As I am introduced to a new set of students each year, the biggest question that I am asked is, “Do you think I will get in?” Students and parents alike are stressed about this next step in the education process. Preparing early is the most important component during this process and the key to alleviating application stress. Don’t get me wrong, there are those college students who will say that they finished everything at the 11th hour. However, preparing early helps to alleviate many of the questions and concerns and redirect students on a more positive journey and outcome.
Step 1 – Coursework counts
All of your courses and grades count~keep this in mind as early as your middle school years. Students have opportunities to begin taking their first year of foreign language and possibly a math or even a history course. General rule: If you are capable then you might be able!
Step 2 – Quality, not quantity
Extracurriculars are great—but let’s be real here, students have a lot going on and not just inside the classroom. They are learning how to establish friendships and join teams and clubs, along with navigating study habits and developing interests. High school can be overwhelming so try something that you enjoy doing or being part of and have the possibility of being a leader or captain during your upperclassman years. Longevity is the key, not filling a quota.
Step 3 – Test scores count
Test optional — let me share a secret — over the last few years, the scores have become increasingly skewed. Think about it this way – most students, as they have had the option to report scores, are choosing to report HIGH scores. Students are not reporting scores that they deem to be too low. It has turned into subjective reporting by the applicants. Admission Officers at colleges and universities have certain criteria they must adhere to and they are aware of these skewed results. Bottom line – I suggest following my red light, yellow light, green light approach; if the score is too low red/no go—and you probably need to reassess applying to this institution, if or when in doubt and show strength in all other areas then proceed with caution and weigh all options/yellow light, if your test score is on target or above average/then go!
Step 4 – Personal and supplemental essays, interviews, and letters of recommendation are just as important, so take the time
These are the items that students tend to put by the wayside because they can feel like daunting tasks. They can be the most fun and potentially carry equal if not more weight in the AO’s decision-making. Think about them this way, when in your whole life do you have people so invested in what you have to say and share about yourself?! It is YOUR time to present YOUR narrative. Take the time during the summer months to write a well-thought-out narrative for both your personal and supplemental essays. And give your recommenders the same benefit of time when they share all of your niceties and accomplishments in their LOR; choose those who know you well enough to share this information with pride. These are the persuasive parts that put your application in the acceptance pile!
So to answer my students’ impending questions every year, “There is not a magic 8-ball that you can shake, and the answer is revealed as yes or no”. Take the process seriously, work diligently at a slow and steady pace and you will enjoy the ride and see more acceptances!
