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How do I appeal to colleges?
How do I appeal to colleges?
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4 answers
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Rian’s Answer
Hi Isaiah
The biggest advice I would give is to be honest. When writing your application, there will be a lot of people that will have similar activities/grades to you. But, what no one can match is your own unique life experience. When writing, try to be honest and just tell the story of who you are. What events in life have influenced you most and how have they changed you for the better?
The biggest advice I would give is to be honest. When writing your application, there will be a lot of people that will have similar activities/grades to you. But, what no one can match is your own unique life experience. When writing, try to be honest and just tell the story of who you are. What events in life have influenced you most and how have they changed you for the better?
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Isaiah - yours is a heartfelt question, and you have already received excellent advice. I would only add / reiterate:
- There are many excellent colleges/universities out there so don't limit your search to the few that "everyone" applies to.
- As Michelle said, show through deed that you can sustain interests and grow your skills. Show leadership, if you are comfortable doing so.
- Seek academic challenges. For many, college is a challenge so it helps to show that you are already experienced in seeking and meeting challenges.
- When applying, do your research about the institution. Reflect the values they say in the mission statement or the president's letter are important. Look for special programs related to your academic and extra-curricular interests, mention them by name, and explain why they attract you.
Make peace with the fact that you may do everything you can to be a strong candidate and still not get into a specific institution. Those with a large number of applicants may waitlist or even decline people who would do fine there, but don't have the skillset/interests they need to "build the community" that year. Rian and Fernando indicated that doing the best you can is all you can do at that phase. For most students, it works out fine, even if they don't end up where they expected to.
Good luck!
- There are many excellent colleges/universities out there so don't limit your search to the few that "everyone" applies to.
- As Michelle said, show through deed that you can sustain interests and grow your skills. Show leadership, if you are comfortable doing so.
- Seek academic challenges. For many, college is a challenge so it helps to show that you are already experienced in seeking and meeting challenges.
- When applying, do your research about the institution. Reflect the values they say in the mission statement or the president's letter are important. Look for special programs related to your academic and extra-curricular interests, mention them by name, and explain why they attract you.
Make peace with the fact that you may do everything you can to be a strong candidate and still not get into a specific institution. Those with a large number of applicants may waitlist or even decline people who would do fine there, but don't have the skillset/interests they need to "build the community" that year. Rian and Fernando indicated that doing the best you can is all you can do at that phase. For most students, it works out fine, even if they don't end up where they expected to.
Good luck!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Isaiah !
That is a great question ! No one really knows who will be auditing and making a decision to choose your application for college admission, so you'll have to go with the basic advice of what may impress the auditor. It also depends on what you're planning to major in, arts or non-art studies. You'd need something extra as an Art major.
Choosing a college that has a high acceptance rate will help your chances. Once you choose a college, you have to follow their admissions requirements exactly and send your complete application before the deadline. Answer every question on the application form and if something doesn't apply to you, indicate "None" or Not Applicable "N/A" . Do not leave anything blank. Write a polished essay that is unique to you, perfect spelling and showing your range of vocabulary and ability to clearly communicate the topic of your essay. Have people read it and correct anything that needs correcting. Get feedback from different people about the essay.
If you are in high school, something that colleges like to see is long term, consistent involvement in extracurricular activities. Part time employment or volunteer work count, too, but get involved with these early on and stay with them till you graduate high school. Holding a student office helps, too if that is your interest. This will demonstrate to the admissions staff that you have a good basic skill for interacting with people, the community and contributing in a meaningful way. Concentrate on your interests and bring them to life for the optimum experience.
You can also strive for high grades in your high school subjects and on your SAT exam and or ACT exam. A high score always will impress, showing that your ability to learn and understand what you learn is optimum. If you get an interview, be friendly, cordial, confident, gracious and directly answer any questions they ask. Be yourself and express strong interest in their school and how it could benefit you for your future career.
I hope that this is a bit helpful and something to consider. I wish you all the best in your preparation for college !
That is a great question ! No one really knows who will be auditing and making a decision to choose your application for college admission, so you'll have to go with the basic advice of what may impress the auditor. It also depends on what you're planning to major in, arts or non-art studies. You'd need something extra as an Art major.
Choosing a college that has a high acceptance rate will help your chances. Once you choose a college, you have to follow their admissions requirements exactly and send your complete application before the deadline. Answer every question on the application form and if something doesn't apply to you, indicate "None" or Not Applicable "N/A" . Do not leave anything blank. Write a polished essay that is unique to you, perfect spelling and showing your range of vocabulary and ability to clearly communicate the topic of your essay. Have people read it and correct anything that needs correcting. Get feedback from different people about the essay.
If you are in high school, something that colleges like to see is long term, consistent involvement in extracurricular activities. Part time employment or volunteer work count, too, but get involved with these early on and stay with them till you graduate high school. Holding a student office helps, too if that is your interest. This will demonstrate to the admissions staff that you have a good basic skill for interacting with people, the community and contributing in a meaningful way. Concentrate on your interests and bring them to life for the optimum experience.
You can also strive for high grades in your high school subjects and on your SAT exam and or ACT exam. A high score always will impress, showing that your ability to learn and understand what you learn is optimum. If you get an interview, be friendly, cordial, confident, gracious and directly answer any questions they ask. Be yourself and express strong interest in their school and how it could benefit you for your future career.
I hope that this is a bit helpful and something to consider. I wish you all the best in your preparation for college !
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
When talking to a representative be calm and just be yourself. When it comes to admissions it's all about putting yourself forward and laying out what your goals are. This also applies when making a college admissions essay. If you 're talking with a representative be sure to clear up any doubts you have, they'll answer any question you have. Just remember to take it easy and don't let yourself get overwhelmed. If you need further advice an academic counselor can help you prepare.