There is a process that I have adopted which brings success to my students and parents and helps them to positively navigate through the college application process.
The reasons to start early
First and foremost, I promote getting an early start. I am frequently asked, “what are the advantages to beginning the process early”. Application data continues to show that this early start is key to successful acceptances and promoting less stress throughout the process. I recently read an article written by Joy Bullen on College Confidential that summarizes some of these navigation strategies. I wanted to share some key points which help to explain why I stress to my clients the importance of getting an early start. If you are considering going to college, then here are some facts.
There are around 4,000 colleges in the United States, and approximately 1400 of those are four-year schools. Out of those 1400 four-year colleges, there are only about 200 schools that accept fewer than 50 percent of applicants. Out of the other 1200 four-year schools, the average acceptance rate is 65 percent.
One major trend in recent years is the rise of more application deadlines and early options such as Early Decision (ED) I and II and Early Action (EA). Early admissions options also extend the length of the college review period. This means that schools are admitting a much larger percentage of their class during early application deadlines and then deferring large numbers of applicants to the regular admissions cycles.
My advice is to begin your Common Application or college/university application earlier. Once you begin your applications, your work is saved as you go. This alleviates the pressure of a stressful timeline and allows you to work when you can, being meticulous, rather than rushing through possibly leading to sloppy work and mistakes. Such mistakes can lead to a college denial – never give them such a bad reason to reject you.
Not just an application… an application strategy
I emphasize that my client’s have a well-considered application strategy. Creating a solid early application strategy requires having a good handle on your college list during the Spring and Summer before applying and weighing the pros and cons of the different admissions deadlines, as well as reviewing the previous year’s acceptance rates. All of this data provides you with a good indication on where you fit into your choice colleges and universities, i.e., do you have enough safety schools, reach schools, and median range schools on your list.
Making your application count
One thing I would like to point out is that even though filling out college applications takes a lot of time, it doesn’t mean colleges spend a lot of time reviewing them. On average, admissions officers spend between 8 and 12 minutes per application, and sometimes much less. I really stress that when you are completing your application, focus on “putting your best foot forward” and highlight the items that make the best case for why you belong at their school. I would like to point out some key points:
Highlight your strengths
Focus on your strengths and on showing the admissions committee who you are and what matters most to you. Be sure that everything you do share is easy to understand, because admissions officers won’t have time to google words or abbreviations to figure out what they mean.
How transcripts are used
Transcripts play a vital role in this process as admissions officers will look at your transcripts, and they’ll be looking to see not only the classes you took, but the classes you didn’t take. Colleges will want to know if you took advantage of the classes your school offered and took at least some of the most challenging courses available.
Personal recommendations
I know that several colleges are doing away with letters of recommendation. However, for those colleges/universities that do require them, they will be another part of the application that admissions reps do read carefully, so choose your recommenders wisely. Pick people who know you well and can speak to your specific strengths.
To submit test scores or not…
As more schools become test optional, one of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, “is submitting test scores vital?” I use the green light, yellow light, red light approach.
- If your scores fall in the top 25 percent of all applicants, it’s almost definitely a good idea to submit them because they will only help your application—green light.
- If your scores are above the 50 percent range but below the top 25 percent, you may want to submit scores, especially if your GPA is below average for the school or other areas of your application are less competitive. However if the latter is reversed, you may want to hold off on submitting—yellow light, use caution and do your research.
- If your scores are below the 50 percent range for admitted students, and the school you’re applying to is test optional, it’s probably best to skip submitting them—red light.
There is an additional item to consider if you choose to NOT report your test scores – remember that schools with test-optional admissions may still consider test scores when offering merit-based scholarships and grants. If you’re on the fence about submitting your scores, inquire about how test scores factor into scholarships and other merit aid.
Overall, your goal should always be to try for more college and university acceptances than denials. By getting an early start on the application process, you are already in the driver’s seat while most of your peers are sitting in the back seat waiting for their turn. And while there is never a guarantee, there is something to be said for taking your time and working on each piece diligently and strategically, showing your excitement for what is around the bend, and knowing that you will have time to enjoy your senior year!
Source:
- College Confidential – Joy Bullen, Jeff Selingo
