The college application process starts the day a student enters high school. Since admission to Ivy League and other elite colleges has become increasingly competitive, with schools such as Columbia, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, MIT, Brown, and Stanford posting admission rates at 5% or lower, students must realize that their academic and extracurricular endeavors are being evaluated starting in freshman year.
In order to have the credentials to be a viable candidate for prestigious colleges once senior year rolls around, students should consider the following strategies:
1. Students need to plan a rigorous academic curriculum, focused on the field they may seek to pursue in college. As freshmen, students should try to enroll in Honors level courses. Then, by demonstrating proficiency, they can move onto AP courses in subsequent years. By mapping out their intended courses for four years, students can ensure they will reach the required level by the end of high school. For example, students seeking to pursue the field of engineering, architecture, or finance, will want to complete Calculus by the time they graduate. If they are starting their freshman year in Algebra I, they will need to double up on Geometry and Algebra II as sophomores in order to move onto Pre-Calculus and then Calculus. Students should also seek out electives in the area of their potential field. Future business majors, for example, might consider courses in Accounting, Business Law, Entrepreneurship, Economics, and/or Finance.
2. Students should get involved, starting in freshman year, in clubs, organizations, and activities in their field of interest. They should identify a “passion project” where they can gain experience and ultimately make a contribution to their school or community. By committing to specific groups early on, students can develop a track record and ultimately achieve a leadership position by the time their senior year arrives. Top colleges evaluate applicants’ accomplishments and the leadership and other qualities that they would bring to the campus community.
3. Students should invest time in getting to know their counselor, teachers, and potential mentors. These are the people who will be writing letters of recommendation when the time comes to file college applications. So, students should identify throughout their high school years the people who are most influential in their lives and should establish a professional relationship with them.
It's been said, quite accurately, that the road to an elite college is a marathon, not a sprint!
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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