Rising Seniors!

Visit The One Stop College Shop this summer to complete the key elements of the college application process before school even begins!

Get it all done in just 5 days!

>> Click here to read more and register.

Links

• The College Board
• The American College Testing Program (ACT)
• The Common Application
• The Common Application (PDF)
• NCAA
• About Advanced Placement

Top Ten Strengths and Experiences Colleges look for in High School Students

1. A rigorous high school curriculum that challenges the student and may include AP or IB classes.
2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all As in less challenging coursework.
3. Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT). These should be consistent with high school performance.
4. Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important.
5. Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselor that give evidence of integrity, special skills, positive character traits, and an interest in learning.
6. Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting and well-rounded student body.
7. A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values and goals. The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.
8. Demonstrated enthusiasm, often exhibited by campus visits and an interview, showing an interest toward attending the college.
9. Out of school experiences, including work and community service that illustrate responsibility, dedication, and development of areas of interest.
10. Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school and leisure pursuits, and more.

Ten Ways to "Test Drive" a College

1. Learn about the college before you visit.
   
   Read materials from the college and check out their web site. If you are visiting more than one on a particular day, refresh your memory about that school just before you arrive. Be sure to spend at least a half day at each colleg.
   
2. Evaluate the environment of the campus.
   
   Is the campus too big or too small for you? Do you like the nearby town or do you feel isolated? Consider how you would get around campus - particularly in the rain or snow.
   
3. Visit the admissions office and participate in the information session.
   
   Ask questions that help you clarify the academic program at the school and the type of student who is most comfortable and successful there. You may choose to have a formal interview with an admission staff member. Bring a resume of your grades and activities. Dress nicely, but not out of character.
   
4. Take the student-led tour of campus.
   
   Take the advantage of the opportunity to ask questions about campus life from a peer. Recognize, however, that tour guides are not necessarily typical of all students since the formally represent the school.
   
5. Check out the dorms.
   
   Find out about the dorm options available, such as all-freshmen or coed. Arrange in advance to spen the night in a dorm, if possible. Picture yourself living in a dorm. Are you comfortable with where it is located on campus, such as the proximity to classes or the campus center?
   
6. Arrange for campus meetings with department heads in the subjects that interest you.
   
   Also, meet with coaches in sports where you excel, and former graduates from your high school. Bring a resume that highlights your experience in your area of expertise. Ask about apportunities based on your skills and interests. Write down the names of any officials you meet with and send personal thank-you notes when you return home.
   
7. Sit in on classes and check out the library.
   
   How is the rapport between students and faculty in the classroom? Look through the books at the library in your area of interest. Look for quiet places to study.
   
8. Look into life beyond academics.
   
   Check out the athletic facilities, theater, and student center. Read the notices posted in the dorms or on bulletin boards. Can you see yourself joining in?
   
   
9. Have lunch in the student center and watch student interactions.
   
   Talk with students all over campus about their impressions of the school. Look at the students themselves. Do you feel comfortable among them?
   
10. Write down your impressions of each college you visit.
    
    After a while, the visions of different schools start to blur if you don't immediately stop to record your thoughts! Keep a list of pros and cons for comparison.