The Application
College Pathways will guide you step by step through the college application with confidence and assurance. Few documents will impact your life with the magnitude of the college application. It’s as simple as filling out a lineup card for a baseball game and as complicated as crafting an international peace treaty. This single document is your direct link to the admissions office; your opportunity to distinguish who you are among thousands of qualified applicants. A well executed application is an eloquent expression of a student’s intellect and passion. There are no “do overs” once you hit the submit button on your computer.
When to apply – Have you decided whether to apply Early Decision, Early Decision II, Early Action, Early Action II, Early Action Single Choice, or Regular Decision? Are you aware of the differences and the implications of each choice? Are you prioritized and organized? Are you keeping track of deadlines?
Test Scores – Some colleges are now requiring submission of SAT or ACT scores. The list includes: Cal Tech, Harvard, MIT, Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, University of Florida, Florida State, University of Georgia, University of Texas, Morehouse, and Purdue. The University of California and the Cal State University will not consider SAT or ACT scores. College Pathways can help you determine your test strategy and predict how a score might impact your admission.
Personal Statement – No longer regarded as simply “the essay”, the personal statement is your opportunity to emerge as a three dimensional person ready to make a contribution to the campus community and the world at large. There are no right or wrong answers; only your ability to communicate your uniqueness in a cogent statement that will act as your surrogate in the reader’s mind.
Letters of Recommendation – A strong letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor who knows your work and is familiar with your background can help create the personal portrait an admissions officer needs to get beyond the grades and scores.
Transcript – Your official record of academic achievement. Have you met the minimum requirements for the colleges you are applying to? Have you challenged yourself with a rigorous course selection at your high school and taken AP’s and IB’s whenever possible? If there are gaps or inconsistencies can you address them in another part of the application?
Interview – If given the opportunity to meet with an admissions officer or a representative from the college are you prepared? Do you know what to ask and how you might respond to their questions?
