3 answers
Cesar
Student
La Ceiba, Atlántida Department, Honduras
2
Questions
Asked
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What should I do if I want to get into a good University?
I am from Central America with Asian and European ethnicity, with a middle-class household income. I am in 9th grade. My school is the best in the city. My interests led me to study fields related to engineering, and I would like to get into colleges such as Georgia Tech, Ann Arbor, and Caltech. However, after seeing many other college curricula, I am starting to realize my school doesn't have many extracurriculars which will have a drastic Impact on my curriculum besides from sports, Model United Nations, and NHS. Besides that, I have already enrolled in a Harvard EDX computing science online course, and am currently learning coding in Arduino. How can I be assured a chance to enter one of these prestigious schools?
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3 answers
Andrew Schwartz
1
Answer
Charlottesville, Virginia
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Awesome query! There's definitely a bunch of stuff that can boost your chances of getting into a top-notch university. Here's some friendly advice that could come in handy!
1) Get a Head Start: It's never too early to start prepping. This means taking up challenging subjects, getting involved in after-school activities, and forming strong bonds with teachers who can vouch for you through powerful recommendation letters.
2) Keep Your Grades Up: Your academic record matters a lot. Try to score high, particularly in main subjects and in advanced placement (AP) or honors classes.
3) Do Well in Standardized Tests: Make sure you're well-prepared for standardized exams like the SAT or ACT. Practice tests can be helpful, and you might even want to consider joining prep classes.
4) Participate in After-School Activities: Universities love students who are versatile. Join clubs, play sports, volunteer, or engage in other activities that reflect your hobbies and leadership abilities.
5) Craft an Engaging Personal Statement: Your essay is your chance to highlight your personality, accomplishments, and dreams. Be genuine and thoughtful.
6) Get Solid Recommendation Letters: Choose teachers or mentors who know you well and can vouch for your abilities and character.
7) Do Your Homework on Colleges: Make a list of universities that pique your interest. If you can, visit the campuses to get a sense of the vibe and culture.
8) Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships: Complete the FAFSA and search for scholarships to help pay for your education.
9) Stay on Top of Things: Keep an eye on application deadlines and requirements for each university. Use a planner or an online tool to keep your tasks in check.
10) Be True to Yourself: Authenticity goes a long way. Admissions officers want to see the real you, so let your unique traits stand out in your application.
1) Get a Head Start: It's never too early to start prepping. This means taking up challenging subjects, getting involved in after-school activities, and forming strong bonds with teachers who can vouch for you through powerful recommendation letters.
2) Keep Your Grades Up: Your academic record matters a lot. Try to score high, particularly in main subjects and in advanced placement (AP) or honors classes.
3) Do Well in Standardized Tests: Make sure you're well-prepared for standardized exams like the SAT or ACT. Practice tests can be helpful, and you might even want to consider joining prep classes.
4) Participate in After-School Activities: Universities love students who are versatile. Join clubs, play sports, volunteer, or engage in other activities that reflect your hobbies and leadership abilities.
5) Craft an Engaging Personal Statement: Your essay is your chance to highlight your personality, accomplishments, and dreams. Be genuine and thoughtful.
6) Get Solid Recommendation Letters: Choose teachers or mentors who know you well and can vouch for your abilities and character.
7) Do Your Homework on Colleges: Make a list of universities that pique your interest. If you can, visit the campuses to get a sense of the vibe and culture.
8) Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships: Complete the FAFSA and search for scholarships to help pay for your education.
9) Stay on Top of Things: Keep an eye on application deadlines and requirements for each university. Use a planner or an online tool to keep your tasks in check.
10) Be True to Yourself: Authenticity goes a long way. Admissions officers want to see the real you, so let your unique traits stand out in your application.
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
339
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
It’s great that you’re planning ahead for college! Focus on building a strong academic foundation by excelling in math and science courses, which are crucial for engineering. Participate in any available clubs or activities, even if they're limited; leadership roles in Model UN or NHS can really stand out. Seek online or community-based extracurriculars related to engineering, like robotics or coding clubs. Keep up with your Harvard EDX course, and consider exploring more projects to showcase your skills. Lastly, start building relationships with teachers for strong recommendations. Your passion and initiative will definitely help you on your path to those prestigious schools!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6308
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Cesar!
Steps to Increase Your Chances of Getting into a Good University
1. Academic Excellence To gain admission to prestigious universities like Georgia Tech, the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), and Caltech, maintaining a strong academic record is crucial. Focus on excelling in your current courses, particularly in mathematics and science, as these subjects are foundational for engineering programs. Aim for high grades, especially in advanced or honors classes if available at your school.
2. Standardized Testing Prepare for standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, which are often required for college admissions in the United States. Start familiarizing yourself with the test formats and content early on. Consider taking practice tests and possibly enrolling in preparatory courses to improve your scores.
3. Extracurricular Activities While you mentioned that your school has limited extracurricular options beyond sports, Model United Nations (MUN), and National Honor Society (NHS), it’s essential to maximize involvement in these activities. Leadership roles within these organizations can significantly enhance your application. Additionally, seek out opportunities outside of school; consider joining local clubs related to engineering or technology, participating in science fairs, or engaging in community service projects that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
4. Online Courses and Certifications You’ve already taken a proactive step by enrolling in a Harvard EDX computing science course and learning coding with Arduino. Continue pursuing online courses that align with your interests in engineering. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy offer various subjects that can bolster your knowledge base and show initiative.
5. Networking and Mentorship Connect with professionals in the engineering field through networking events or online platforms like LinkedIn. Seek mentorship from teachers or local engineers who can provide guidance on navigating your educational path and may assist you with recommendations later on.
6. Research Projects Engage in independent research projects related to engineering topics that interest you. This could involve building prototypes using Arduino or conducting experiments that showcase your problem-solving skills and creativity. Documenting these projects can be beneficial when applying to universities.
7. Personal Statement/Essays When the time comes to apply to colleges, be prepared to write compelling personal statements or essays that reflect your passion for engineering, your background, experiences, and what you hope to achieve through higher education.
8. Recommendations Cultivate strong relationships with teachers who can write personalized letters of recommendation highlighting your strengths as a student and individual. Choose teachers from math or science disciplines if possible since their endorsements will carry more weight for engineering programs.
9. Financial Planning Since you come from a middle-class household income background, explore scholarship opportunities early on that can help finance your education at these prestigious institutions. Many universities offer financial aid based on need as well as merit-based scholarships specifically for students interested in STEM fields.
10. Visit Universities If possible, visit campuses of the universities you are interested in attending when you reach junior year (11th grade). This will give you insight into their culture and programs while also allowing you to ask questions about admissions processes directly from staff members.
By following these steps diligently over the next few years leading up to college applications, you can significantly enhance your chances of being accepted into top-tier engineering programs at renowned universities.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
College Board: Provides comprehensive information about standardized testing requirements (SAT/ACT) along with college planning resources.
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): Offers guidelines on college admissions processes including tips on extracurricular involvement and personal statements.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE): Supplies insights into educational pathways within engineering fields including necessary skills and competencies sought by top universities.
God Bless!
JC.
Steps to Increase Your Chances of Getting into a Good University
1. Academic Excellence To gain admission to prestigious universities like Georgia Tech, the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), and Caltech, maintaining a strong academic record is crucial. Focus on excelling in your current courses, particularly in mathematics and science, as these subjects are foundational for engineering programs. Aim for high grades, especially in advanced or honors classes if available at your school.
2. Standardized Testing Prepare for standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, which are often required for college admissions in the United States. Start familiarizing yourself with the test formats and content early on. Consider taking practice tests and possibly enrolling in preparatory courses to improve your scores.
3. Extracurricular Activities While you mentioned that your school has limited extracurricular options beyond sports, Model United Nations (MUN), and National Honor Society (NHS), it’s essential to maximize involvement in these activities. Leadership roles within these organizations can significantly enhance your application. Additionally, seek out opportunities outside of school; consider joining local clubs related to engineering or technology, participating in science fairs, or engaging in community service projects that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
4. Online Courses and Certifications You’ve already taken a proactive step by enrolling in a Harvard EDX computing science course and learning coding with Arduino. Continue pursuing online courses that align with your interests in engineering. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy offer various subjects that can bolster your knowledge base and show initiative.
5. Networking and Mentorship Connect with professionals in the engineering field through networking events or online platforms like LinkedIn. Seek mentorship from teachers or local engineers who can provide guidance on navigating your educational path and may assist you with recommendations later on.
6. Research Projects Engage in independent research projects related to engineering topics that interest you. This could involve building prototypes using Arduino or conducting experiments that showcase your problem-solving skills and creativity. Documenting these projects can be beneficial when applying to universities.
7. Personal Statement/Essays When the time comes to apply to colleges, be prepared to write compelling personal statements or essays that reflect your passion for engineering, your background, experiences, and what you hope to achieve through higher education.
8. Recommendations Cultivate strong relationships with teachers who can write personalized letters of recommendation highlighting your strengths as a student and individual. Choose teachers from math or science disciplines if possible since their endorsements will carry more weight for engineering programs.
9. Financial Planning Since you come from a middle-class household income background, explore scholarship opportunities early on that can help finance your education at these prestigious institutions. Many universities offer financial aid based on need as well as merit-based scholarships specifically for students interested in STEM fields.
10. Visit Universities If possible, visit campuses of the universities you are interested in attending when you reach junior year (11th grade). This will give you insight into their culture and programs while also allowing you to ask questions about admissions processes directly from staff members.
By following these steps diligently over the next few years leading up to college applications, you can significantly enhance your chances of being accepted into top-tier engineering programs at renowned universities.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
College Board: Provides comprehensive information about standardized testing requirements (SAT/ACT) along with college planning resources.
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): Offers guidelines on college admissions processes including tips on extracurricular involvement and personal statements.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE): Supplies insights into educational pathways within engineering fields including necessary skills and competencies sought by top universities.
God Bless!
JC.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Cesar