STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE
I
PSATs
Students take the PSAT’s early in their junior year. This gives students practice for the
SAT 1 and a chance at winning a National Merit Scholarship
2
GRADES
For the majority of students, grades will be the single most important factor in the college
process.
3
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES OR THE INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM
Because admissions officers look for evidence of academic rigor when examining your
transcript, taking as many ADVANCED level courses such as AP/IB is advantageous.
Plus, you can obtain college credit.
4
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Your extracurricular activities will figure prominently in college admissions. A sustained
interest in one or two activities will be more impressive than superficial and sporadic
participation in a multitude of clubs or organizations. Have fun.
5
ACT/SAT1
Standardized test scores will be a very important factor. Contrary to what some people
say, you should study for these tests. Take them in your junior year two to three
times and then in the fall of your senior year if you are unhappy with your scores.
6
SATII: SUBJECT TESTS
Many of the more competitive colleges require you to take as many as three subject
tests (one of which is always writing)
7
COLLEGE INFORMATION
Order brochures and applications or go on-line to gather as much information as
you need.
8
SUMMER EMPLOYMENT
College admissions officers want to see that you accomplished something during the
summer. Find a job in which you demonstrate responsibility or perform volunteer service
9
SELF-APPRAISAL
Before you visit or apply to colleges, take inventory of your academic and extracurricular
achievements, your honors and awards, and your personal likes and interests. Be honest
and set realistic goals for your future.
10
COLLEGE SEARCH
After your self-appraisal, you will have a better idea about the type of college that suits
you. Now determine which schools meet your personal criteria.
11
COLLEGE VISITS
Visit each college to which you intend to apply. Talk to students, sit in on classes, visit
the libraries and dining halls, and stay in a dorm.
12
EARLY ACTION/DECISION
Students who are happy with their test scores, grades, and other achievements can apply
for Early Decision or Early Action. If applying Early Decision then apply in October to
one school and get a response in early December. Early Action has no risk involved and
you can apply to other schools at the same time.
13
ROLLING ADMISSIONS
At schools with rolling admissions, applications are processed on a first-come, firstserved
basis. Send in your application as early as possible.
14
RECOMMENDATIONS
Most colleges require three recommendations from teachers and guidance counselor.
Give them your resume, essays and other important information for easy reference to
write accurate letters. Each college has specific requirements. Ask them.
15
APPLICATION ESSAY
Use your application essay to illuminate your major accomplishments and activities.
Compose several drafts. Be concise and precise. This can definitely influence the
outcome of the admission decision.
16
APPLICATIONS
Once you get your applications, make copies of them for practice purposes. Make a
checklist, showing when and which documents are needed for each school. Order your
transcripts early. Go to collegeboard.com and have your SAT scores sent. Accuracy counts;
recheck your facts and dates. Send away for applications far in advance of the due dates.
If applying on-line is an option – do so.
17
FINANCIAL AID
You may be eligible for many types of financial aid based on your financial situation, grades,
extracurricular activities, parental affiliations, and so on. You will, however, have to
make an effort to secure aid. FAFSA and PROFILE forms are available in the fall.
18
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Late applications are often stamped REJECT. Mark you calendar with all of your
deadlines and check them frequently.
19
INTERVIEWS
Your interview may be scheduled with a hometown alum. Your performance will
improve with each interview, so plan your first-choice colleges interviews last. And send
a thank-you to the interviewer.
20
ACCEPTANCE
Congratulations! You have been accepted by a college of your choice. If you get
acceptance letters from more than one college and you can’t decide which to attend, visit
those schools again. If you know now that you do not want to go to a college inform
them as soon as possible.
21
SECOND SEMESTER GRADES
Now that you have been accepted by a college of your choice, you are prone to
senioritis. DON’T LET YOUR GRADES SLIP! Colleges will receive you second
semester grades; students have had their acceptances revoked because of poor academic
performance during the last half of the senior year. Beware of senioritis.
22
WAIT-LIST
You’ve been wait-listed by a school you want to attend. Don’t despair! Many
schools take students off their waiting list as late as September 1. Write to the admissions
committee telling them you are still interested in attending their school. Send an updated
list of your activities and accomplishments and a copy of your spring semester grades
when they are available. Ask teachers to submit a letter in support of your application.