How to Get into College

In a world where the standards for being accepted to colleges are higher than ever, students are being forced to start creating a game plan years before they ever send in an application. Taking numerous Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, participating in numerous extra curricular activities, playing on sports teams, and holding jobs all have become almost vital for a student to be accepted into the college or university of their choice. However, as a high school graduate of the class of 2007, I can safely say that no matter how great your resume is, no one is guaranteed placement at any school.

In order to help high school students deal with the pressures of applying to and being accepted (and rejected) from colleges, I have created a list of the advice that would have saved me time, energy, and emotional pain if someone had passed along such valuable information to me earlier.

1. Don't ever think that you have a guaranteed "in" at any school.

Just because your GPA exceeds the average GPA listed on your school of choice's website, it does not mean that you will gain automatic acceptance into the school. Just because your parents attended a school, it does not mean that you will gain automatic acceptance into the school. And just because you know a kid with no extra curricular activities, low SAT scores, and no volunteer hours, it does not mean that you will gain automatic acceptance. The single biggest disservice a college applicant can do for themselves is think that they will make it into a certain school. When a rejection letter comes in the mail, reality will hit hard. The applicant will have to explain that they, in fact, were not good enough to get into their "safety" school. They will feel inadequate, and will lose self confidence. It is great to think that you are a strong applicant; but believing you are so good that the school will absolutely accept you is a death trap.

2. Never say never.

I'll be the first to admit that I was rejected from my first choice school. I was a strong applicant, so I was understandably disappointed when I received my rejection letter in the mail. I am now preparing to attend a college that at one time I scoffed at. Most of my friends will agree that, as you begin to mail out your college applications, you truly have no idea where you will end up. It is important to apply to more than one school; however, do not send out applications to every school you have ever heard of. While that method may bring you many acceptances, it will also be a waste of money. Only apply to schools that you can see yourself at; they don't have to be your dream school, but they should have something to offer you. It is important to be open minded about schools; just because a school is a bit expensive, is in a location you may not be crazy about, or has a certain reputation, it does not mean that you should not apply. It will take time, but research many schools. You will be spending four years (or more) at college, so you want to make sure that you will be happy with your choice.

3. Your schedule should show who you are.

While it is important to take advanced level classes to show that you are a strong student, you don't want to give yourself a miserable schedule. If you love history classes, then taking an AP United States History class is a great idea; however, a student who hates science will regret a choice to spend a year in AP Biology. There are two reasons why you should create your schedule based on your interests: the first is that you will be miserable with classes that you dislike. This will cause you to dislike school, which can eventually lead to a drop in grades. The second is that if you are applying to be a history major at your college, they won't care how many AP science classes you have taken. They will be interested in the history and social science classes. A college should be able to see what you are passionate about by looking at your transcript.

4. Get Involved!

A 4.0 GPA is great, but without other activities, your college will assume that you don't have a life. The most important thing when choosing other activities to take part in is to pick something you love, and to stick with it. Being a four year member. as well as the president,of your school's debate team will be more impressive than attending one Student Government Association meeting in the span of your four years in high school. If you pick something you really care about, becoming an active member will not be difficult. Become active will lead to many things that can help your resume, such as awards, officer positions, and volunteer hours.

The path to college will take you in directions that you never though you would go. If you do what you love and have an open mind, the process of applying to college can be a great experience.