Busting through the doors
Why SAT scores may mean less than you think
Colleges care more about the student's GPA and class standing than they do SAT scores. In fact, applicants with very high SAT scores and low GPA's concern college admissions personnel the most because they tend to do poorly in college. Conversely, if your SAT scores stack poorly compared to your GPA, particularly if your high school is competitive, you may have less to worry about than you think.
SAT preparatory classes improve scores by up to 100 points and they can give a student confidence as well as some test-taking strategies. Some parents insist that their child continue taking these classes one after another and retaking the SAT. But the gains do not seem to continue; after the initial increase, students peak out and the time spent can cause more discouragement than improvement.
A few colleges do not require SAT scores, although even these schools like to see them. The point is that performance is what really counts. If your SAT scores prevent you from admission into your dream college, attend another college for your first two years and reapply as a transfer student for your junior year. The school will look at your college performance more closely than your old SAT scores.
Why colleges recalculate high school GPA's
Colleges frequently recalculate applicants' GPA's to make them easy to compare. For example, a 3.8 that includes a number of honors and advanced placement courses will be considered superior to a 4.0 that includes no honors or advanced placement work. The nature of the courses matters as well. Often, only core academic courses are configured into the profile. So an A in Creative Movement will not help you as well as an A in Biology.
Should you apply to a reach school?
You've toured a college that is beyond your academic reach, but the school encouraged you to apply anyway. After all, your chances of admission are zero if you don't apply, right? True, but ask yourself this: is there something so special about your application (an outstanding accomplishment or a riveting essay, for example) that truly gives you a chance? If not, you may want to spare yourself the cost and letdown of a nearly guaranteed rejection. The fact is, colleges want everybody to apply. The more students they turn down, the more selective the college is perceived. So really think about who is going to benefit most from your application to a reach school. It may be wiser to apply to another college within your academic range and possibly receive a merit scholarship.
Apply for financial aid even if you think you don't qualify
There's no harm in asking. Some parents believe that since they have the financial means to pay for college, there is no point in applying for financial aid. However, the college will take other financial obligations into consideration, including mortgage, retirement savings and other children to educate. These amounts are deducted from your net worth and colleges expect parents to contribute only 3% to 5% of the remainder. Moreover, not all grant money comes under the heading of financial need. Large coffers are available for merit-based money that does not have to be paid back. So apply to a variety of colleges within your academic range and see who gives you the best offer.
The college interview
In general, the purpose of the college interview is to sell the college. Private schools value interviews more than do public. Use the interview as an opportunity to ask specific questions about the college, including class sizes, and extracurricular opportunities.
Which colleges offer the best instruction?
Don't assume that because a college is well-known it offers the best instruction. Large colleges often mean large classes (three-hundred students or more) and if the university has a graduate school, some freshman classes may be taught by graduate students, who will vary in their ability to teach. Graduate students teach in exchange for tuition and a small stipend for living expenses. The benefit, of course, goes to the college. Four-year colleges typically have doctorate-holding professors providing instruction. Many two-year colleges provide instruction by teachers with the same level of teaching experience as a graduate student: a Master's degree. So ask, when you visit, what percentage of freshman classes are taught by professors with doctorate degrees.
What you must do if you get wait-listed
It's not an outright rejection, but don't pin too much hope on being wait-listed. It means college officials have reviewed your application and are looking to the incoming applications for candidates. But there is something you can do to get your application reviewed in a more positive light and even moved to the acceptance list: write to the university as soon as you hear you are wait-listed. If you have the name of the person who handled your application, contact that person directly. You don't want to be a pest, but you need to project your desire to be accepted. Include any new test scores, accomplishments, or letters of recommendation, and briefly describe any special qualities that would make you an asset to the college.
Important! If the college is your first choice, say so, and state that if you are offered a spot you will accept immediately. A guaranteed acceptance may appeal to busy admissions officers.
If you haven't missed the application deadline for a college you've recently learned about, send it now. It may increase your options and it will make you feel better.
Turned down? There may still be hope
Let's say your dream college rejects you. There isn't much you can do to change their minds, but there may be hope for you to attend in the future as a transfer student. The plan here will be for you to perform as well in the college where you are admitted for your first two years and then reapply to your dream school. Obviously, your GPA will be the main leverage you have for admission, but your prospective school will also be interested in your extracurricular activities during your freshman and sophomore years, so find a way to get involved. Schools will be looking for a rising junior with a track record of contributing to the school. Pay attention to application deadlines since you will need to apply in your sophomore year.
Don't slack off in high school after you've been accepted
It's a big mistake to assume you can relax the remainder of your senior year. Some colleges check your final high school grades and more than one high school graduate has found his college freshman position revoked for not maintaining his grades. A more likely scenario, however, is the possibility that you may want to change colleges, at which time your final high school grades will suddenly become important.
When it's wise to wait a year
More often now, students are waiting a year between high school and college. This doesn't seem to hurt their chances of admission at all; in fact, if that year was well spent, it may enhance it. For example, you may interest an admissions official if you spent the year serving an internship, performing missionary work, or completing a personal project or research.
What if a student simply doesn't feel ready for college? A junior college may be a good option in this case because the transition is less severe than at a four-year college. This can prevent regrettable dollars from being spent on an expensive college experience that ends in disappointment. If a student is truly against the idea of college though, a year spent working may be the best course. The student can save money and take the time to figure out where he or she wants to attend college. There is no point in pushing a student to attend college if they aren't ready. Some real world experience may be the best course.
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