5 answers
Joe
Student
Sidney, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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How hard is it to get into college?
I have a gpa of 3.6. I did band and choir, but i’m being homeschooled this year. I don’t know if this is good enough or if I need to be better. I don’t want to get into like an Ivy school, just somewhere with a good forensics program.
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5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Joe everyone applying to college has wondered, "What exactly are colleges looking for in applicants?" In other words, what looks good on a college application. While all colleges are different, of course, with some valuing certain qualities or skills more or less than other schools, all colleges generally look for smart, studious, ambitious, and passionate students. Therefore, your college application should emphasize your best, most impressive qualities. For example, if you want to study forensics you'll want to touch on this interest you have in different areas of your application.
1. GPA - One of the most important part of the college application is your HS transcript, which consists of your GPA and the names and types of classes you've taken in high school. What's truly important, though, isn't that you simply have a high GPA overall but rather that you have a GPA that's higher than the average GPA of admitted students at the college you're applying to. To find a college's average GPA, search (School Name) PrepScholar admission requirements on Google and then click on the database link to that college. This page will show you what the school's average GPA is, in addition to other admission requirements.
2. SATS - Test scores, mainly SAT/ACT scores, are another key part of college applications (unless, of course, you're applying to colleges that don't require test scores).
3. ESSAY - Your personal statement is also an important part of your college application as it's one of the only areas where you can really showcase your personality.
4. EXTRACURRICULAR - Almost every college will want to know what kinds of extracurricular activities you do or have done in your spare time. The objective here is to provide not a list of all the random activities you've done but rather a detailed overview of one to two of your most passionate interests and any big achievements you've made in them. (like Band and Choir)
5. VOLUNTEERISM - Colleges also love it when an applicant has not simply volunteered but has also made a measurable impact with their volunteering efforts. What does this mean exactly. If you have volunteered somewhere or for an organization, your assistance should have resulted in a noticeable, positive change to the group, community, or area you were aiming to help.
So remember Joe, colleges want to see your passion, intellectual curiosity, willingness to challenge yourself, and your academic accomplishments. Hope this was helpful.
1. GPA - One of the most important part of the college application is your HS transcript, which consists of your GPA and the names and types of classes you've taken in high school. What's truly important, though, isn't that you simply have a high GPA overall but rather that you have a GPA that's higher than the average GPA of admitted students at the college you're applying to. To find a college's average GPA, search (School Name) PrepScholar admission requirements on Google and then click on the database link to that college. This page will show you what the school's average GPA is, in addition to other admission requirements.
2. SATS - Test scores, mainly SAT/ACT scores, are another key part of college applications (unless, of course, you're applying to colleges that don't require test scores).
3. ESSAY - Your personal statement is also an important part of your college application as it's one of the only areas where you can really showcase your personality.
4. EXTRACURRICULAR - Almost every college will want to know what kinds of extracurricular activities you do or have done in your spare time. The objective here is to provide not a list of all the random activities you've done but rather a detailed overview of one to two of your most passionate interests and any big achievements you've made in them. (like Band and Choir)
5. VOLUNTEERISM - Colleges also love it when an applicant has not simply volunteered but has also made a measurable impact with their volunteering efforts. What does this mean exactly. If you have volunteered somewhere or for an organization, your assistance should have resulted in a noticeable, positive change to the group, community, or area you were aiming to help.
So remember Joe, colleges want to see your passion, intellectual curiosity, willingness to challenge yourself, and your academic accomplishments. Hope this was helpful.
Thank You Michael. Every person can make a difference, and every person should try.
Doc Frick
Joe Hommrich
Associate, Verbal Branding
2
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Hi there!
I am a recently graduated transfer student, so I have done my fair share of applying to colleges 😅.
Like everything else, applying to college becomes easier with familiarity, so try to get familiar and comfortable with the process.
Different colleges have different admissions committees who have different preferences, but at the end of the day, they are looking to find students who will thrive and enjoy the resources their university offers.
There’s obviously a component with SAT and GPA… Studying and homework can be annoying and difficult (I certainly don’t miss it 😂), but don’t overwork yourself. Find a balance between work and extracurricular happenings you enjoy, and I think you will be just fine!
Above all else, I think the most overlooked and misunderstood element is the personal statement/college essay. Admissions counselors want to see how you think – at your most genuine and with personal experience to reflect and tie in on. A college essay is not a statement of what you have done and why it makes you “worthy” for a certain college, it is a reflection on your lived experiences and how they led you to apply to that specific forensics program, or even that college in general. Most importantly, write for yourself – don’t let other people stifle your creative vision.
Your college search is also important, you need to find a place that will make you feel at home academically and socially. Tour schools, talk to students, reach out to admissions offices for how you can engage.
It took me more time than I expected to find the right school for me, but putting genuine thought into balance made the search easy.
Hope this helps!
I am a recently graduated transfer student, so I have done my fair share of applying to colleges 😅.
Like everything else, applying to college becomes easier with familiarity, so try to get familiar and comfortable with the process.
Different colleges have different admissions committees who have different preferences, but at the end of the day, they are looking to find students who will thrive and enjoy the resources their university offers.
There’s obviously a component with SAT and GPA… Studying and homework can be annoying and difficult (I certainly don’t miss it 😂), but don’t overwork yourself. Find a balance between work and extracurricular happenings you enjoy, and I think you will be just fine!
Above all else, I think the most overlooked and misunderstood element is the personal statement/college essay. Admissions counselors want to see how you think – at your most genuine and with personal experience to reflect and tie in on. A college essay is not a statement of what you have done and why it makes you “worthy” for a certain college, it is a reflection on your lived experiences and how they led you to apply to that specific forensics program, or even that college in general. Most importantly, write for yourself – don’t let other people stifle your creative vision.
Your college search is also important, you need to find a place that will make you feel at home academically and socially. Tour schools, talk to students, reach out to admissions offices for how you can engage.
It took me more time than I expected to find the right school for me, but putting genuine thought into balance made the search easy.
Hope this helps!
Serra Uzun
Data scientist
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Serra’s Answer
Hi Joe,
It is definitely not hard to get into "a" college in the US but it might be a bit more work to get into a specific program in a specific college that you have your eye on. I would advice you to focus your research on the specific programs you are interested in an enhancing your experience in those areas that'll show your preparedness when they review your application. For example, I was interested in getting into a good interior design program, so I took the summer before I applied to college to shadow an interior designer and take some pre-college interior design courses with my local college. It really helped me (a) to really understand what it was like to become an interior designer and (b) it helped me a lot on my application and showed how I am a self starter and have already started investing in myself which colleges really like to see. Good luck!
It is definitely not hard to get into "a" college in the US but it might be a bit more work to get into a specific program in a specific college that you have your eye on. I would advice you to focus your research on the specific programs you are interested in an enhancing your experience in those areas that'll show your preparedness when they review your application. For example, I was interested in getting into a good interior design program, so I took the summer before I applied to college to shadow an interior designer and take some pre-college interior design courses with my local college. It really helped me (a) to really understand what it was like to become an interior designer and (b) it helped me a lot on my application and showed how I am a self starter and have already started investing in myself which colleges really like to see. Good luck!
gregory williams
Teacher
20
Answers
Hanover Park, Illinois
Updated
gregory’s Answer
Stepping into college is not as daunting as it seems. If you're unsure about your chosen field of study or "major", starting at a community college is a smart and economical choice. This will give you the opportunity to explore different subjects without breaking the bank. Once you've identified your passion, it's a good idea to seek guidance from a counselor or conduct your own research to find colleges that excel in your chosen field. After that, you can apply for a transfer and embark on the journey to complete your two to four-year program, earning your bachelor's or master's degree in your field. With determination and focus, you can certainly achieve your academic goals.
Nadia Borelli
Actress, Musician
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Nadia’s Answer
In my view, a 3.6 GPA is truly commendable. I myself found school to be quite a hurdle, managing to maintain around a 3.0. However, it's important to remember that each school has its own unique set of admission criteria. Many institutions tend to create an illusion of exclusivity for the sake of prestige. Participating in band and choir is an excellent choice, so keep pursuing those extracurricular activities. If you have concerns, consider having a professional polish your essay and devote some time to preparing for the ACT's. Keep up the fantastic work!
Keep GPA up.
Find extra hobbies.
Find mentor/teacher to edit essay, and find essay topic you're passionate about.
Study for ACT's
Nadia recommends the following next steps: