| I've worked in college admissions for a number of | | | | 10. The ability to write a good essay and the |
| years and understand the politics of admission to | | | | personal interview. |
| college. | | | | However, these are all common. What is uncommon |
| Each year thousands of eager and ambitious college | | | | is the hidden admissions process. |
| students send out their applications to colleges and | | | | These true keys to successful admission are: |
| universities across America. | | | | 1. Securing a recommendation letter from a |
| Unfortunately, many students will never be admitted | | | | respected-member of the community (city council |
| to their college of choice because of poor | | | | member, mayor, governor, business executive and |
| decision-making, lack of knowledge, lack of | | | | other well-informed people. |
| awareness and lack of resources. | | | | 2. Volunteer work: Habit for Humanity; home building |
| Most families' waste time and effort during the | | | | projects, community service or even starting your |
| college search process. Spend hundreds and even | | | | own project). |
| thousands of dollars on testing, study guides, books | | | | 3. Attending "fee" trainings: seminars and workshops |
| and other useless resource. | | | | held at the YMCA/YWCA, local community colleges |
| How are students truly admitted to college? | | | | and universities or community agencies. |
| 1. By location | | | | 4. Unique characteristics: language training; the ability |
| 2. By gender | | | | to play an instrument or other performing arts |
| 3. By high school status | | | | (special talents). |
| 4. By athletics | | | | 5. Choosing the right major: find something that very |
| 5. By special talents and gifts | | | | little people are doing and add is as your initial choice |
| 6. By leadership | | | | of major. You can change it later! |
| 7. Overcoming adversity | | | | 6. The diversity factor: look for fields where men, |
| 8. Arranging meetings with an admissions | | | | minorities and women are underrepresented. Secure |
| representation | | | | and internship in this area and make sure you get a |
| 9. Grades, course work and test scores. | | | | letter of recommendation. |