How To Be An Acceptable College Applicant
America's colleges can no longer accommodate all the qualified students who apply. As a result, schools reject far more applicants than they accept. Their goal is to weed through the qualified masses and fill their halls with resourceful, well-rounded, acceptable students. In today's intensely competitive admissions process, knowing how to make a student acceptable greatly increases one's chances of being admitted. As no two schools follow the same guidelines, it's safe to assume that they go about it something like this:
The admissions committee assembles around a large conference table. Everyone receives a huge pile of folders containing transcripts, applications, essays, countless letters of recommendations, etc., and no more than 15 to 20 minutes can be spent on any one applicant. They begin by eliminating unqualified students - those deficient in the numbers.
Next, they look for professionally prepared applications with thought provoking, interesting, and grammatically flawless essays. A Resume detailing academic life, extra curricular activities including community service hours, and a cleverly written special essay, perhaps entitled, "Why I Must Attend The University of..." will weigh heavily in the final decision.
Acceptable college students are made, not born, by families determined to see them succeed. To create one and ensure they have every possible advantage to succeed, the stage must be set early in preparation for high school. Academic achievement is no accident; acceptable status is the sole responsibility of the student and their family.
|
|
If the student's home is a circus, and not conducive to studying, some major changes must take place. Students must have access to a comfortable place to study with virtually no distractions. A minimum of 1½ - 2 hours each night should be devoted to schoolwork, with a daily routine including a healthy diet and eight hours of sleep.
Ideally, students should not be left alone without supervision for long periods of time, certainly no longer than 24 hours. They should not spend more than 15 hours each week on non-academic activities, and would be ill-advised to regularly burn the midnight oil. All students should begin junior high and high school by electing to take courses with college in mind. By the time they enter the 12th grade, they will have created the right posture to make admissions committees stand up and take notice.
Four years of core subjects are what all colleges are most interested in, unless the student has a special ability as an athlete, vocalist, musician, or artist. English, Math, a Foreign Language, Science and History make up the core Grade Point Average (GPA), and the Honors Point Average (HPA) includes Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Electives such as Art, Physical Education, Music and Computer Programming are of less importance and should only be taken in conjunction with the core subjects. Students should take as many Honors and AP classes as possible. The risk/reward ratio comes into play here. Colleges are looking for students who take risks and challenge themselves academically. The bonus for earning an 'A', 'B' or even a 'C' adds extra points to the GPA and gives the student that all-important edge. Admissions officers are as impressed by the challenge taken as with the result, for the challenge perceived is more important than the grade received.
No student should become stressed out by taking classes beyond their reach. However, for families with an exceptionally bright child, it is highly recommended that they take as many advanced courses as they can comfortably handle. An outstanding academic record has always been and is still the greatest bargaining chip. Students must also pursue extracurricular activities and clubs. Membership in the Debate Club, Student Council, Key Club, etc., aid in creating a well-rounded, acceptable student, and they are well advised to hold office or take on a leadership role in as many of these clubs as possible. Leadership demonstrates taking a risk and assuming responsibility. Even students who are super athletes need some diversity. They must avoid the impression they are one-dimensional and portray themselves as multi-faceted.
Early on, starting in junior high, students must accumulate community service hours. Extracurricular activities are in-school participation, whereas community service takes place outside of school, i.e. scouting, religious activities, working with AIDS and/or Alzheimer's patients, seniors, hospice, involvement with the handicapped, environmental work, etc. Involvement with the financially, emotionally and/or intellectually challenged demonstrates compassion and empathy and will make them shine. Working with those less fortunate also gives the student a much broader idea of life outside their own environment.
Reecy Aresty, a financial advisor since 1977, is the author of Getting Into College And Paying For It, an indispensable parent/student manual, the only book of its kind available in Spanish. For the past 25 years he's helped thousands of families send their kids to the college of their choice for less than they ever dreamed possible. His book is guaranteed to give students that all-important edge in admissions, and for parents there are numerous legal strategies to drastically cut the cost of college. Go to www.paylessforcollege.com for a free report, The College Funding Timeline, and learn what parents, students, and the media are saying about Reecy and his book for all seasons.
