Santa Clarita, CA. — This year’s high school seniors face the toughest college admission challenges ever:
• The 2009 graduating class will be the largest in the nation’s history – more than 3.2 million students
• The number of students using private counseling has more than doubled in the last five years—almost 25 percent of freshman at private colleges used the assistance of a private counselor
• 1,110,392 Common Applications were submitted in 2008- reflecting a 38% increase, showing that more students are using technology to apply to more colleges.
Brian Safdari, founder and CEO of College Planning Experts, www.collegeplanningexpets.com nationally certified College Planner and host of the weekly KHTS radio show “Your College Planning Power Hour” offers students Twelve Critical College Admissions Tips that will help them get into college:
1. Freshmen should have a four-year plan.
Freshmen should chart out their academic programs, and based on their abilities, they should plan to take the most challenging courses possible in every subject. Students should also plan to make an impact on and off campus, demonstrating their leadership skills in activities that coincide with their interests.
2. Students should show commitment and make an impact in a few activities.
Colleges are not necessarily looking for students who are “jacks of all trades.” Applicants who are consistent in their commitment to a handful of activities or are specialists within a particular field have an advantage over serial club-joiners who show no leadership or dedication.
3. Juniors need to build relationships with their guidance counselors and teachers.
Colleges usually require letters of recommendation from a student’s guidance counselor and junior or senior year teachers in academic subjects. Students must make an effort to build relationships with these individuals.
4. Students and their parents should create a budget not only to pay for college, but also for application related expenses.
Even before the first application is submitted, students and parents can expect to spend up to several thousand dollars on standardized tests registration fees, transcript processing fees, tutors, coaches, independent counselors and transportation costs to visit campuses.
5. Juniors and seniors should consider taking the ACT as an alternative to the SAT.
Many schools accept either the ACT or SAT. Students should first choose which test to master, and only then, should they invest time and resources to ensure that they receive the highest score possible.
6. It’s important to avoid common college application mistakes like redundancy and not following directions.
Students should treat every component of the application as an opportunity to present a new facet of their personality. Essays and short answer responses allow them to emphasize “soft factors,” such as personal beliefs and character traits. Students should not repeat facts found on their resume or in their personal statement. Finally, they must pay attention to word limits, essay topics and deadlines.
7. Students need to get off the beaten path on a campus visit.
Students should plan to visit colleges during the academic year when school is in session, and attend both the information session and the campus tour. Getting off the prescribed tour route will allow them to mingle with current students and get a more accurate feel for the school’s atmosphere.
8. Visits to college campuses present opportunities to make important contacts.
Before visiting a college campus, students should find out who will be reading applications from their area and introduce themselves to the admissions officer if possible. A brief conversation expressing interest in that particular college and a thoughtful, well-researched question can make a positive impression. Get the officer’s business card and e-mail address to continue the dialogue.
9. Students should become experts in the colleges they are applying to.
Admissions officers and interviewers seek candidates who are good matches for their college. Applicants who know details about a college’s academic and social culture are usually reviewed favorably. For example, students should know the names of specific courses and professors with whom they want to study.
10. If students do not need to compare financial aid and/or scholarship awards, they should consider applying early if they truly have a first choice school.
Students with compelling academic records and complete testing should take advantage of early application programs (early decision, early action, rolling admissions, or early response) if they can.
11. Schedule college interviews with first-choice schools last.
Interviewing with a first-choice school last can help the applicant gain some experience as well as alleviate anxiety.
12. Parents need to support their child’s choices. Applying to college is not a “we” process.
This process is ultimately about the applicant. Parents should take a step back and listen to their child’s thoughts as he or she researches colleges with an open mind. Overpowering and overbearing parents can not only be embarrassing at campus visits and counseling meetings, but also detrimental to their child’s success and happiness.
