A common question among college-bound high school students is, "What can I do to guarantee admission to a top ranked college?" The honest answer is, "Nothing."
There are no guarantees for students hoping for admission to highly selective schools. But there are some guidelines that can enhance their applications. Each year many impacted colleges turn away more applicants than they accept, and often students who are denied acceptance, met all the admission requirements and were well-qualified.
College admission is increasingly competitive and as result, many schools, public and private, are demanding more than minimal eligibility for admission. This often confuses both students and their parents as they try to figure out what it takes to be admitted to a specific college.
There are different testing requirements for different schools, such as the SAT Reasoning, SAT subject exams or ACT with or without writing. There are different grade point average minimums for not only different universities, but sometimes for different majors within those schools. Some colleges require students to be involved in activities, show evidence of leadership and community involvement. Many applications require essays. But regardless of what questions are posed, all college applications are designed to glean information that shows a student’s potential to succeed in the college classroom. The most important factor considered is the student’s academic preparation.
The academic course requirements are the same for both the University of California and California State University. Students must take college prep courses in English (four years), math (three years, and achieve a minimum of Algebra II), social studies (two years, including U.S. history), lab science (two years), foreign language (achieving a minimum of level II), visual and performing arts (one year required) plus an additional year of an approved elective. These subject area courses are what the CSU and UC refer to as the "A through G requirements." This A through G course requirement will usually meet or exceed most private colleges and out-of-state public schools as it demonstrates a student’s ability in all academic subjects.
A good way to bolster a college application is by enrolling in a tough academic senior year. At many high schools, the senior culture allows for students to take an abbreviated schedule for 12th grade, with a shortened day. This is the worst thing a college bound student can do if she is applying to an impacted college. Highly selective college admissions officials consider the senior year to be the best evidence of a student’s ability to do college level work. It’s not enough just to be accepted into a university, students will need to be able to thrive in the college level course work once they arrive.
College application is a daunting process that takes time, energy and planning as early as middle school. One of the most critical aspects of college admission is recognizing that being eligible for college, does not equal being admitted to universities with impacted majors or programs.
Students and parents can unravel some of the mystery by visiting a host of websites offered by various institutions. I recommend:
www.californiacolleges.edu, www.csumentor.edu, http://www.aiccu.edu/ 