While the college admissions process can be quite empowering (just think – you have the chance to show your stuff!), it can be overwhelming if you don’t know how to make your app’ stand out as a shining star.
How can you create a killer college app? What makes your essay outstanding? In short, how do you earn admissions "face time" and get noticed? We check in with key players to share the scoop on putting your best face forward.
A Sizzlin’ Personal Statement
According to Michael London, co-author of "The New Rules of College Admissions: Ten Former Admissions Officers Reveal What It Takes To Get Into College" (Fireside, 2006), it’s important to keep it real.
"Be authentic," London advises. "This is not the time to lie. Present yourself truthfully and realistically – write for yourself first and admissions officers second." Essentially, he notes it’s important to write in your own voice, which means just that: Avoid the temptation of busting out the thesaurus or having your English teacher make "suggestions."
After all, your record will not speak for itself – you have to make your essay speak for you. What you can do, notes London, is start writing it early (translation: way before the deadline), be direct and concise, and avoid listing glowing adjectives. Instead, use anecdotes and examples from your life to show readers who you are.
Katy Johnstone, a freshman at Sweet Briar College (Sweet Briar, VA), agrees. "If you have a funny anecdote you think would be a good addition to your statement, use it. At the same time, don’t try to force sentimental stories if they don’t flow naturally," she warns. "That will make it cheesy!"
If appropriate, Katy also recommends mentioning activities and interests that fall outside the academic realm, such as singing with a church choir, volunteering as a big sister to underprivileged girls, or exploring an unusual hobby or family adventure. "Basically, the point is to let the college get to know you as a person, not just a student."
Katherine Cohen, Ph.D., founder and CEO of IvyWise, an educational consulting company, emphasizes the importance of making the personal statement your own. "Your personality should shine through," she recommends. "Don’t over-edit it; in many ways the personal statement brings the application to life."
As for things to avoid, she recommends not writing about things which admissions officers can find out by reading your application. In other words, don’t repeat yourself. "Give them a sense of why you applied so they can see how passionate you are about learning."
Rad Recommendations
In addition to the personal statement, letters of recommendation are important, too. Dr. Cohen explains it’s not just about what you’ve done your senior year; instead, your teachers and guidance counselor should reflect upon your high school experience as a whole.
How have you made an impact on the classroom, how passionate are you about learning, and what kind of impact have you made in your community (maybe you’ve coordinated an annual book drive, or you’re a star in the school play)? Essentially, do you contribute to the classroom in a meaningful way? "It’s not about getting an A. It’s about how you get the A," she says.
Campus Interviewing 101
As for the significance of literally putting in face time on a campus interview with admissions officers, that depends. Some schools don’t weigh it heavily in the decision-making process, but for small schools like Sweet Briar College, they pride themselves on connections made during the one-on-one process. Dean of Admissions Ken Huus notes it’s important to initiate a personal conversation with an admissions counselor, faculty member, or area alumnus.
"Make those connections yourself. This is your process; own it," he advises. "Don’t ask your parents to set up your visit to campus. Considering a lot of parents call our office on behalf of their daughter [Sweet Briar is a women’s college], when a student calls, it makes a distinct impression when she wants her own questions answered."
Bob Herr, director of admissions at Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ), also recommends a campus interview. "Remember that admissions officers will read and evaluate your application, so making a positive, lasting impression can go a long way." Plus, he suggests speaking with admissions officers when they visit your high school or if you attend a local college fair.
Common Pitfalls
While it’s important to focus on ways to shine during the process, there are some ways you don’t want to get noticed. First of all, definitely meet the deadline, advises Stephen Kramer, co-author of "The New Rules of College Admissions" (Fireside, 2006). Actually, he recommends creating a chart listing each school to which you are applying, and indicate the official deadlines.
Kramer’s main tip? "Start early and stay on top of things." Not following directions is another big no-no, so be sure to read the application from start to finish before you begin. "Answer all questions and put information in the place it belongs," says Kramer. "If an application asks you to answer in the space provided, then answer in the space provided."
Katy emphasizes the importance of proofreading. "Make sure you don’t have any typos or grammatical errors," she advises. "Spell-check does not catch everything, and nothing looks worse to the admissions staff than a student who doesn’t take time to proofread."
Mike Donahue, Ph.D., and director of admissions at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (Columbus, IN), simply states, "submit your application before the deadline, be thorough, and be accurate."
Go Get ’Em!
Dennis Craig, vice president for admissions and associate provost of enrollment (Purchase College, State University of New York, Purchase, NY), explains, "The college application should be a reflection of an individual’s intelligence, talent, passion, and characteristics of persistence." So, don’t be afraid to let yourself shine and keep in mind this is indeed an exciting time!
As Katy reminds us, "Be excited about the college where you’ll get accepted, and realize that ultimately it’s not the college that will make you successful – it’s what you put into your college experience that will."
