Understanding College Admissions

• Grades: Every year counts, starting with freshman year.

• GPA trends: Keep improving through every grade.

• Class rank: (if offered by your high school).

Personal statement and essay(s) demonstrating writing ability and self-expression. They are a great way to tell your story and share your personality. This also serves as a first impression so be sure that you check grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Volunteer work, employment, and internships are also up for consideration.

Volunteer work can demonstrate commitment to a cause or community. Often times college want to envision what role you would play on campus and what your passions are and your vounteer work can demonstrate those passions and commitments. For example, if you are a biology major interested in being pre-med, volunteering at a children's hospital or low-income community clinic can help strengthen your application and demonstrate your dedication to this path. Do not focus so much on the amount of hours rather highlight what you have done, why you do it, and what you have gotten out of it (skills, learned lessons, impact to your community/cause, etc.).

With employment, make sure that work is not affecting your grades. If you have to work in order to help support your family or yourself, it is a good idea to mention that perhaps in the additional information section of an application because that puts it into perspective why you may be putting time and energy here rather than in other areas. As with volunteer work, if your employment is related to the major you are pursuing or later career goals, it is good to mention that as well because it demonstrates dedication, drive, and passion. If it does not, it may still be helpful to highlight skills (leadership, teamwork, communication, etc.) you have learned in that job that make you a better student or individual the admissions committee would want on campus.

Resume

• • • Create a resume that highlights your interests and passions, while highlighting "quality of involvement" and leadership. It is best to have a resume that demonstraes devotion of time and attention to a few areas, rather than a variety of scattered activities.

"Demonstrated Interest"

• • • Going on a college visit and/or talking with admission officers can point to how much you want to attend. Applying early decision also demonstrates your interest.

Interview

• • • Whether the interview is with an admissions officer or alumni interviewer, be prepared and dress appropriately (it is always best to overdress, rather than underdress). Discuss why you are a good fit for the incoming class and the institution. This is also a great opportunity to get to know the college and ask any questions that you may have. Asking questions are another great way to demonstrate interest, though be sure not to ask questions that can easily be found online or in materials sent by the school, as that can point to a lack of interest/research into the school.