Category: Strategies
-
Understanding A-G Course Requirements for California Public University Admission
Many students are surprised to learn that to be considered for freshman admission to a California public college you will need to meet your high school graduation requirements and the California colleges’ curriculum-based admission requirements. For UC schools, such as Berkeley and UCLA, this means that students must take at least one full year of…
-
Distinguishing Excellences, Hooks, and Wow Factors in College Admissions
Standing out in a manner that is highly impressive and well-perceived can help move your college application into the admitted pile. Doing something really unique, inspiring, or notable can lead to an admissions boost. At Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, MIT, and other super-selective schools, the majority of admitted students seem to have some sort of “wow…
-
How to Avoid a U Michigan Deferral?
Deferrals (also known as postponements) from the University of Michigan are a common source of frustration. Tens of thousands of students submit applications and supporting materials to UMichigan by the November 1 early action deadline expecting a decision in late December. Come late December, thousands of EA applicants, some exceptionally qualified, are surprised to learn…
-
Legacies Have Leg Up in College Admissions
Ever wonder about legacy preferences in college admissions? Richard D. Kahlenberg’s book “Affirmative Action for the Rich: Legacy Preferences in College Admissions” examines legacy admission practices at a number of institutions including Brown, Princeton, Harvard, Penn and Dartmouth. The Choice blog, a feature of The New York Times, explores the issue and cites Mr. Kahlenberg’s…
-
The Early Decision Advantage
How much of a better chance does a student have by applying early decision? “Usually a lot better.” Steve Cohen, in his Forbes.com blog, shares acceptance statistics for a number of selective colleges offering early decision programs. The blog discusses relevant factors and considerations affecting early decision statistics including student athletes, financial aid and enrollment…
-
Admissions Hook – Community Service Project
Looking for inspiration to help find a worthwhile community service project that is right for you? Check out the impressive community service achievements of some of the 2010 AXA Achievement Scholarship Winners. AXA, in association with U.S. News & World Report, awarded winning students, known as AXA Achievers, $670,000 in college scholarships. Their projects and…
-
Admissions Secret: Character Counts
Case Study: Two similarly qualified students applied to a well-regarded college. Both applications were solid, but neither was extraordinary. Both candidates were “qualified.” Now, check out the application essays. Candidate #1 took a self-confident approach and modestly boasted about this academic and extra-curricular achievements. He wrote that he was proud to have “taken advantage” of…
-
College Admissions: What's Most Important?
College Admissions officers try to build a diverse and balanced class of motivated, involved, and qualified students with genuine interests, impressive achievements, interesting talents & experiences, good character and real personalities – with the potential to “fit in” and be an asset to the school. Passion, intellectual curiosity, maturity, leadership, commitment and energy are particularly…