7 answers
Kayleigh
Student
Boone, Iowa
1
Question
Asked
507 views
What does it take to get into a good college?
I am currently in high school, I’m a junior. I don’t really know what I want to do yet and I don’t know what college I want to go to or what would be the best option for me.
7 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Helloc Kayleigh!
GOOD PRE-COLLEGE RESULTS!
GOOD ESSAY FOR ADMISSION.
GOOD GRADE POINT AVERAGE.
What Does It Take to Get Into a Good College?
Getting into a good college is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning, self-reflection, and strategic action. As you are currently a junior in high school, this is an excellent time to start thinking about your future educational path. Below are the key components that can help you navigate the college admissions landscape effectively.
1. Academic Performance
GPA and Course Rigor:
Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is one of the most critical factors in college admissions. Most competitive colleges look for students who have maintained a strong GPA throughout high school, typically above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, it’s not just about the GPA; the rigor of your coursework matters too. Taking Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses can demonstrate your willingness to challenge yourself academically.
Standardized Tests:
While many colleges have moved towards test-optional policies, standardized tests like the SAT or ACT can still play a significant role in admissions decisions for some institutions. Preparing for these tests early can give you an advantage if you choose to submit scores.
2. Extracurricular Activities
Involvement and Leadership:
Colleges look for well-rounded individuals who contribute to their communities outside of academics. Engaging in extracurricular activities—such as sports, clubs, volunteer work, or part-time jobs—can showcase your interests and skills. Aim for quality over quantity; it’s better to be deeply involved in a few activities than superficially involved in many.
Leadership Roles:
Taking on leadership positions within these activities can further strengthen your application by demonstrating initiative and responsibility.
3. Personal Statement and Essays
Authenticity:
Most colleges require personal statements or essays as part of the application process. This is your opportunity to express who you are beyond grades and test scores. Write authentically about your experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
Reflection on Experiences:
Consider how your experiences have shaped you and what you hope to achieve in college and beyond. Tailoring each essay to reflect why you’re interested in that specific institution can also make a significant impact.
4. Letters of Recommendation
Choosing Recommenders Wisely:
Strong letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who know you well can enhance your application significantly. Choose individuals who can speak positively about your academic abilities, character, and potential contributions to their college community.
5. Researching Colleges
Finding the Right Fit:
Since you’re unsure about what college you want to attend or what major you’d like to pursue, take time to research various institutions and programs they offer. Consider factors such as location, size, campus culture, available majors (especially if you’re leaning towards healthcare or medicine), financial aid options, and extracurricular opportunities.
Campus Visits:
If possible, visiting campuses can provide valuable insights into whether a particular college feels like the right fit for you.
6. Financial Considerations
Understanding Costs:
College tuition varies widely among institutions; understanding the financial implications is crucial when making decisions about where to apply.
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Research scholarship opportunities early on—many organizations offer scholarships based on merit or need that could significantly reduce costs.
7. Staying Organized
Application Timeline:
Create a timeline for applications that includes deadlines for standardized tests, application submissions, financial aid forms (like FAFSA), and scholarship applications.
Tracking Requirements:
Each college may have different requirements; keeping track of what each institution needs will help ensure nothing falls through the cracks during this busy time.
Conclusion
In summary, getting into a good college involves maintaining strong academic performance while engaging meaningfully in extracurricular activities and crafting compelling personal statements and recommendations. Start researching colleges now so that when it comes time to apply—typically during senior year—you’ll be prepared with all necessary materials tailored specifically for each institution you’re interested in attending.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
College Board
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
U.S. News & World Report Education Section
God Bless You!
JC.
GOOD PRE-COLLEGE RESULTS!
GOOD ESSAY FOR ADMISSION.
GOOD GRADE POINT AVERAGE.
What Does It Take to Get Into a Good College?
Getting into a good college is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning, self-reflection, and strategic action. As you are currently a junior in high school, this is an excellent time to start thinking about your future educational path. Below are the key components that can help you navigate the college admissions landscape effectively.
1. Academic Performance
GPA and Course Rigor:
Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is one of the most critical factors in college admissions. Most competitive colleges look for students who have maintained a strong GPA throughout high school, typically above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, it’s not just about the GPA; the rigor of your coursework matters too. Taking Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses can demonstrate your willingness to challenge yourself academically.
Standardized Tests:
While many colleges have moved towards test-optional policies, standardized tests like the SAT or ACT can still play a significant role in admissions decisions for some institutions. Preparing for these tests early can give you an advantage if you choose to submit scores.
2. Extracurricular Activities
Involvement and Leadership:
Colleges look for well-rounded individuals who contribute to their communities outside of academics. Engaging in extracurricular activities—such as sports, clubs, volunteer work, or part-time jobs—can showcase your interests and skills. Aim for quality over quantity; it’s better to be deeply involved in a few activities than superficially involved in many.
Leadership Roles:
Taking on leadership positions within these activities can further strengthen your application by demonstrating initiative and responsibility.
3. Personal Statement and Essays
Authenticity:
Most colleges require personal statements or essays as part of the application process. This is your opportunity to express who you are beyond grades and test scores. Write authentically about your experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
Reflection on Experiences:
Consider how your experiences have shaped you and what you hope to achieve in college and beyond. Tailoring each essay to reflect why you’re interested in that specific institution can also make a significant impact.
4. Letters of Recommendation
Choosing Recommenders Wisely:
Strong letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who know you well can enhance your application significantly. Choose individuals who can speak positively about your academic abilities, character, and potential contributions to their college community.
5. Researching Colleges
Finding the Right Fit:
Since you’re unsure about what college you want to attend or what major you’d like to pursue, take time to research various institutions and programs they offer. Consider factors such as location, size, campus culture, available majors (especially if you’re leaning towards healthcare or medicine), financial aid options, and extracurricular opportunities.
Campus Visits:
If possible, visiting campuses can provide valuable insights into whether a particular college feels like the right fit for you.
6. Financial Considerations
Understanding Costs:
College tuition varies widely among institutions; understanding the financial implications is crucial when making decisions about where to apply.
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Research scholarship opportunities early on—many organizations offer scholarships based on merit or need that could significantly reduce costs.
7. Staying Organized
Application Timeline:
Create a timeline for applications that includes deadlines for standardized tests, application submissions, financial aid forms (like FAFSA), and scholarship applications.
Tracking Requirements:
Each college may have different requirements; keeping track of what each institution needs will help ensure nothing falls through the cracks during this busy time.
Conclusion
In summary, getting into a good college involves maintaining strong academic performance while engaging meaningfully in extracurricular activities and crafting compelling personal statements and recommendations. Start researching colleges now so that when it comes time to apply—typically during senior year—you’ll be prepared with all necessary materials tailored specifically for each institution you’re interested in attending.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
College Board
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
U.S. News & World Report Education Section
God Bless You!
JC.
Andy Zhang
Healthcare Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Andy’s Answer
Hi Kayleigh,
Navigating the college admissions and application process can be very challenging, especially if you aren't sure what job you want or what you want to study in the future. Before figuring out what it takes to get into a good college, I encourage you to ask yourself what you would want out a college experience. Would you want:
1. A college experience that lets you research and study art, science, literature, or another academic subject you are interested in?
2. Classes that give you hands-on training to become certified in a line of work?
3. Flexibility to take classes online and throughout the day and evening?
4. A college that is close to home so you can keep in touch with family and your loved ones?
I encourage you to talk to your school teachers or school counselor to help you answer this question, and they can give you the next steps to pursue whichever type of higher education experience you want for yourself.
Best of luck!
Navigating the college admissions and application process can be very challenging, especially if you aren't sure what job you want or what you want to study in the future. Before figuring out what it takes to get into a good college, I encourage you to ask yourself what you would want out a college experience. Would you want:
1. A college experience that lets you research and study art, science, literature, or another academic subject you are interested in?
2. Classes that give you hands-on training to become certified in a line of work?
3. Flexibility to take classes online and throughout the day and evening?
4. A college that is close to home so you can keep in touch with family and your loved ones?
I encourage you to talk to your school teachers or school counselor to help you answer this question, and they can give you the next steps to pursue whichever type of higher education experience you want for yourself.
Best of luck!
Adly Ghaly
Interior Designer
3
Answers
Winchester, Virginia
Updated
Adly’s Answer
It's a frequent scenario for many individuals when deciding about their future. So, take action by conducting a career scope assessment. This will assist you in uncovering your hidden talents. From the first five skills you discover, select the one that resonates most with you.
career scope assessment
Adly recommends the following next steps:
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
616
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Kayleigh,
You're not alone! Many juniors are in the same boat as you. It's completely normal to feel unsure about your future. Let's break down some key steps to help you figure it out.
Understanding College Admissions: While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some key factors colleges look at:
Grades: Strong academic performance is essential.
Standardized Tests: While many colleges are test-optional, a good score can boost your application.
Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrating your interests and leadership outside the classroom is crucial.
Essays: Your ability to articulate your thoughts and experiences is important.
Letters of Recommendation: Teachers and counselors can provide valuable insights about you.
Finding Your Path
Explore Your Interests: What subjects do you enjoy? What are your passions?
Consider Your Strengths: What are you good at? What comes naturally to you?
Research Careers: Learn about different career paths and what education they require.
Visit Colleges: If possible, visit campuses to get a feel for different environments.
Talk to People: Seek advice from teachers, counselors, family, and friends.
Building a Strong Foundation
Focus on your academics: Take challenging courses and strive for good grades.
Get involved: Join clubs, sports teams, or volunteer organizations.
Develop your skills: Improve your writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Start building relationships: Network with teachers, counselors, and mentors.
Remember, it's okay not to have all the answers right now. This is a process of discovery. By taking steps to explore your options and build a strong foundation, you'll be well-prepared for college and beyond.
Best wishes!
You're not alone! Many juniors are in the same boat as you. It's completely normal to feel unsure about your future. Let's break down some key steps to help you figure it out.
Understanding College Admissions: While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some key factors colleges look at:
Grades: Strong academic performance is essential.
Standardized Tests: While many colleges are test-optional, a good score can boost your application.
Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrating your interests and leadership outside the classroom is crucial.
Essays: Your ability to articulate your thoughts and experiences is important.
Letters of Recommendation: Teachers and counselors can provide valuable insights about you.
Finding Your Path
Explore Your Interests: What subjects do you enjoy? What are your passions?
Consider Your Strengths: What are you good at? What comes naturally to you?
Research Careers: Learn about different career paths and what education they require.
Visit Colleges: If possible, visit campuses to get a feel for different environments.
Talk to People: Seek advice from teachers, counselors, family, and friends.
Building a Strong Foundation
Focus on your academics: Take challenging courses and strive for good grades.
Get involved: Join clubs, sports teams, or volunteer organizations.
Develop your skills: Improve your writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Start building relationships: Network with teachers, counselors, and mentors.
Remember, it's okay not to have all the answers right now. This is a process of discovery. By taking steps to explore your options and build a strong foundation, you'll be well-prepared for college and beyond.
Best wishes!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1858
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have the desire to enter a good college. In fact, different college have strength in different subjects. Therefore, you better find out what careers you have interest. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can explore.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Eg If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can consider.
5. Explore the college review on these subject and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Eg If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can consider.
5. Explore the college review on these subject and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Alexandra Singer
Associate Attorney
1
Answer
Miami, Florida
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Kayleigh - What a great question! Getting into college requires a combined focus on (i) academics, (ii) extra-curricular activities, and (iii) other personal attributes.
First and foremost, you will want to strive for good grades and standardized test scores. I would encourage you to seek out advanced courses on subjects you enjoy and also maintain adequate grades for basic courses.
In terms of extra-curriculars, I would recommend getting involved in a few (a) clubs, sports or activities and (b) community service projects. Focusing on a few activities or initiatives would be more beneficial than overloading yourself.
Lastly, you will want to think about what makes you unique in applying for college. This will be reflected in your personal statement which will come up in all of your applications. A part of your uniqueness is those who you look up to and have built strong relationships with in your educational path. These individuals will be tasked with writing recommendation letters for you.
Applying to college is a rewarding process that requires a lot of focus and drive. Advise you to make a conscious effort to address the pillars outlined above and also to enjoy yourself in the process!
First and foremost, you will want to strive for good grades and standardized test scores. I would encourage you to seek out advanced courses on subjects you enjoy and also maintain adequate grades for basic courses.
In terms of extra-curriculars, I would recommend getting involved in a few (a) clubs, sports or activities and (b) community service projects. Focusing on a few activities or initiatives would be more beneficial than overloading yourself.
Lastly, you will want to think about what makes you unique in applying for college. This will be reflected in your personal statement which will come up in all of your applications. A part of your uniqueness is those who you look up to and have built strong relationships with in your educational path. These individuals will be tasked with writing recommendation letters for you.
Applying to college is a rewarding process that requires a lot of focus and drive. Advise you to make a conscious effort to address the pillars outlined above and also to enjoy yourself in the process!
Moshe Krupnick
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Moshe’s Answer
Great question! To increase your chances of getting accepted into a top-notch college, focus on maintaining high grades and actively participate in extracurricular activities or work experience. If you're unsure about your future career path, don't fret, it's a common concern these days. The best approach is to explore various fields. Consider volunteering or interning in different sectors to discover what truly interests you. Best of luck!
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