Get Involved
“Involvement in a variety of activities looks good, but strategic involvement is better. That is to say, find organizations, volunteer opportunities, and events to attend/ be involved in that relate to your specific interests. For example, if you’re interested in engineering or science, join a STEM club, attend related camps, volunteer, shadow or perform your own research. Being well-rounded is nice and to some extent important, but if you have specific interests, take the opportunity to expand your knowledge and experiences around those interests. When students do this and they apply to schools that offer degrees or majors in those areas, they’ll stand out in the crowded field of prospective students. Proactive, strategic involvement is not only key to personal growth, but experiences, and opportunities will set you apart. Visiting campuses, and scheduling appointments with key individuals helps too.” – Dr. Chester Goad“Getting into your dream school requires planning and diligence. It is a path that should ideally begin early on in high school since everything from extracurricular activities to test scores play a major role in your acceptance. Try to understand the type of students your dream school accepts. Now more than ever, schools are increasingly looking for well-rounded students. Grades and scores will definitely play a prominent role, but so will your achievements outside of school.” – Katie Fang, Founder of SchooLinks
Send a Stellar Letter of Recommendation
“Only choose the two teachers who will glow about you. If you have grade-grubbed in an AP History class and then decide to ask that teacher for a recommendation because you are an A+ student, think again. That grade-grubbing can come back to bite you in your teacher’s recommendation. Be mindful! Make the most of junior year by forming relationships with your favorite subject teachers. Hang around after class or go to extra help. You can either receive help, or rather see if you can provide help to students who need it. Your teacher will show appreciation for this dedication in the recommendation he or she writes for you.” – Dr. Deborah Bedor, CEO of College Admission Central
Make a Good Impression
Remember to also to form a bond with your guidance counselor. You can do this through semester visits, updates, and stopping by and saying hi. Chat with your principal from time to time, or say hello if you see them walking on campus. Did you know that if you are a top student, you can ask your principal to make a call on your behalf to your first and possibly second choice schools? Because you can! However, you must reach out during the school year, inform the principal of the success of your special leadership or advocacy projects, and allow him or her to get to know you. When being an “A” student means different things across different schools, colleges look to your teachers, guidance counselor, and principal for honest, perceptive opinions of your ability and character.” -Dr. Deborah Bedor, CEO of College Admission Central“Shake hands and get business cards at college fairs or when the reps come to your school. After visiting a school, send a hand written thank you note expressing your interest in a program.” – Sarah E. Langford, M.Ed.
Stand Out from the Crowd
“Remember that your application is one of hundreds, if not thousands, that an application counselor will read. Those counselors are your advocates. Put on a strong case, and make sure that your own voice comes through in your application – but don’t get too weird!” – Laila Flores, Admissions Counselor at Georgia Tech“Be original. Be sincere. For instance, nobody at NYU admissions wants to read another repetitive response explaining how great New York City is and the career opportunities it has to offer. Tell the admissions panel about a specific teacher at NYU who you’re particularly interested in learning with, or about an alumni and their achievements that inspired you. Perhaps you read a novel by an author who teachers at their school. This strategy holds true regardless of where you apply.” – David Greenberg, Parliament Tutors
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