The turnout was impressive, and the students were engaged, inquisitive, and proactive. For a glimpse into the conversation, picture this Q&A... (Cue harp music and faux fog)
Q: Coach D, What makes a good essay?
A: While it doesn't have to be a Pulitzer-prizewinning piece of literature, an essay should give an admissions officer a closer look at your interests, passions, background, and/or personality. Effort is key! Don't submit a laid-back, half-written paragraph that you threw together at the last minute. The worst essay I've ever read was only about five sentences long, and in those five sentences the word "cheesesteak" was mentioned fifteen times! True story, and it doesn't end well. Don't let it happen to you!
Q: How many recommendations should you submit?
A: Typically a college will ask for a counselor recommendation and one to two teacher recommendations. Some might ask for a peer recommendation. Many colleges will allow you to submit extra letters of reference, but you want to make sure you keep these to a reasonable number, say one or two, if you do decide to submit extra letters. I've seen admissions files with 20 to 30 extra letters that all say the same exact thing - "Suzie is a wonderful person, bright and motivated, and will be a terrific, wonderful, exceptional, yada yada yada student in your community." Not helpful. Keep it to a reasonable number.
Q: What if my school doesn't rank its students?
A: Then you are at a serious disadvantage...oops, I mean, it doesn't matter! Every high school is different, and each of them have their own system of grading and/or ranking their students. College admissions officers will evaluate you within the context of your school's own system. It wouldn't be fair to hold it against a student if their school chooses not to rank, or they do not weight their grades, or they don't even report grades! Colleges will love you just the same, so don't worry, be happy! Hmm, sounds like a song
These were only a few of the many questions students asked during the session. Our goal was to provide insight into the admissions committee process and to relieve some of the anxiety students generally feel as they prepare to apply to college. The key, as we mentioned, is being proactive and being your own self-advocate. Talk to admissions officers. Set appointments with your guidance counselor. Research colleges, visit, and interview. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Above all, realize that there is a college out there for everyone, and if you put the effort into the application process, you will undoubtedly find a good match.
-Coach Kirk Daulerio (SC College Counselor)
No comments:
Post a Comment