There’s a lot of talk these days about what colleges can and cannot consider on students’ college applications. Affirmative action has long been debated; so too has Legacy preference.
Students need to recognize what is in their control and what is not, and make the most of the areas in which they have full power.
On the newest Common Application, which went live on August 1st, there are still questions about place of birth and whether one identifies as American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or White. Those who choose Asian are asked to be more specific. There’s also a “school specific” question asked by most colleges to identify which applicants have family members who are alumni. How this information is used is beyond any student’s control. For some, it may give their application a boost.
Students do have power over the picture they paint of themselves on college applications, which are somewhat a numbers game. Colleges are impressed by students who enroll in a substantial number of AP courses, in relation to the number that are offered at their high school. Scoring a “5” on the end-of-year exams is also notable. Colleges also pay close attention to SAT scores, as it’s the one level playing field on which they can compare all their applicants. Of the roughly 1.7 million students who take the SAT each year, about 1,000 score a perfect 1600.
As almost all colleges seek to have a well-rounded student body, students should emphasize the qualities they will bring to the campus and neighboring community. Have they been passionate about environmental issues? Are they accomplished musicians or athletes? Have they been serving as EMT volunteers or helping the underprivileged in their community? Students have the opportunity to share, via the Activities section of the Common App, exactly how they have been spending their time – both in and out of school.
The culminating section of the Common App requires students to write an essay. Here, too, students have the ideal opportunity to share what is important to them and why they would be an asset to the university. Often students believe their essay must be unique or entertaining. Neither is the case. It does need to be genuine and share the inner qualities of the student and what makes him/her tick.
Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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