4 answers
Gianna
Student
Chisholm, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
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What are some things I can do to create a good college application?
Hi! I am an upcoming junior in high school and a freshman in a community college because I do dual enrollment. What are some things I should do to have a good looking college application? Im also from a small town, so there aren't as many options.
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Gianna colleges consider many factors when admitting students. Remember that different colleges take different factors into consideration during the admissions process. After learning more about these college admission secrets, do some research about the schools you are applying to and find new ways to stand out.
STRENGTH OF YOUR CURRICULUM
Colleges look for students who took the most challenging courses available to them who performed well in each class. Some high schools don’t offer many college prep classes. If that is the case for your high school, admissions officers will take this into account. They may also look favorably upon students who seek challenge outside of school; for example, by taking community college courses or AP courses online.
YOUR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Colleges pay attention to your involvement in extracurricular activities. But what counts most to colleges is how long and how deeply you have been committed to one or two of those interests. This could be sports, clubs, music groups, or various other activities. They take into account the leadership roles you have held, what you accomplished, and how much time you committed to the activity.
STRENGTH OF YOUR ESSAY
Many colleges will ask you to submit an essay or personal statement and some will require you to answer additional questions with shorter essays. Here is your opportunity to put your personality into your application. A well-written essay can tip a decision in your favor and a poorly written one can do the opposite.
DEMONSTRATE YOUR INTERESTED
Going on a college visit, talking with admission officers, or doing an enthusiastic interview can call attention to how much you really want to attend. Applying for an early decision may also make a good impression.
Hope this was helpful Gianna
STRENGTH OF YOUR CURRICULUM
Colleges look for students who took the most challenging courses available to them who performed well in each class. Some high schools don’t offer many college prep classes. If that is the case for your high school, admissions officers will take this into account. They may also look favorably upon students who seek challenge outside of school; for example, by taking community college courses or AP courses online.
YOUR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Colleges pay attention to your involvement in extracurricular activities. But what counts most to colleges is how long and how deeply you have been committed to one or two of those interests. This could be sports, clubs, music groups, or various other activities. They take into account the leadership roles you have held, what you accomplished, and how much time you committed to the activity.
STRENGTH OF YOUR ESSAY
Many colleges will ask you to submit an essay or personal statement and some will require you to answer additional questions with shorter essays. Here is your opportunity to put your personality into your application. A well-written essay can tip a decision in your favor and a poorly written one can do the opposite.
DEMONSTRATE YOUR INTERESTED
Going on a college visit, talking with admission officers, or doing an enthusiastic interview can call attention to how much you really want to attend. Applying for an early decision may also make a good impression.
Hope this was helpful Gianna
Thank You Yoonji. Every person can make a difference, and every person should try.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
353
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Gianna, this is a great question and good timing to ask it. Doc and Niha have given you a lot of valuable advice, and I would like to highlight a few of their points:
Guidance counselors send letters to colleges/universities describing the curriculum of the school and a general description of the community. So the admission officers should know when the school is too small to offer many AP's or extra curricular activities. But, you could check with your guidance counselor to make sure that information is there and maybe have the teachers writing recommendations for you highlight what you have done with what is available.
You may be tempted to submit a long list of extracurriculars, but fight that temptation. As both Niha and Doc said, you want to demonstrate commitment, growth, and contribution to the activity and/or your community.
Demonstrate your interest in a college, even one you consider a safety. Colleges want their acceptance rate (what percentage of people they admit actually go their school) to be high. So, if you are an attractive candidate, but don't demonstrate interest, they may put you on the waitlist and see if you follow up. So set up accounts with admissions early, get on their mailing lists, sign up for information sessions and tours, go to local meetings (if offered), etc.
Good luck!
Guidance counselors send letters to colleges/universities describing the curriculum of the school and a general description of the community. So the admission officers should know when the school is too small to offer many AP's or extra curricular activities. But, you could check with your guidance counselor to make sure that information is there and maybe have the teachers writing recommendations for you highlight what you have done with what is available.
You may be tempted to submit a long list of extracurriculars, but fight that temptation. As both Niha and Doc said, you want to demonstrate commitment, growth, and contribution to the activity and/or your community.
Demonstrate your interest in a college, even one you consider a safety. Colleges want their acceptance rate (what percentage of people they admit actually go their school) to be high. So, if you are an attractive candidate, but don't demonstrate interest, they may put you on the waitlist and see if you follow up. So set up accounts with admissions early, get on their mailing lists, sign up for information sessions and tours, go to local meetings (if offered), etc.
Good luck!
Niha D
Physical Therapist
60
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Niha’s Answer
You're already on your way with taking college classes right now!
Colleges are looking for well rounded individuals who are able to express real sentiment about an end goal. They want people who know (or at least appear to) what they're doing. The top 5 areas you want to focus on are:
1) Grades. Make sure your GPA is good before you focus anywhere else.
2) SAT/ACT scores. Some college are test optional, but some still require that you take at least one.
3) Clubs/Extracurriculars: you want to show off some diversity while still showing some passion for any specific area. For example, doing sports and one summer enrichment club, but the sport being your focus.
4) Volunteering. This area is always highly rated, and it can be any kind, from helping out at church or doing online transcription work for the Smithsonian.
5) Leadership. Colleges look positively on people who take on leadership positions. As long as you are able to talk about HOW your role in an organization or in school helps build your leadership skills, you'll be just fine even if you aren't the president or captain of a club.
Colleges are looking for well rounded individuals who are able to express real sentiment about an end goal. They want people who know (or at least appear to) what they're doing. The top 5 areas you want to focus on are:
1) Grades. Make sure your GPA is good before you focus anywhere else.
2) SAT/ACT scores. Some college are test optional, but some still require that you take at least one.
3) Clubs/Extracurriculars: you want to show off some diversity while still showing some passion for any specific area. For example, doing sports and one summer enrichment club, but the sport being your focus.
4) Volunteering. This area is always highly rated, and it can be any kind, from helping out at church or doing online transcription work for the Smithsonian.
5) Leadership. Colleges look positively on people who take on leadership positions. As long as you are able to talk about HOW your role in an organization or in school helps build your leadership skills, you'll be just fine even if you aren't the president or captain of a club.
Monique Dunbar
Career Coaching and Daycare Owner
3
Answers
Pleasantville, New Jersey
Updated
Monique’s Answer
Make sure that you have good grades, volunteer in your community and join high school clubs and activities. This will show that you are well rounded, driven, proactive and spend your time wisely.
Make sure that you have good grades. It is good to volunteer in your community as well as join clubs and activities in your high school. It shows colleges that you are driven , proactive and you love using your time wisely.
Monique recommends the following next steps: