The best way to get “Your Accepted” letters (or emails) is to present yourself as an ideal candidate for each college to which you apply. If you’re a legacy, let them know. Many colleges strongly favor applicants whose parents are alumni – especially if they’ve been donating over the years. If you’re the first in your family to seek a college education, let them know. Most colleges favor students whose parents are not college educated. If your family can afford to pay the full sticker price and not seek financial aid, let them know. Some colleges are “need blind,” and admit students regardless of whether or not they are applying for financial aid. Other colleges are “need-aware” or “need-sensitive,” and may consider financial need when deciding whether or not to admit an applicant.
Aside from the factors outside of your control, there are several things you can do in advance to help your applications stand out. The first is to develop leadership skills, and then emphasize these skills on college applications. Graduates of elite universities often talk about having started a club during their high school years, having initiated a community event, or having launched a non-profit in some area of passion. They believe these leadership experiences helped to secure their acceptances to the nation’s top colleges and universities.
It’s also ideal to demonstrate an awareness of, and empathy for, the global community. Colleges encourage students to travel abroad and become immersed in a foreign culture. It’s impressive when students have already done so in high school, and many opportunities exist with reputable organizations. Let colleges know about your travel and cultural experiences to date, and about the specific study abroad opportunities at their school that you hope to engage with during your college years.
Also, be sure to let colleges know about your meaningful volunteer work during your high school years. Colleges offer limitless opportunities for students to participate in volunteer work in almost every area of life on the local, national and international arena. If you’ve already demonstrated a long-term commitment to helping others during your high school years, colleges are more likely to look favorably on having you join their community as you will likely continue your altruistic tendencies during your college years.
Lastly, be sure to personalize each application, sharing the specific qualities of each college that you find most appealing. By demonstrating sincere interest, you will have the best chance of having your application placed in the “accepted” pile from a stack of applications, all with similar GPA’s and SAT scores.
Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of Collegebound Review that, for the past 25 years, has offered PSAT/SAT® preparation and private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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