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Course Selection |
There are certain factors that matter to many schools in the admissions process-we are going to use CRITERIA to describe them to you. As you are trying to find schools that match what you want in the college experience, remember colleges are trying to assess how you might fit into their freshman class. |
Most schools use some of these criteria, some use the majority of these, and highly selective schools generally use all of them. Think about what your record indicates about you, the applicant, in each of these areas. (Remember, gaining admission to a highly selective school is more of an art than a science.)
C - Course Selection
What classes you take in comparison to what classes were available at your school does matter at the most competitive schools. If you want to swim in the highly selective sea, you need to have challenged yourself-you know, take AP Biology over Advanced Submarine Screen Door Repair.
Many a college admissions officer has been asked, "Is it better to take the harder course and risk a lower grade, or take the easier class and make an A?" Without skipping a beat, the big guys in the admissions world generally answer, "Take the harder course and make an A."
In many cases the side benefit of the tougher class is stronger preparation for the dreaded standardized tests. Take a deep breath and take the toughest academic program you can handle.
One thing to keep in mind is that most schools won't penalize you in the admissions process if your high school doesn't offer a course-the bigger problem can come when your high school offers a challenging program and you opt out-probably not a good plan.
R - Rank
Many high schools rank their students: this means that your grade point average puts you in what position relative to everyone in your class. For example, your senior class has 300 students. Are you number 5 or number 285?
Some schools weight grade point averages for the purposes of determining rank-a manner used to reward students who take the harder classes and make the stronger grades.
Some schools, especially smaller college prep schools, elect not to rank. If your school doesn't rank, it is likely that they have a document called a school profile that explains grading, test scores, class achievements, etc.-something a college can use in analyzing your transcript and accomplishments as they evaluate your application.
I - Interests
Many students overlook this area. You probably shouldn't. Colleges want to craft a class-a diverse group of individuals who will make their university a special learning, thriving community. In order to do that, they do look to find musicians, writers, rocket scientists, social activists, community servants, etc...
If you have a special skill or accomplishment-don't be bashful about it. It could be the hook that helps you gain admission. Interests are ways for students to show what they bring to the non-academic side of the college admissions puzzle-campus life is composed of more than library bookworms.
