As a college freshmen, I have thus recently gone through the college admission process and along the way I have picked up a few tips for college hopefuls. First of all, there is a college for everyone. If you do not make the grade to get into a highly selective school don't worry, there are plenty of good schools out there. Secondly, do not think that by getting into a highly selective school you have to go there. If you are not happy or do not like the school, do not go. Remember that you have to live at the school for four years. With this in mind, let me tell you who I got into a very selective school.
First of all, grades matter. Most selective schools look at the day in and day out work a student does in their high school classes more than anything else. Some people say that junior year is the time to really buckle down on the academics, I believe that the second semester of freshmen year is the time to start. You will set learning patterns and study habits that will last the rest of your academic career. Also, your GPA in high school is based upon all four years in high school, not just the last two. Speaking of GPA, class rank and the level of competition and academic merit of your high school also play a large role in the admissions game. This does not mean you have to go to a prep school, but this does means that you have to take the hardest college prepartory classes that your school offers. A B in a really hard class means more than an A in an easy class, but of course getting an A in the hard course is always better and is highly recommended.
Secondly, SAT are important but there are not the end all and be all of the admissions program. High SAT scores can open the door of possibilities but if you are a good enough student low scores can put to the side. High score in my opinion are from 1400-1600, low scores are 1200-1300. If you get lower then these scores, your high school academics must be up to par to if you are to get in unless your parents are rich. Rich parents can usually get their son or daughter into any school. Believe me, I see it every day at my school.
Third, extracurricular activities play some role into admissions. A laundry list of activities is not what colleges want to see. They want to see a commitment to a few activities which you work very hard at. Colleges are always looking for top notch atheletes to fill their althletic programs. At my school, Div I hockey players are always welcomed. If you are an average student who has great athletic skill, talk to the coach at the school you want to attend. They can usually pull a few strings to get you in.
Fourth, the application. Write an essay that is your own and not one that is by your parents or English teacher. The admission staff have an ability to spot these ones out. Letters of recommendations are very important. Get to know you teachers starting as soon as you can. Get them to know the real you. A generic letter is not the way to go. This does not mean that you have to be a teacher's pet, but this does mean that you should spend a minute or two just talking with them once in a while. Make sure your transcript is sent with your application and that it is sent on time. Early is always better than later. If you know of an alumni of the school, get them to write letters of recommendations for you.
Lastly, the interview. I was a pro in interviews. Just be yourself and be honest. The college wants to see the real person they are about to admit to their school. Remember that the school wants you as much as you want them. If you are confident that your record and accomplishments in high school are good enough to get in, be proud and show that confidence, but do not be cocky. I would always like to interview the interviewer. Ask them questions about the school. Carry on a conversation. Reading the morning paper is always a good way to get ideas for a topic to talk about.
If you tried your best in high school and and performed decent in the admissions game, do not worry. Colleges will see you for who you are and if not then it is their loss.



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