College Admission

1. Start early and research yourself before researching colleges

"Build a life and the colleges that work for you will come."

Self-reflection is key. Begin the college search process by examining your preferences, priorities, interests, and hopes. Ask yourself questions about your academic strengths, extracurricular passions, and personal values. This self-knowledge will guide you toward colleges that are a good fit.

Research colleges thoroughly. Use various resources to learn about potential schools:

• College websites
• Guidebooks
• Virtual tours
• Campus visits
• Conversations with current students and alumni

Look beyond surface-level information to understand each college's:

• Academic programs
• Campus culture
• Student life
• Career outcomes
• Financial aid policies

2. Balance your college list across selectivity and cost

"Applying to ten of the most selective schools does not multiply your chances of being admitted by ten."

Create a balanced list. Aim for 8-10 schools across these categories:

• 2-3 "reach" schools (admission less likely)
• 3-4 "target" schools (good chance of admission)
• 2-3 "safety" schools (high likelihood of admission)

Consider both selectivity and affordability when balancing your list. Include at least one in-state public university as a financially safe option. Use net price calculators to estimate your out-of-pocket costs at each school.

Avoid common pitfalls:

• Applying only to highly selective schools
• Ignoring financial fit
• Choosing schools based solely on rankings or prestige

3. Craft authentic essays that reveal your true self

"The essay is important.… It has to be you, and you will be the most compelling argument for yourself."

Focus on authenticity. Your essay should reveal aspects of your personality, values, and experiences not evident elsewhere in your application. Choose topics that genuinely matter to you, not what you think admission officers want to hear.

Write, revise, repeat. Follow this process:

1. Brainstorm ideas
2. Free-write to explore topics
3. Create an outline
4. Write a rough draft
5. Revise for content and structure
6. Edit for grammar and style
7. Get feedback from trusted readers
8. Polish your final draft

Show, don't tell. Use specific details and anecdotes to bring your story to life. Avoid clichés and broad generalizations. Let your unique voice shine through.

4. Understand the various decision plans and their implications

"The biggest mistake students and families make is to dream too small. Dream big—apply for financial aid at colleges you wouldn't otherwise be able to afford. But make sure you cover yourself by having affordable colleges on your list, too."

Know your options:

• Regular Decision (RD): Standard timeline, non-binding
• Early Action (EA): Earlier application and decision, non-binding
• Early Decision (ED): Binding commitment if accepted
• Rolling Admission: Applications reviewed as received

Consider the pros and cons:

• Early Decision: Higher acceptance rates, but binding commitment
• Early Action: Earlier decision without commitment, may limit other options
• Regular Decision: Most flexibility, but later notification

Financial considerations: Early Decision applicants commit before seeing financial aid offers. Ensure you're comfortable with the potential cost before applying ED.

5. Navigate financial aid and scholarship opportunities wisely

"Don't be afraid to reach out and have a personal conversation with your financial aid officer. It could literally change your financial future."

Understand the types of aid:

• Need-based aid: Grants, loans, work-study
• Merit-based aid: Scholarships for academic, athletic, or other talents

Key steps in the financial aid process:

1. File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
2. Submit the CSS Profile if required by your schools
3. Research and apply for outside scholarships
4. Compare financial aid award letters carefully
5. Appeal if your circumstances have changed

Maximize your aid:

• Meet all deadlines
• Provide accurate information
• Consider loan options carefully
• Explore work-study opportunities

6. Present a holistic application highlighting your unique qualities

"Colleges want to see evidence in the course transcript that students are willing to stretch intellectually and academically in the core areas of the curriculum, and that their choice of classes demonstrates a pattern of increasing difficulty."

Showcase academic rigor. Take challenging courses that align with your interests and abilities. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a willingness to push yourself.

Highlight meaningful extracurriculars. Focus on depth of involvement rather than breadth. Emphasize leadership roles, long-term commitments, and the impact of your participation.

Paint a complete picture. Use every part of the application to reveal different aspects of yourself:

• Coursework and grades
• Test scores (if submitting)
• Essays
• Activities list
• Recommendations
• Additional information section (if needed)

7. Approach standardized testing strategically

"Testing counts far less than most students and parents think it does, but more than most colleges are willing to admit."

Understand test-optional policies. Many schools no longer require standardized test scores. Research each college's policy and decide if submitting scores will strengthen your application.

Prepare effectively:

• Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format
• Focus on your weakest areas
• Consider test prep courses or tutoring if needed
• Aim to take the test 2-3 times maximum

Know when to stop. Don't let test prep consume your life. Balance it with other important aspects of your application and high school experience.

8. Leverage recommendations and interviews effectively

"The college interview is not a test. There are no right and wrong answers. A student is not going to be asked to solve a difficult math problem, or open a window that has been nailed shut so he can be observed under pressure. First and foremost, the college interview is a conversation."

Choose recommenders wisely. Ask teachers who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities. Provide them with relevant information about your goals and accomplishments.

Prepare for interviews:

• Research the college thoroughly
• Practice common questions
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask
• Dress appropriately and arrive on time
• Be yourself and let your personality shine through

Follow up. Send thank-you notes to interviewers and recommenders. Keep them updated on your college process and final decision.

9. Stay organized and meet all deadlines

"Submit each of your applications well before the clock strikes midnight on the due date."

Create a master calendar. Include deadlines for:

• Applications
• Financial aid forms
• Scholarships
• Testing
• Interviews

Use tools to stay on track:

• Spreadsheets
• Task management apps
• College application platforms (e.g., Common App)

Start early and work consistently. Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Allow time for unexpected delays or challenges.

Double-check everything. Review all application materials carefully before submitting. Ensure you've met all requirements and answered all questions completely.

Last updated: August 22, 2024