4 answers
Emma
Student
Mendon, Massachusetts
5
Questions
Updated
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College Application Process
Hi! I am a junior in high school, and I plan to apply to colleges soon. I was wondering if this community has any advice on creating the best application possible. I plan to focus on extracurriculars, achievements, and grades. Do you have any tips on how to create an application that stands out from the rest? #collegeapplication #highschool #college
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4 answers
Jun Zhou
Technical Account Manager
2
Answers
Danville, California
Updated
Jun’s Answer
Hi Emma,
Many college admission offices have YouTube channels. There are lots of insider tips available in those videos, the admission officers sometime even tell you what are the big mistakes they don't want to see in the applications.
Personal statement and essays are actually very important parts of your college application. Be authentic and show your true self when writing your essays. Research the colleges online before start writing essays. Write about why you are interested in the college, why you think you are a good fit for that college and what you are passionate about. Have a trusted friend or teacher proofread your essays. Plan ahead and start early as you may have to revise each essay multiple times. Depending on how many colleges you are going to apply for, there are many essays to write. Do not use the same essay for different colleges. You will not impress the admission officer with a cookie cutter type of essay.
Wish you good luck with your applications!
Many college admission offices have YouTube channels. There are lots of insider tips available in those videos, the admission officers sometime even tell you what are the big mistakes they don't want to see in the applications.
Personal statement and essays are actually very important parts of your college application. Be authentic and show your true self when writing your essays. Research the colleges online before start writing essays. Write about why you are interested in the college, why you think you are a good fit for that college and what you are passionate about. Have a trusted friend or teacher proofread your essays. Plan ahead and start early as you may have to revise each essay multiple times. Depending on how many colleges you are going to apply for, there are many essays to write. Do not use the same essay for different colleges. You will not impress the admission officer with a cookie cutter type of essay.
Wish you good luck with your applications!
Nancy Edwards
Performed comprehensive role at firm interacting with all practice groups/ departments to bolster client development
5
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Emma,
Since the admission process will be, largely, test-optional next year, it is important that your application makes sense as a whole. For example, if you say you will be a physics major but you have never taken physics or done anything in the field, you will not be competitive for colleges. Additionally, think carefully about whom you pick for recommendations. It is not about the grade but more about if the teacher can speak to your academic growth, ability as a collaborator, intellectual curiosity, etc. In this environment that may mean a 10th-grade teacher instead of an 11th-grade one. The activities section is a time to highlight what you EMMA has done. Maybe you did not run the fundraiser, but you may sure the check-in process was flawless: be sure to highlight that. You don't need 10 activities! You need to show how you have grown in an organization and contributed to something outside of your comfort zone. Best of luck.
Since the admission process will be, largely, test-optional next year, it is important that your application makes sense as a whole. For example, if you say you will be a physics major but you have never taken physics or done anything in the field, you will not be competitive for colleges. Additionally, think carefully about whom you pick for recommendations. It is not about the grade but more about if the teacher can speak to your academic growth, ability as a collaborator, intellectual curiosity, etc. In this environment that may mean a 10th-grade teacher instead of an 11th-grade one. The activities section is a time to highlight what you EMMA has done. Maybe you did not run the fundraiser, but you may sure the check-in process was flawless: be sure to highlight that. You don't need 10 activities! You need to show how you have grown in an organization and contributed to something outside of your comfort zone. Best of luck.
Jake Burckhardt
Accountant
1
Answer
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Jake’s Answer
Hi Emma,
When discussing your extracurricular activities make sure to describe the roles and projects that you completed during your time in the group. Examples of this could be being the captain of a sport, being on the executive board of a student group, or a fundraising campaign that you were able to lead for your organization. If you held a leadership position this is especially important to highlight. Another thing that colleges and universities look for is how interested you really are in the school. Make sure to attend events and informational sessions hosted by the schools and if you get the chance to express your interest make sure to do that. Good luck with applications!
Best,
Jake
When discussing your extracurricular activities make sure to describe the roles and projects that you completed during your time in the group. Examples of this could be being the captain of a sport, being on the executive board of a student group, or a fundraising campaign that you were able to lead for your organization. If you held a leadership position this is especially important to highlight. Another thing that colleges and universities look for is how interested you really are in the school. Make sure to attend events and informational sessions hosted by the schools and if you get the chance to express your interest make sure to do that. Good luck with applications!
Best,
Jake
Brandon Dang
214
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
When doing college applications you generally would want to be as honest as possible when typing it up. Try to have all (or at least most) of the activities that demonstrate you having a significant or valuable role in these extracurricular activities. Along with stating those activities, you would want to have a small you very precise examples to show what you did, what you learn, and how has it affected you. Don't just say that you were part of a club or activity and end it there. Explain how the activity has helped you improve or demonstrate your own skills. That being said, that could be with almost any extra curricular activity that you have, not just the ones that sound the most impressive. All activities are important in there own way, you just have to do well to explain why they are important.