Monday, January 08, 2007
How To Get Into College
Dear Guidance Guy,
I have my heart set on Madison University, but on the other hand, I'm only a freshman that only knows of a few schools in the country. Liberal Arts is definitely my interest. My older sister went to Madison, and we had a little talk about college. She started talking about how it isn't enough to get straight A's. People need to be the star of every sports team and perform more community service than a lifetime.
Now, obviously this was a bit exaggerated, but I got a little scared. I do get straight A's, but I didn't make a sports team this year, I don't do community service or volunteer, I am in only a couple of school extracurricular activities, but is it enough? What is it that colleges look for in students? If I'm interested in writing, is that what I should invest my working skills in, or should I lean to becoming well-rounded with experiences?
Thanks,
School Obsessed
*** *** ***
Dear School Obsessed,
I don't know which school you mean. Madison University could be James Madison University in Virginia or the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Either way, every college has a different standard they use to decide who gets accepted. The most common thing colleges look at is the courses you take, followed by the grades in those courses. If you want to attend a college that's difficult to get into and you aren't in college bound or acceleated (honors) classes, it probably isn't going to happen.
Next most important is the grades in those courses, followed by scores on college placement exams, such as the SAT or ACT. (For those of you outside the United States or Canada, this may be different.) College essays, activities and letters of recommendation can also be important if you're on the borderline of being accepted or they are really strong. In some cases these can make up for grades or SAT/ACT scores that aren't so hot. Again, this is different for each college. A good idea would be to look at the college's admissions website or talk to an admissions counselor from the college to get detailed information.
I suggest you pick up THE GUIDANCE GUY'S SO, YOU WANNA GO TO COLLEGE... for more information and help. It will answer some other questions, especially the one you have about writing. I'm a big believer in people following their passion and making the most of their gifts. If yours is writing, you definitely should invest the time and energy into making yourself the best writer you can be.
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
I have my heart set on Madison University, but on the other hand, I'm only a freshman that only knows of a few schools in the country. Liberal Arts is definitely my interest. My older sister went to Madison, and we had a little talk about college. She started talking about how it isn't enough to get straight A's. People need to be the star of every sports team and perform more community service than a lifetime.
Now, obviously this was a bit exaggerated, but I got a little scared. I do get straight A's, but I didn't make a sports team this year, I don't do community service or volunteer, I am in only a couple of school extracurricular activities, but is it enough? What is it that colleges look for in students? If I'm interested in writing, is that what I should invest my working skills in, or should I lean to becoming well-rounded with experiences?
Thanks,
School Obsessed
*** *** ***
Dear School Obsessed,
I don't know which school you mean. Madison University could be James Madison University in Virginia or the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Either way, every college has a different standard they use to decide who gets accepted. The most common thing colleges look at is the courses you take, followed by the grades in those courses. If you want to attend a college that's difficult to get into and you aren't in college bound or acceleated (honors) classes, it probably isn't going to happen.
Next most important is the grades in those courses, followed by scores on college placement exams, such as the SAT or ACT. (For those of you outside the United States or Canada, this may be different.) College essays, activities and letters of recommendation can also be important if you're on the borderline of being accepted or they are really strong. In some cases these can make up for grades or SAT/ACT scores that aren't so hot. Again, this is different for each college. A good idea would be to look at the college's admissions website or talk to an admissions counselor from the college to get detailed information.
I suggest you pick up THE GUIDANCE GUY'S SO, YOU WANNA GO TO COLLEGE... for more information and help. It will answer some other questions, especially the one you have about writing. I'm a big believer in people following their passion and making the most of their gifts. If yours is writing, you definitely should invest the time and energy into making yourself the best writer you can be.
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
# posted by Larry Hochman : 3:29 AM
