AND OUR TOP COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TIPS!
In today’s competitive college landscape, it’s important that students begin preparing for the admissions process from the moment they set foot in high school. Unless you’re a standout athlete, or an unquestionable genius—there are a few things that you’ll need to do in order to give yourself the best chance at getting into the college of your choice.
As demonstrated by the College Admissions Scandal, students and parents will do ANYTHING to get into their favorite institutions. It’s crucial to avoid the following pitfalls:
NUMBER 1 PITFALL TO AVOID: SPREADING YOURSELF TOO THIN
Most people excel, TRULY excel, at only a handful of activities. Most students only EXCEL at what they enjoy doing. That means that chasings awards and certificates from as many clubs as possible will likely have the opposite of the desired effect.
Burnout is real. Enjoyment should be a priority when deciding which extracurricular activities a student chooses. Colleges and universities want to know WHY you love the activities you’ve chosen to participate in—not the sheer volume of accolades. Do what you love. Excel at what you do. You’ll get noticed. It’s that simple.
NUMBER 2 PITFALL TO AVOID: TUTORING FOR THE SAKE OF TUTORING
Let’s say hypothetically, your child receives a D grade on their latest calculus test. Yikes, not exactly a stellar mark. So, you decide that a tutor is absolutely necessary for them to get back on track. Is it though?
Is it a lack of understanding of the material that’s holding them back from success in that particular class? Or could it be something else? Perhaps the student is distracted in class. This can happen as kids grow older and start to notice the opposite sex. Have they been completing their homework, or are they simply procrastinating? There are a huge number of reasons for a child’s poor performance at school that go beyond a simple lack of understanding. Get to the source of the issue, then watch the grades improve!
NUMBER 3 PITFALL TO AVOID: LACK OF ACT, SAT, AND AP PLANNING
There’s an old saying: “If you fail to plan, then plan to fail”. This rings especially true for students and parents who fail to plan for the major tests that colleges and universities look to as a measure of your child’s aptitude.
With midterms, exams, projects, extra curriculars—there’s a lot going on. We recommend planning when you’re going to study for, and take, these tests WELL in advance. This will allow you to plan the rest of your responsibilities accordingly. These tests are CRUCIAL, so DO NOT overlook the importance of planning for them.
BONUS: ENJOY THE PROCESS!
High school is one of the most precious times in a person’s life. It’s a time to explore who you are, what you love, and what you’d like your life to be. These are formative years, and it’s important to have a little fun while it lasts—because it won’t last forever!
