College Counseling Corner



		Admission factors Selective colleges consider these factors for admission: - courses taken - counselor/teacher recommendations - ethnicity - grades - application questions and essays - geographic location - grade point average - personal interview - alumni relationship - rank in class - activities outside the classroom - major/college applied to - admission test results - special talents and skills How important are extracurricular activities? The significance of activities has been exaggerated. While schools do consider them, they're looking to see if you've shown a long-term commitment in one or two areas. Application do's and don'ts Review these pointers before you send your application Do... - Read all directions carefully - Apply online, if possible, so you're less likely to make careless errors - Have someone read and proofread all parts of your application - Use your essay as a chance to show admission officers that you're more than grades and test scores - Include anything that makes you stand out from the crowd, such as honors, awards, or special talents - Review your high school transcript before it's sent to colleges, to see that it accurately reflects your courses, activities, awards, and grades - Make copies of everything you send - Keep track of when and where you send material - Find out if the college accepts special material, such as a sample of your artwork - Clarify. Just because you know that "President, D.C.A.S." means "President, Dawson's Creek Admiration Society," doesn't mean that the counselor will Don't... - Procrastinate - Lie or exaggerate -- it will come back to haunt you - Leave off important details. For example, if you play in the school band, include what instrument you play - Get sloppy with typos or the application's appearance. It looks like you just didn't care - "Borrow" ideas for your essays, whether from a friend or a Web site. Your essay should be your own - Use gimmicks to get the admission officers attention. For example, by sending a vial of red food coloring with a note, "I'll sweat blood for you." - Go way over the college's length limit for the essay. Admissions officers have limited time, and lots of essays to review. If you need to, you can include supplemental material - Drop the ball once your application is sent. Write thank-you letters to recommendation writers and call colleges to see if your application is complete - Be a pest. Contact the admission office judiciously Letters of recommendation do's and don'ts How to stand out from the crowd Most college applications request two or three recommendation letters from people who know you in and out of the classroom. Who should I ask? English or math teachers usually make good candidates. Other than that, aim for someone who knows you well. It doesn't matter if it's your yearbook advisor or your tennis coach, as long as the person knows you personally and can communicate your strengths. When should I ask? Make sure to give your recommenders plenty of time -- at least one month before letters are due -- to complete and send your recommendations. If you apply under early decision or early action plans, you'll need to ask at the start of the school year. How can I get the best possible recommendations? Talk to your recommenders. Remind them of your accomplishments and let them in on your future plans. You might want to provide a brief resume of your activities and goals. The best letters include specific examples and stories rather than vague praise. Helpful tips: - Don't be shy. Teachers and counselors are often happy to help you - Include addressed and stamped envelopes for each school to which you're applying - On the application form, waive your right to view recommendation letters - It's okay to ask your recommender if they can write a positive recommendation for you. Don't take a chance - Follow up with your recommenders after a few weeks to make sure they're aware of your deadlines - Write thank-you notes to your recommenders and, later, tell them where you've decided to go to college Interview do's and don'ts Read before you go Good news: interviewing expertise is something you can learn. Here are some quick pointers: Do... - Research the college Read the school's catalogs and visit its web site. You'll ask smarter questions and provide well-informed answers. - Practice Get familiar with questions most interviewers ask. Practice responding, even videotaping yourself to see how you do. - Dress appropriately Dress neatly without overdressing. If in doubt, call the admission office to ask what is typically worn. - Get directions and arrive on time Call the college directly or visit its web site for directions. Bring a map so you don't get lost. - Be outgoing and confident Show what sets you apart from other applicants. Answer all questions honestly, but in the best light. - Be familiar with your academic background You may be asked about your test scores, class rank, latest grades, and courses. Consider bringing an unofficial transcript with you, so you can discuss it. You should also be able to describe your high school. - Be ready to discuss your life outside of the classroom What activites and hobbies have you enjoyed most? Have you done any community service? - Know how to calm yourself An interview can be stressful. You're in the hot seat, after all. Learn some techniques, such as deep breathing, that can help you simmer down. - Be yourself Sure, it sounds like such a big cliche, but think about it. The interviewer isn't looking for a certain type. He or she wants to talk to a real person -- you. - Pick up forms or other resources See a financial aid form? Offered a business card? Grab them. - Jot down notes after the interview You know how you always think of a better response a few minutes after being posed a question? Write down that response along with any other observations. Your notes can help you improve for future interviews and make final decisions about which college to choose. - Follow up with a thank-you note A short message thanking your interviewer is courteous. Try to refer to something that the two of you discussed. Again, the notes you take post-interview will come in handy. Don't... - be late - memorize speeches -- sound natural, conversational - ask questions that are covered by the college catalog - chew gum - wear lots of cologne or perfume - swear or use too much slang - be arrogant -- there's a fine line between being confident and boasting - lie -- it will come back to haunt you - respond with only "yes" or "no" answers - tell the school it's your last choice - be rude to the receptionist or any other staff you meet - bring a parent into the interview - refuse an interview -- this is usually noted Most importantly, keep the interview in perspective. It's not an interrogation. It's an exchange between two people learning about each other. Meet the deadlines You'll be facing more deadlines and paperwork than you ever imagined. Don't freak. To help, we've created an application organizer for keeping track of application and financial aid deadlines. Print out: Our application organizer, to note the date when you complete each task so you can see at a glance what remains to be done. Make your final decision wisely Once you get the acceptance letters you've hoped for, the rejection letters you've dreaded, and a few announcing that you're on a waiting list, you'll realize you have just one month to make a decision that will affect the rest of your life. Some things to consider: - Show me the money: Financial aid packages are commonly sent out after the acceptance letters starting in March and should be an important factor in your decision. - Not accepted? Most guidance counselors can look at your application and transcript, compare them with a school's requirements, and tell you why you were rejected. - Choosing a backup school: Consider a second campus visit to catch a glimpse of student life, meet faculty, and look at the college through the eyes of an accepted student rather than a hopeful applicant. - Transfer: Remember, you can always try to transfer to your first choice after you build up credentials during your freshman year. Works Cited: Information on the "Do's & Don'ts" and "Essay Tips" pages has been taken from collegeboard.com.