| Beginning the college process can be a daunting task | | | | remember to inform college if pursuing academics and |
| because there is no fixed formula for getting into | | | | an after-school job or any other extenuating |
| college and moreover, whatever combination of | | | | circumstances. According to The Princeton Review, |
| courses one studied at high school makes no | | | | highly selective schools generally place emphasis than |
| difference in the success rate of getting admission to | | | | average on a good essay. The essay questions on |
| your dream school. Grades, SAT/ACT scores, and | | | | college applications are usually very open-ended, so it |
| class rank are certainly looked into, but while doing | | | | is prudent to talk about your experience or aspect of |
| well in all three may be enough to get you into some | | | | you or your life that was particularly meaningful. |
| schools, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll get into all | | | | Awards or other recognitions and achievements can |
| your choices. In fact, even students with perfect | | | | weigh into your application's consideration. Be sure to |
| SAT scores and straight A's are sometimes denied | | | | inform them if you have achieved any because good |
| admission by some of the more elite colleges and | | | | colleges and universities look for leaders and |
| universities. Here are some tips that will help you | | | | achievers and not just academic performers. |
| navigate the admissions process and succeed in your | | | | Recommendations of your teachers and counselors |
| application. | | | | do matter. Get a letter of recommendation from a |
| You must know that selective colleges have more | | | | teacher or counselor who thinks you're brilliant and |
| qualified applicants than their limit. This is where | | | | include it with your application packet. Similarly, if a |
| extracurricular activities come into play. In fact, | | | | family member went to your college of choice, you |
| extracurricular activities can often tilt the decision in | | | | may receive (not necessarily) some preferential |
| your favor when compared to other students with | | | | consideration in admissions and this could count even |
| equivalent grades/test scores but without much in | | | | more if more than one family member attended the |
| the way of activities because they demonstrate your | | | | college. |
| motivation and time-management skills. You should | | | | |