college, what I remember and what I've heard more recently is that many colleges seek students who are well-rounded individuals. Academic activities are always the best whether they be academic clubs or organizations or competitions. Sometimes participating in sports -- team or individual --can be helpful on applications and also assist with life skills stressing teamwork, perseverance, commitment, etc. Some colleges look for students with leadership experience within activities and not just individual participation. Volunteering is another great option to consider--and if possible not just as a one-time or mandatory event. Making a commitment to volunteer monthly or weekly for a cause or organization which a student cares about is sometimes looked upon favorably.

If you are going to a major-specific school (e.g. School of Art or Design), some colleges will like to see 'Artsy' activities or those related to that specific major on your application. Or, some may want to see students be open to a variety of activities--without stretching yourself too thin. Anytime a student shows a passion for anything can normally be advantageous as long as your grades don't suffer from participating in too many activities.

Oftentimes students remain uninvolved and uninterested and spend their junior and senior years joining every single club or activity advertised. Some schools can see through this on the application. So if at all feasible, then the student should start early and find activities which will be useful to their growth and not join those just because their friends participated or because it is their final year.

Just to give you an example, when I was in high school, I was in Spanish Club, played a sport, and was involved with Student Government. I also volunteered as a sophomore and junior. I also participated in an Actuarial Science program over the summer at an out-of-state university between my junior and senior years. Any additional participation outside of school such as academic programs or internships are also helpful.

Hope this helps and good luck to you!!

Hi Liz!

You are asking a very important question.

I studied seriously to make sure that I learned the most from the courses that I studied and tried to get the best grades. I participated in activities that interested me. I talked to my school counselors and favorite teachers to see which might be the best career areas for me to explore and participated in coop and intern programs that would allow me to learn more about those career areas and meet and talk to people in those career areas. I tried to get to know myself well and be aware of what career areas had the most comfortable fit and offered the most satisfaction for me.

You will impress the college people the most by showing them the you have taken care to learn about yourself and taken care to study hard and get the best grades possible.