Top 10 Tips for Surviving
the College Admissions
Process
and Loving It!
1. Plan ahead! Choosing a college is one of the most
important decisions of your life, so start the process
early in junior year. Allow time for self-assessment,
research of colleges, interviews and tours, applications
and essays, standardized tests, AND maintaining your
grades, activities and a social life!
2. Don't choose a college by "name recognition."
Wearing a prestigious college name on your sweatshirt
is not as important as choosing a school where you will
be happy, challenged, and able to grow and flourish.
3. Choose an essay topic that is compelling to you.
You will be writing and rewriting your essay,
so be sure that you are passionate about the subject
- and be sure that you answer the question.
4. Visit college campuses. Viewbooks are no substitute
for the "real thing." Take a tour, talk with
students and faculty, see the surrounding area, and
spend an overnight in a dorm, if possible. Ask yourself,
"Do I feel comfortable here? Could I spend four
years here?"
5. Strictly adhere to deadlines. Application and
financial aid deadlines are mandatory - a late form
could cost you admission and financial aid. (Remember
that financial aid and application deadlines are usually
NOT the same).
6. College is more than a career path. Although
you and your parents want you to be prepared for a career,
college is also a time to grow, explore, and expand
your horizons socially and academically. Most students
change majors a few times in college, so be sure to
consider the overall environment as well as career goals
when choosing a school.
7. Don't be afraid to apply to some schools you might
not be able to afford. At many universities, more
than 50% of the students receive some form of financial
assistance. In addition to more affordable schools,
don't hesitate to apply to schools where you might receive
aid.
8. Pay attention to details. Make a chart to keep
track of the details, deadlines and dates sent for applications,
teacher recommendations, SAT scores, interviews, etc.
Don't forget to keep a copy of anything you send!
9. Take charge of the process; become empowered.
Your parents have had their chance to go to college:
now it's your turn! Take charge of the process.
Communicate with your parents about financial constraints
and other guidelines for your college search, work with
your college counselor, then take the ball and run with
it!
10. "Getting in" or "not getting in"
is not a judgment of your self-worth. Some of
the top schools in the nation accept only one fifth
or less of the applicants. Many highly qualified, valuable
and successful individuals do not get accepted at the
schools of their choice. Also, no one college is "perfect",
but many colleges may be excellent places for you.
Carol K. Jacobs, M.Ed., Director of College Guidance
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy
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