7 answers
Lavche
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
2
Questions
Updated
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How do I get in a good college?
Do your best in high school try and get a 4.0 GPA and do your best and be good in all your classes and make the best choises as you can possible make! #School #college
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7 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Lavche applying to college can be an overwhelming process, especially if you’re trying to get into schools where competition is stiff. There are several common factors that most colleges consider when looking at potential applicants; however, the key to acceptance isn’t just doing well. You want to show admissions officers what makes you stand out from the crowd.
CHALLENGING HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Your GPA in high school shows colleges how successful you were in the field of academics and whether or not you buckled down and worked hard. Colleges look not only at your overall GPA but also at how well you did in individual classes. Chances are, your high school transcript is going to hold the most weight in your college application. That’s because high school transcripts — which include important information like the name of your high school, the courses you took, and your cumulative GPA — give admissions officers an idea about what kind of student you are. One of the top things that colleges are looking for is whether or not you challenged yourself in high school. What courses did you take? Did you take any AP or IB courses? What was your GPA? Basically, colleges want to know whether you took advantage of the opportunities that your school provided.
GOOD TEST SCORES
The second-most important component of your college application transcript is your standardized test scores. In other words, how well did you do on college entrance exams like the ACT or the SAT. Since many ACT and SAT testing dates have been cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, some colleges have adopted “test-optional” policies that don’t require you to submit scores. That’s good news, right? Well, here’s the thing: You may want to submit your test results anyway if you got a really good score. On top of potentially boosting your chances of acceptance, including a good test score could increase your college scholarship opportunities and help you win more money for school.
MEMORABLE COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAY
While all components of a college application are important, your college essay can hold a lot of sway in your application. This is your best opportunity to highlight things that can’t be conveyed through test scores and GPA alone, so be sure to make it good! The best college application essays tend to have a strong opening paragraph to hook the reader, followed by a memorable story that demonstrates a unique perspective. And don’t forget to proofread and check for spelling errors and punctuation mistakes.
QUALITY RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
Selective colleges will typically require you to include one to three letters of recommendation in your application. But what are colleges looking for in these letters, anyway? Basically, hints about your moral character. In a recent survey from the National Association for College Admission Counseling, 70 percent of admissions officers said that a student’s character was a “considerably” or “moderately” important factor in their selection process. Bottom line. Start building professional relationships with your high school teachers and school counselors, ASAP. Their letters of recommendation could be vital to you getting into your dream school.
VOLUNTEER AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Any experience you have that shows true commitment, leadership qualities and an interest in community is beneficial to your application. Include the organizations or companies you worked for and what your responsibilities were at each one. If you received any promotions or special recognitions, be sure to mention those as well. Colleges also want to see students who stretch themselves beyond the limits of the classroom. The kinds of activities you choose say a lot about your personality and even your morals. Whether or not you stick with your chosen undertakings exhibits your ability to commit to important projects in the long term.
Lavche knowing what the colleges you’re applying to are looking for helps you to make the best possible choices for college prep and to craft a better application when the time comes. Contacting your top school choices will give you a more specific picture of what they all expect, allowing you to target your applications for each and increase the chances of acceptance. More colleges are moving away from accepting students who did the most “stuff” to looking for those who focus their energy in specific areas that they’re passionate about. Schools want to see what makes you special and how hard you’re willing to work at the things you care about.
Hope this was Helpful Lavche
CHALLENGING HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Your GPA in high school shows colleges how successful you were in the field of academics and whether or not you buckled down and worked hard. Colleges look not only at your overall GPA but also at how well you did in individual classes. Chances are, your high school transcript is going to hold the most weight in your college application. That’s because high school transcripts — which include important information like the name of your high school, the courses you took, and your cumulative GPA — give admissions officers an idea about what kind of student you are. One of the top things that colleges are looking for is whether or not you challenged yourself in high school. What courses did you take? Did you take any AP or IB courses? What was your GPA? Basically, colleges want to know whether you took advantage of the opportunities that your school provided.
GOOD TEST SCORES
The second-most important component of your college application transcript is your standardized test scores. In other words, how well did you do on college entrance exams like the ACT or the SAT. Since many ACT and SAT testing dates have been cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, some colleges have adopted “test-optional” policies that don’t require you to submit scores. That’s good news, right? Well, here’s the thing: You may want to submit your test results anyway if you got a really good score. On top of potentially boosting your chances of acceptance, including a good test score could increase your college scholarship opportunities and help you win more money for school.
MEMORABLE COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAY
While all components of a college application are important, your college essay can hold a lot of sway in your application. This is your best opportunity to highlight things that can’t be conveyed through test scores and GPA alone, so be sure to make it good! The best college application essays tend to have a strong opening paragraph to hook the reader, followed by a memorable story that demonstrates a unique perspective. And don’t forget to proofread and check for spelling errors and punctuation mistakes.
QUALITY RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
Selective colleges will typically require you to include one to three letters of recommendation in your application. But what are colleges looking for in these letters, anyway? Basically, hints about your moral character. In a recent survey from the National Association for College Admission Counseling, 70 percent of admissions officers said that a student’s character was a “considerably” or “moderately” important factor in their selection process. Bottom line. Start building professional relationships with your high school teachers and school counselors, ASAP. Their letters of recommendation could be vital to you getting into your dream school.
VOLUNTEER AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Any experience you have that shows true commitment, leadership qualities and an interest in community is beneficial to your application. Include the organizations or companies you worked for and what your responsibilities were at each one. If you received any promotions or special recognitions, be sure to mention those as well. Colleges also want to see students who stretch themselves beyond the limits of the classroom. The kinds of activities you choose say a lot about your personality and even your morals. Whether or not you stick with your chosen undertakings exhibits your ability to commit to important projects in the long term.
Lavche knowing what the colleges you’re applying to are looking for helps you to make the best possible choices for college prep and to craft a better application when the time comes. Contacting your top school choices will give you a more specific picture of what they all expect, allowing you to target your applications for each and increase the chances of acceptance. More colleges are moving away from accepting students who did the most “stuff” to looking for those who focus their energy in specific areas that they’re passionate about. Schools want to see what makes you special and how hard you’re willing to work at the things you care about.
Hope this was Helpful Lavche
Thank You for your continued support Dhairya. Goals are like magnets. They’ll attract the things that make them come true.
Doc Frick
Thank You Emily. “Our generation has the ability and the responsibility to make our ever-more connected world a more hopeful, stable and peaceful place.” — Natalie Portman
Doc Frick
Alexandra McCoy
Site Reliability Engineer - SaaS Reliability Enablement
42
Answers
Goldsboro, North Carolina
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
I came to say everything that John said, so I won't duplicate it. But in a nutshell, to get into a good college it is not about being perfect. I believe it is about being well rounded. The first thing we think of is grades. Yes, you do need good grades but....
Do you participate in any school organizations that show your leadership abilities?
Do you give back to your local community?
Have you taken any action pertaining to the program you want to study and worked for hands on experience? No matter if it is volunteer work or paid work.
And a 4.0 is good, but what classes were taken?
Start building a network of teachers, business owners you may have worked/volunteer for, mentors, etc. that can provide reference letter to back up your application items. Good Luck to you and this is a wonderful question to consider.
Do you participate in any school organizations that show your leadership abilities?
Do you give back to your local community?
Have you taken any action pertaining to the program you want to study and worked for hands on experience? No matter if it is volunteer work or paid work.
And a 4.0 is good, but what classes were taken?
Start building a network of teachers, business owners you may have worked/volunteer for, mentors, etc. that can provide reference letter to back up your application items. Good Luck to you and this is a wonderful question to consider.
Hi Alexandra. This is very good advice. Some of the tips you mentioned students often forget about (ie, build a network of teachers, etc.)
Sheila Jordan
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
711
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Lavche:
I agree with all the posters. I'd like to add that you do not forget to do some volunteer work. You could gain valuable insights whether it's networking (meeting new friends, learn from a mentor, etc), learning or sharpening your skills, and volunteer "just because" (give back to your community). Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
https://www.volunteermatch.org/
I agree with all the posters. I'd like to add that you do not forget to do some volunteer work. You could gain valuable insights whether it's networking (meeting new friends, learn from a mentor, etc), learning or sharpening your skills, and volunteer "just because" (give back to your community). Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Ghenna Kisswani
Post-Bac Student, previously a teacher
9
Answers
Corona, California
Updated
Ghenna’s Answer
Hello Lavche,
There are many factors that come into play when deciding what the best college is for you. Location, programs, finances, competitiveness, and housing are only a few factors that can affect a decision. What you consider a "good" college can differ from what another person considers a good college. Yes, having a competitive/good GPA is looked upon favorably by college admissions, but so is volunteering and community service. It is said that many universities look for a well-rounded individual. I suggest doing some research on the universities that you would like to apply/attend and contact them on what they look for in an applicant. Remember there is no one pathway to attend college. If a certain college is your goal, then you can apply to it in high school directly or attend a community college and then apply as a transfer student. No way is the wrong way as long as you reach your goal.
Best,
Ghenna
There are many factors that come into play when deciding what the best college is for you. Location, programs, finances, competitiveness, and housing are only a few factors that can affect a decision. What you consider a "good" college can differ from what another person considers a good college. Yes, having a competitive/good GPA is looked upon favorably by college admissions, but so is volunteering and community service. It is said that many universities look for a well-rounded individual. I suggest doing some research on the universities that you would like to apply/attend and contact them on what they look for in an applicant. Remember there is no one pathway to attend college. If a certain college is your goal, then you can apply to it in high school directly or attend a community college and then apply as a transfer student. No way is the wrong way as long as you reach your goal.
Best,
Ghenna
Estelle Archer
Gynecologist
1321
Answers
United States
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
Many schools have rolling admission, especially in Texas. In order to have the best odds of acceptance, apply early!
Emmy Leone
18
Answers
Updated
Emmy’s Answer
Hi Lavche,
In addition to studying and working hard in school to get a good GPA, I would also recommend finding volunteer activities or student organizations in which you can get involved, Not only will these serve as great learning opportunities and help to develop your character, they will also look great on applications and add to what makes you a desirable candidate. Get involved in your community.
Best wishes,
Emmy
In addition to studying and working hard in school to get a good GPA, I would also recommend finding volunteer activities or student organizations in which you can get involved, Not only will these serve as great learning opportunities and help to develop your character, they will also look great on applications and add to what makes you a desirable candidate. Get involved in your community.
Best wishes,
Emmy
Eric Conn
Product / Systems Owner
3
Answers
Birmingham, Michigan
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hello Lavche,
The previous answers are all very valuable and will help a lot.
One additional thing that could help in preparation for your interviews and activities could be to pause and "turn things around". Look introspectively at yourself from the point of view of the Colleges and Recruiters and document your thoughts.
This works extremely well in job hunts as well. You can think, "Why would they select me / hire me" when there are hundred of others or more to choose from. In doing this, instead of recoding minute details, think in broad terms about some of your live experiences how they have helped to create passions that you have. Think about when you figured out or decided about something that you liked to do more than other things.
As part of this reflection you could think about how your specific background, experiences and passions give you "a competitive advantage" over your peers or colleagues. Think about 3 or 4 combined attributes especially intangible traits that you have grown and fostered over time. Keep in mind these are not work deliverables or term papers, but how your experiences and life lessons have made you unique.
If you can craft 1 or 2 paragraphs that can outline what makes you tick, you will have a great "elevator pitch" that will make you stand out from crowd in addition to a stunning transcript, resume and volunteer history.
You will likely end up using this same value statement and introspective thinking numerous times after college.
The previous answers are all very valuable and will help a lot.
One additional thing that could help in preparation for your interviews and activities could be to pause and "turn things around". Look introspectively at yourself from the point of view of the Colleges and Recruiters and document your thoughts.
This works extremely well in job hunts as well. You can think, "Why would they select me / hire me" when there are hundred of others or more to choose from. In doing this, instead of recoding minute details, think in broad terms about some of your live experiences how they have helped to create passions that you have. Think about when you figured out or decided about something that you liked to do more than other things.
As part of this reflection you could think about how your specific background, experiences and passions give you "a competitive advantage" over your peers or colleagues. Think about 3 or 4 combined attributes especially intangible traits that you have grown and fostered over time. Keep in mind these are not work deliverables or term papers, but how your experiences and life lessons have made you unique.
If you can craft 1 or 2 paragraphs that can outline what makes you tick, you will have a great "elevator pitch" that will make you stand out from crowd in addition to a stunning transcript, resume and volunteer history.
You will likely end up using this same value statement and introspective thinking numerous times after college.