Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
Grades are usually the most important factor. HSEF grades are cumulative. That means everything counts and is weighted into the high school average. The grades earned each semester are recorded on the permanent record transcript. A permanent transcript record must submitted to colleges, not once, not twice, but three times to all of the colleges you apply to. Contrary to what most students think, your most important year of high school is not junior year. It is your first three years of high school. Your freshman year, sophomore year, and junior year grades make up your initial transcript. Your initial transcript is submitted to colleges during the fall semester of senior year. Your mid-year transcript is sent to colleges at the start of the spring semester of your senior year. It contains: freshman year, sophomore year, junior year, and fall semester senior grades. Again, note that your entire high school performance is being reported. After graduation, your final transcript is sent to colleges and contains your entire high school career which now includes senior spring semester. Colleges generally like to see an upward trend of grades; not a roller coaster of ups and downs. If there is a semester of low scores, make sure to speak with your school counselor or advisor.
Another factor is the courses that you are taking. Most colleges prefer students that successfully complete academically rigorous courses and/or complete course sequences. You should strive to take as many challenging classes as possible. The Office of College Advisement submits a high school profile with every one of your applications. Our high school profile contains the programs we offer, such as the Academy of Finance, and course codes with explanations. For example, HES11 is Economics. The profile is usually used by admission committee personnel when reviewing your course grades and your application.
Most schools require test scores. Some do not. Check with the institution to be sure. But; Which test scores do you send? ACT® or your SAT® ? Which set of scores? Most colleges “super score” which means they will take the highest score per category that you submit regardless of when the exam was taken. Check with each school before sending scores. You may wish to also check an ACT® -SAT® Concordance table for an approximate equivalency of test scores. See your college advisor for assistance. It gets a little trickier for private and out-of-state schools. Each one is different. You must see what they require as part of your research. Some schools are test optional, meaning they do not use your test scores as admitting criteria; however, some schools still require that you send in your scores. If you are not sure, check with the college’s freshman admissions office.
*Note - Class of 2021 - Many institutions are suspending the requirement of examination scores as part of the application process. Check with each institution for specifics.
Most four-year colleges and universities will require students to obtain letters of recommendation as part of the application process. Typically, this includes a letter from your guidance counselor or college advisor, along with two letters from two core course teachers. Some colleges may ask for an additional letter or letters from more specific sources; you must be careful to follow instructions based upon where they apply.
Generally speaking, students should ask teachers who have had them in class in recent years, who have taught them in major subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies - including economics and participation in government), and who are able to best illustrate the student's individual strengths, character, and potential. Students should request recommendation letters well in advance so teachers/counselors have ample time to write a letter.
Make sure to follow the college advisor’s guidelines when requesting recommendations. Teachers are aware of these guidelines and expect you to follow them. You don’t want to miss out on getting a great letter because you didn’t ask for it in the appropriate manner. Recommendation letters at the High School of Economics & Finance are kept confidential. Teachers complete letters and deliver them to the Office of College Advisement. Office personnel then forward them directly to colleges upon student requests. This is done to ensure that the admissions officers value the feedback provided about each student in these letters.
Extracurricular Activities
What do you do? Most students have difficulty answering this question. Colleges generally look for students that offer a positive impact to a community. How can you do this? Get involved! Most students understand this and join programs, clubs, and activities. You must do something other than signing up. Becoming a member of an activity, club, or program is NOT enough. You must be involved. If you join something – DO something. It does not have to be at school either; it can be at a local community center or other activity by your home. Find something to do that you enjoy. That way you will be more likely to do it. Remember, you should be able to answer the questions, “What do you do?” and "Why do you do it?".
Essays and Personal Statements
As part of their application most colleges ask that you respond to a question or choose from a menu of prompts. The importance of the college essay cannot be stressed enough because this is often the first thing that admissions officers read about you that is not statistical or someone else’s opinion about you. This is the chance for your “voice” to be heard–where you can share passions, dreams, talents, stories, and most importantly, what makes you unique.
It is recommended that you spend a good amount of time developing your essay, starting in the summer of junior year. A well written essay is often what an admissions officer will remember most about an applicant, and can create an advocate for you in the office of admission. Many students spend hours – even days – thinking about what to write that they believe the admission office wants to hear. The truth is that they are not looking for anything in particular.
The essay gives admissions officers a window into your personal life. The general rule is to construct an essay that is passionate and unique; not a generic work that you think that it is what someone else wants to hear. Passion makes an essay interesting, memorable, and can show admissions just who it is that they may be bringing to campus.
Check with each institution to see essay prompts.
Related Link: Common Application Essay Prompts🔗
Related Link: Coalition Application for College Essay Prompts🔗
Demonstrated Interest and Other Factors (Supplemental)
Proving to a college that you are seriously attracted to that school is demonstrating interest. Most colleges state that an applicant’s interest has an impact in the decision making process. Attending college fairs, visiting the campus (some institutions even provide a campus visit grant in financial aid packages), contacting admission personnel, and applying early are all ways to demonstrate interest. Colleges may also request you to submit a copy of your résumé. Some even request or require an interview. Sometimes supplemental materials are “optional” or “recommended but not required”. You are advised to always submit optional supplemental materials. It gives you an extra chance to convince admissions or add your voice to an advocate’s argument that you should be accepted. Spend time with supplemental materials; they can really make a difference.
