Many students ask me what are the basics they should consider when planning for college. Below is a basic summary of things you should keep in mind -
Testing: Remember that there are many forms of testing that colleges require. All colleges in the
country now accept the ACT and I find that some students do better on the ACT than the SAT based on format – but this is something you can work out yourself or with an appropriate counselor. Also know that there are a growing number of schools out there that are now testing optional. Students either don’t have to submit test scores at all, or they have other options regarding supplementary materials to submit. There are many students that don’t test well, but are academically strong. Perhaps one of these test optional schools is a good route for them.
The Essay: I have to admit that the college essay is my favorite part of the student’s application. It is the first thing that I read that is not statistical and it does not give me someone else’s opinion about the student. This is my chance to hear the student’s voice – to really get into his or her brain and understand the concerns and passions of this particular student. Students are encouraged to spend a good amount of time on it – and the reality is that the more authentic the student is, the more colleges want them. Many students spend hours – even days, thinking about what to write that the admission office wants to hear. There isn’t anything in particular admissions officers say they want to hear. Rather they require the essay because it provides a window into the personal lives of these students. Students are encouraged to write about something they are passionate about because that passion usually comes across on paper.
The Counselor Letter: Most colleges (with the exception of community colleges, some less-selective four-year institutions and large public institutions) require counselor letters.
The College Interview: Many colleges offer interviews. If the school requires an interview – then there is no choice. But in general, if the college states that it is optional, they mean that. Some students are much better in person than they are on paper and those students probably should interview. If students have something that they feel they need to explain in addition to the application that’s also a good reason to interview. In general, the college interview gives the institution a personal way to get to know the student and it gives the admission committee more context. On the other hand, if a student is terrified of interviews and is probably going to melt in the seat – don’t do it if it’s not required.
Extra-Curricular Activities: Colleges look at these differently so you want to do some research on the schools that you are applying to and figure out how they evaluate extra-curricular activities. In general, colleges are interested in finding out what students do with their time outside of the classroom. This often helps us predict what the students may get involved with when they arrive in college. In addition, this helps some admissions staff determine match. For example a college like Pitzer has a strong emphasis on social responsibility. If I see that a student has participated in socially responsible extra-curricular activities, this may help me determine fit. Another College like Pomona is more focused on leadership. If a student has not leadership experience, it was rare he or she would be admitted. Students need to remember that if a college requires an activities list – this is NOT the time to be shy. Share everything and be specific about how much time is spent on each activity. A common question that arises in admissions committee is “how much time has this student dedicated to each activity?” They are trying to find out if the student is passionate about something, or just threw a few volunteer activities on the resume senior year because it’s time to apply to college. Basically – they want authenticity.
These are some factors in the process, but as I stated earlier, they are many. As time goes on we will look at others in this blog.
