What Admissions Counselors Expect To See At Colleges That Accept Less Than 30%

The ten most important things that admission counselors expect to see at colleges that accept less then 30% of their applicants are as follows:

1. High level of performance from freshman year on: Develop strong academic, language, mathematics and critical thinking skills by taking challenging courses showing consistent improvement and classroom participation. No senioritis.

2. Strong standardized test results: i.e. SAT 1 - 2100+, ACT 32+

3. All AP Classes: Applicants will have been expected to have taken all available AP courses. Test scores should be at 4 --- preferably 5.

4. Meaningful Extra Curricular Activities: One maybe two activities that the student has shown serious interest and ability pursuing is very helpful to round out the application. Ideal activities will show strong leadership, follow through and organizational and /or creative talent as well as purpose and breadth.

5.Well Written Essays: This is called on many applications the "Personal Statement" for a reason. The ideal essay would leave the reader with a desire to meet the applicant. It is an opportunity to let the admissions counselor know something personal about the applicant. For assistance contact Kristine Fox at krisfox@verizon.net. UC assistance http://www.ucgateways.org/

6.. Interesting Interviews: Admissions counselors will play down the importance of these interviews in the final decision. Don't you believe it. Make sure the student has researched the school policies, curriculum and academic profile. Be well dressed but do not over do it. Have questions ready that are preferably related to their possible area of academic concentration.

7. Flawless Applications: How questions are answered in the applications are crucial! This is where bright applicants in a rush to meet a deadline and "get through with it all;" respond too hastily to important questions.

8. Personal Factors: This is the admissions counselor effort to diversify the student body and construct a class that will have a particular geographic, ethnic, social economic and talent mix.

9. Demonstrate Interest: The DI could begin way back in the first half of the junior year. We encourage personal communication between the student (not mom) and the college as early as the last half of the junior year. Students should not over do it. Nor should they email queries to colleges that are easily learned on the college's website.

10. The "hook": When all else fails, this could be an applicants saving grace. It could be an exceptional accomplishment, athletic skill, musical talent or a wealthy relative who needs a good reason to gift the old Ivy Tower.

Eric Goodhart
Smart College Planning