8 answers
Maya
Student
Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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What are things you can do in high-school that stands out to colleges?
I’m a incoming student at Grosse Pointe South in Grosse Pointe Michigan. School is very important to me so the question that often comings to mind when I think about going to higher is, “ Am I making the right choices for classes and extra curricular activities?”. I definitely need help coming up with ideas from someone more educated on the topic! What are things you can do in high-school that stands out to colleges?
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8 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
One thing you might consider is getting involved in volunteerism, like community events and public service.
College administrators (like me) love it when students are involved in service oriented projects, and are making their community a better place for everyone.
College administrators (like me) love it when students are involved in service oriented projects, and are making their community a better place for everyone.
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1593
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Maya, knowing you want to pursue higher education is the first big step. From there, every other step centers on turning your dream into reality. On the technical side, identifying your best-fit university, understanding what goes into a strong college application, and learning exactly what admissions officers look for will make your application journey much easier to navigate. On the personal end, remember that universities accept individuals, not just words on paper. Authenticity and passion are best shown in your commitment to your interests over time, so use your time in high school to hone in on your strengths and interests through your academics, extracurricular activities, community engagement.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF
Colleges want successful students who seek out the most challenging courses available to them. If you are not already taking honors courses at your high school, enroll in some. Even if you get a late start, colleges will notice your efforts if you do well in them.
SHOW INITIATIVE
Beyond academics, admissions officers will consider how you could contribute to their university’s campus community as a student. This will shine through in the type of activities you engage with, what you’re passionate about, and the leadership roles you take on (creator, president, volunteer), which will help paint a picture of who you are, what’s important to you, and what you’ll bring with you to there campus culture.
ONLINE REPRESENTATION
Admissions officers are increasingly checking applicants' social media presence to learn more about them and to look for red flags that might deter them from extending an acceptance. Make sure your Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn accounts are free of content you wouldn't want colleges to see while you're applying. It also important to have an appropriate email address, and social media accounts should be [set to] private. You should also search your name on Google to ensure there's nothing floating around online that could reflect negatively on you.
ASK FOR HELP
The college application process can be confusing and isn't something to take on alone. As you prepare and finalize your applications, make sure you seek assistance from people familiar with the admissions process, such as your guidance counselor and teachers. You should also consult parents, friends, older siblings, and relatives who can answer questions about the admissions process and campus life.
Finally, don't forget to have someone look over and proofread your entire application. Always, always, always have someone else look through it. Grammar, spelling, punctuation — all of these little things go a long way.
Hope this will be helpful Maya
CHALLENGE YOURSELF
Colleges want successful students who seek out the most challenging courses available to them. If you are not already taking honors courses at your high school, enroll in some. Even if you get a late start, colleges will notice your efforts if you do well in them.
SHOW INITIATIVE
Beyond academics, admissions officers will consider how you could contribute to their university’s campus community as a student. This will shine through in the type of activities you engage with, what you’re passionate about, and the leadership roles you take on (creator, president, volunteer), which will help paint a picture of who you are, what’s important to you, and what you’ll bring with you to there campus culture.
ONLINE REPRESENTATION
Admissions officers are increasingly checking applicants' social media presence to learn more about them and to look for red flags that might deter them from extending an acceptance. Make sure your Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn accounts are free of content you wouldn't want colleges to see while you're applying. It also important to have an appropriate email address, and social media accounts should be [set to] private. You should also search your name on Google to ensure there's nothing floating around online that could reflect negatively on you.
ASK FOR HELP
The college application process can be confusing and isn't something to take on alone. As you prepare and finalize your applications, make sure you seek assistance from people familiar with the admissions process, such as your guidance counselor and teachers. You should also consult parents, friends, older siblings, and relatives who can answer questions about the admissions process and campus life.
Finally, don't forget to have someone look over and proofread your entire application. Always, always, always have someone else look through it. Grammar, spelling, punctuation — all of these little things go a long way.
Hope this will be helpful Maya
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
335
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Maya. You have asked an excellent question and received excellent advice already. I would like to reinforce some points already made:
- Regarding academics, several people advised to challenge yourself. I agree with that, and it does seem that your school offers advanced courses. But also be realistic and don't put your health at risk by taking too heavy an academic load.
- Regarding extra-curriculars, notice that all the advice emphasized quality over quantity. This means select a few activities that are important to you (and you can explain why), that you do over time, and that you show growth and/or leadership in. Why is this important? As Doc said, the admissions officers are looking for active participants in the campus community as well as students in their classrooms.
- It is tempting to look for tricks to help your college application stand out. But if you follow the advice you have been given here for your high school career and submit essay(s) that show you to be a conscientious student and thoughtful human being, you will be fine. Also, when you apply to a college, study its website so you can articulate what about it (not just reputation) make it a good fit for you.
Last bit of advice, there are many wonderful colleges and universities in the US and beyond. Don't limit your search only to the ones everyone recognizes. If you visit a college campus, which I encourage you to do as early as sophomore year, pay attention to your initial reaction. That often is very informative.
Sadly, applying to college can be nerve-wracking, but it also can be an exciting prelude to a wonderful period in your life. Good luck!
- Regarding academics, several people advised to challenge yourself. I agree with that, and it does seem that your school offers advanced courses. But also be realistic and don't put your health at risk by taking too heavy an academic load.
- Regarding extra-curriculars, notice that all the advice emphasized quality over quantity. This means select a few activities that are important to you (and you can explain why), that you do over time, and that you show growth and/or leadership in. Why is this important? As Doc said, the admissions officers are looking for active participants in the campus community as well as students in their classrooms.
- It is tempting to look for tricks to help your college application stand out. But if you follow the advice you have been given here for your high school career and submit essay(s) that show you to be a conscientious student and thoughtful human being, you will be fine. Also, when you apply to a college, study its website so you can articulate what about it (not just reputation) make it a good fit for you.
Last bit of advice, there are many wonderful colleges and universities in the US and beyond. Don't limit your search only to the ones everyone recognizes. If you visit a college campus, which I encourage you to do as early as sophomore year, pay attention to your initial reaction. That often is very informative.
Sadly, applying to college can be nerve-wracking, but it also can be an exciting prelude to a wonderful period in your life. Good luck!
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Hi, Maya. You're asking several questions, and good ones. The fact that you do take school seriously is half the answer already. Let's go further.
In terms of things you could be doing, certainly taking an advanced class or two in a subject you might be interested in following through would be very helpful and impressive. Becoming involved in clubs and other afterschool activities, both that pertain to your possible career interests and just show yourself to be a healthy, well-rounded, hard-working person is another way to bolster your resume. You should also be working on the academic skills that will be required for success in college: writing, study skills, reading comprehension, organizational skills, time management, etc. You'll find a lot of pointers for these on credible internet sites or through your counselor.
In terms of the "right choices," you're going to have to pick a major and career path eventually. It doesn't have to be before entering college, it doesn't even have to be in your first year of college. But it's certainly something to start thinking about. What are you passionate about, interested in and skilled at? There are professional surveys, like those on MyPlan.com, that can help you start to narrow down the possibilities based on your interests, skills and values. If you think you have an idea, do take a class that's relevant to it and see what you learn and how it feels. Take things one step at a time. Any college recruiter would be thrilled just to have an applicant for whom "school is very important."
In terms of things you could be doing, certainly taking an advanced class or two in a subject you might be interested in following through would be very helpful and impressive. Becoming involved in clubs and other afterschool activities, both that pertain to your possible career interests and just show yourself to be a healthy, well-rounded, hard-working person is another way to bolster your resume. You should also be working on the academic skills that will be required for success in college: writing, study skills, reading comprehension, organizational skills, time management, etc. You'll find a lot of pointers for these on credible internet sites or through your counselor.
In terms of the "right choices," you're going to have to pick a major and career path eventually. It doesn't have to be before entering college, it doesn't even have to be in your first year of college. But it's certainly something to start thinking about. What are you passionate about, interested in and skilled at? There are professional surveys, like those on MyPlan.com, that can help you start to narrow down the possibilities based on your interests, skills and values. If you think you have an idea, do take a class that's relevant to it and see what you learn and how it feels. Take things one step at a time. Any college recruiter would be thrilled just to have an applicant for whom "school is very important."
Matthew Forlenza
17
Answers
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Volunteerism is a big part, being able to show how you have grown as a person over your high school years, displaying examples where you were a leader of a team. club, etc.. and also a member. Showing examples of hard work ethic
kate turnamian
IT Auditor
9
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
kate’s Answer
Hello Maya!
It's crucial to engage in activities that spark joy in you! You might be participating in numerous extra activities, but if they don't captivate your interest or commitment, it'll be evident.
Are you a fervent advocate for the environment? If so, consider joining a club or participating in activities that focus on enhancing and safeguarding our planet. It could be an excellent fit for you!
If you're a fan of debating, the debate team could be an ideal platform for you. Participating in sports can also add a feather to your cap when it comes to your resume. Essentially, it could be anything that you truly enjoy.
If you can't find a club or an extracurricular activity that aligns with your interests, why not create one? This will not only display your passion for a particular subject but also demonstrate your initiative and entrepreneurial spirit to colleges. It's about making your mark and doing things your way.
Best of luck with your college applications!
It's crucial to engage in activities that spark joy in you! You might be participating in numerous extra activities, but if they don't captivate your interest or commitment, it'll be evident.
Are you a fervent advocate for the environment? If so, consider joining a club or participating in activities that focus on enhancing and safeguarding our planet. It could be an excellent fit for you!
If you're a fan of debating, the debate team could be an ideal platform for you. Participating in sports can also add a feather to your cap when it comes to your resume. Essentially, it could be anything that you truly enjoy.
If you can't find a club or an extracurricular activity that aligns with your interests, why not create one? This will not only display your passion for a particular subject but also demonstrate your initiative and entrepreneurial spirit to colleges. It's about making your mark and doing things your way.
Best of luck with your college applications!
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
178
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
I can relate to wanting to make the right choices. In high school, focus on showing dedication through consistent attendance, strong work ethic, and good grades. Get involved in activities that interest you, like clubs or sports, and try to take on leadership roles. Also, don't hesitate to explore your community and consider volunteering or internships to gain real-world experience. Remember, it's about demonstrating your passion and commitment.
Jessica Gegner
Change Partner Senior
80
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
It's truly commendable that you're already considering how your current decisions can pave the way for future success. Colleges usually look for a few key indicators:
- They check if your grades and GPA meet their standards for succeeding in their programs
- They value if you've challenged yourself by completing any advanced courses, such as AP or Honors classes
- They look favorable at those who have completed an Honors diploma (consult with your school counselor to understand the necessary coursework for an Honors diploma and check your eligibility)
- They favor students who engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer work or are part of esteemed organizations (for example, playing varsity sports, being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, or being a member of the National Honors Society (NHS))
Echoing Kate's advice, it's crucial to engage in activities that you genuinely enjoy. You wouldn't want to portray a false image to your prospective college. They are keen to see that you are committed, aspire to contribute positively to society, and will be a worthy representative for their school.
- They check if your grades and GPA meet their standards for succeeding in their programs
- They value if you've challenged yourself by completing any advanced courses, such as AP or Honors classes
- They look favorable at those who have completed an Honors diploma (consult with your school counselor to understand the necessary coursework for an Honors diploma and check your eligibility)
- They favor students who engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer work or are part of esteemed organizations (for example, playing varsity sports, being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, or being a member of the National Honors Society (NHS))
Echoing Kate's advice, it's crucial to engage in activities that you genuinely enjoy. You wouldn't want to portray a false image to your prospective college. They are keen to see that you are committed, aspire to contribute positively to society, and will be a worthy representative for their school.