My 3 Tips: How to stand out in the college application process

Thousands of applications pass through the doors of college admissions every year. High School seniors all compete not only for admission, but also for the opportunity to stand out for top scholarships. The problem that I've come across in my three years working in admission is that many seniors don't know where to start or what to do. So, I've decided to share my three application tips. These are tips that will help you stand out for both admission and scholarship opportunities. In my job, my goal is to help guide students and families through the college admission process, and let's face it, scholarships are a very essential part of any student's final college decision. Here are my tips...

1. Think letters of recommendation. 1-3 are pretty standard - any more than this can be overwhelming and unnecessary (unless a school requires more). These can be from teachers, mentors, coaches, pastors, employers, etc. Think about your major and the school you are applying to - this will help you decide who the right people are to ask.

2. Focus on your admission essay/personal statement. This is your time to shine in your application. Tell the college/university who you are, why you want to go to college, why you want to pursue a certain major, etc. Your essay allows you to stand out beyond the fill-in-the-blanks of your application.

3. A resume/list of your accomplishments/extracurricular activities. This is your time to BRAG about yourself. Share everything that you've done - from camp counselor jobs, volunteer work, athletics, clubs, church work, etc. Explain your role or activity, how long you've been involved in each activity and if you've held any leadership roles. Steer clear of using acronyms for various clubs/organizations you've been involved in, because chances are, the person reading your application may not know what BPA stands for (for example).

*My bonus application tip: apply to schools EARLY. (Apply to Valpo by Nov 1st!). Often times schools will have early application dates that allow admitted students to be considered for top scholarships, such as full tuition scholarships. Be sure to ask the schools you are considering if they have an early action application deadline or early decision application deadline. Also note that if you apply to a school with an early decision deadline, it is most likely that you will be committing to that school if you are admitted. *See my article in Next Step Magazine for more information about this. http://www.nextstepmagazine.com/nextstep/articlePage1.aspx?artId=3236&categoryId=54




*Please note that my tips do not guarantee admission or scholarships, but I believe you will find them helpful in your college admission search/process.

Moving forward with your college decision...

It's after May 1st. Have you made your final college decision yet? I know the pressure's on and it's a very big, important decision to make, but bare with the colleges that continue to contact you about this.

Over the course of this academic year, high school seniors have considered, applied to and visited many colleges/universities. During the college admission process students invested a lot of interest, energy and thought in their college selection; while colleges have also invested a lot of interest in each student (some maybe more than others).

Everyone is aware that May 1st brings both cancels and deposits. While every Admission Counselor enjoys hearing that Susie, a student that they've worked with since she was a Junior, has made her final decision to attend their university, it's also hard to "lose" those students. To some of you, that admissions person on the other end of the phone or signature at the end of letters is just some stranger in the pile of college brochures and paperwork spread out on your family's kitchen table, but please know that a sincere interest has been taken in you.

I always advise my students to keep me posted on their college plans - whether it's to attend Valpo or not. It's important and courteous for students to inform all of the colleges they've applied to, to inform them of their final college decision. Many schools will ask the difficult and sometimes awkward question of WHY you've chosen to attend _______ University. Please know that we are not asking that question to make you feel uncomfortable or to try to change your mind...we are simply asking that to make improvements for future students and for our university.

My advice to you as you make this big decision...inform all colleges you've considered of your college plans, tell them WHY you've chosen _________ University and thank them for all their help. This will allow everyone to move forward.

I wish all seniors the best of luck!