How can I get into a good college?

“How can I get into a good college?” It always makes me wonder if students think that I might recommend a “bad” college. How a student defines a “good” college, is often from the perception of the family or influential friends, and rarely on the specific post-college goals of the student. Frequently I have students aspiring to attend top tier colleges, when a small liberal arts college is a better fit for their career plans. Many times students apply to a college based on the success of the college football program, with no research on their chosen majors.


I am always willing to help students who aspire to attend a top tier school with suggestions for planning the high school career. It’s a daunting task, particularly when the preparation must begin early in high school, before most students understand the process. Schools like Stanford, Duke, Notre Dame, UCLA, Harvard, etc. could fill every seat with an AP laced transcript and an overloaded grade point average. Strong academics are a “given” expectation for a highly selective campus. High school students should enroll in the most challenging courses they can handle when planning for a top tier school. But a 4.0 grade point average won’t make you stand out when applying to a highly selective college.


“How do I stand out?” To be admitted to highly selective schools, students must be respected for more than just academics. To stand out among other highly qualified college applicants, candidates need to be respected leaders beyond their high school or home town. For most students, this isn’t easy. It will take initiative and a willingness to get outside of their comfort zones.


Seeking out leadership roles or creating them can get the attention of an admissions office, but the student should be truly interested in the organization or its cause on more than one level. Admissions officials are experts at gleaning mistruths and exaggerations regarding leadership, honors and activities. In the area of activities, it’s depth, rather than breadth that will impress. Students who are active in one or two areas at an intense level, will be more impressive than someone who claims membership in 20 clubs.


“What looks good on a college application?” Admissions officials regularly make statements like, “Find your passion – and follow it.”  I agree. Avoid activities based on what, “looks good on an application,” and instead choose your activities based on what “looks good on you.” This will give your college application depth, substance and showcase your strengths.


College admissions officials can spot a “resume’ builder” or a parent-driven application at first glance. A high school resume’ that looks too “adult” will work against you, not for you. Students often inquire about which school activities, clubs, sports, performing arts, community service or employment will impress a top tier admissions office. College admissions counselors value high school sports for leadership, teamwork and commitment. But clubs, performing arts, activities, service projects, jobs, etc. can offer the same depth of leadership and meaningful experience. All selective colleges will want to see evidence of a successful, significant, satisfying high school career on your application – not a blue print toward impressing their admissions office.

 
It is wise to begin thinking of lofty collegiate goals early in high school. But as you plan, don’t lose sight of why you are planning to go to college. A quality education is available at hundreds of colleges that do not have national rankings or NCAA Division I football programs. As selective college admission continues to increase in competition each year, it’s critical that everyone have a “back up plan” and apply to a college where they can meet their goals and are certain to be admitted. If you are one of the thousands of highly qualified students who are not admitted to your first choice, highly selective college, your academic life is not over; you can still achieve a respected undergraduate degree.


And if your heart belongs to a particular college football program, you can probably buy their sweatshirt at Target.