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ADMISSIONS 101
Making the Most
of
Your
College Applications
By Melissa Algranati and Jennifer Gioia
You can't believe that after 12 years of education your future depends on what pearls of genius you can cram onto a handful of pages—or that complete strangers will sit in a room and determine if you will be "worthy" of attending their institution.
This can be a stressful time, and STUDIO 2B is here to help. Below are real questions answered by real college admissions professionals. Think of this as your inside track on making the most of your application. So what are you waiting for? Read on:
The Real Deal
Q: How do I create a power-packed application that stands out from all the other applications?
Really concentrate on your extra-curricular resume and essay. These are the two areas that will make you stand out. Take time to think about why you are involved in the activities that you are doing. What do they mean to you? How have they shaped you? How might they be of value to the university or college you will be attending?
Q: Is my Girl Scout involvement something noteworthy to put down on the paperwork?
Absolutely! A number of colleges and universities give scholarships and awards to Girl Scouts—especially those who have been involved in leadership or community service projects. Include your involvement in Girl Scouts under extracurricular activities, and make sure to highlight any honors or awards you have received.
You can also include it in your college essay, and talk about the skills you learned and opportunities you had while in Girl Scouting.
Q: What do colleges look for most? Grades, SATs, sxtracurricular activities, volunteerism, or something else?
It often depends on the school. Big universities and state schools get thousands and thousands of applicants each year, so they tend to focus on your GPA, SAT scores, and class ranking. Smaller universities and colleges will have more time to focus on things like the essay, recommendations, and extracurricular activities.
Q: Lots of the colleges I am applying to ask for recommendations. Who should I ask?
Think about who knows you best. Who can talk about your academic achievements and aspirations, as well as your character and qualities? Most students ask teachers, club advisors, coaches, and mentors. Don't forget Girl Scout advisors and leaders.
To get the best letters possible, make sure you identify people who are supportive of you. When you ask them, let them know where you are applying and why. The goal is to choose someone who will stress the strengths you have already highlighted, or provide an opportunity to add something new about you that the admissions officer does not yet know.
Q: My grades haven't been consistent throughout high school. How does this affect the likelihood of my getting accepted into a university?
It definitely has an impact. You should always pay attention to your grades, especially those in your junior year of high school. But don't fret. What universities look for most is an upward trend, someone who is constantly getting better and improving.
If there is an unexpected event that caused your grades to drop, that will also be taken into consideration. And, if you have only done well in a particular subject, you can highlight that strength, stressing that you will use college as a way to really hone in and excel at your strengths and your passions.
Q: Where can I note any "extenuating circumstances" on my application?
The best place to mention them is in your essay.
Q: How much do application fees cost? What if I can't afford to pay them?
Each university and college has a specific application fee, which can be found on the school's website. A lot of times fee waivers are available. Check with your guidance counselor. In addition, some schools will waive the fee if the student comes to visit the campus and takes a tour or completes the school's online application.
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