The College Package

When April rolls around, the word package will mean more to a senior that ever thought possible. Colleges said rejection letters, but they send acceptance packages. Inside that thick envelope is usually a big folder filled with an acceptance letter, details on setting up an email account, and the all important financial aid package.
In the meantime, that is before April, it’s good to start thinking of the college application as a packet. Obviously, the form for the college must be filled out and complete, but that’s not the only thing a college receives. Included in a student’s file is the application, essays, test scores, letters of recommendations, and transcript, as well as other possibilities.
Within those few documents, any student has the chance to show himself off. Popular myth claims that only students with a 5.0 GPA can hope for admission, but that myth is slowly being debunked. The great college applicant will find ways to balance the file and show what he or she has to offer.
As senior year begins, I encourage everyone to take an honest look at his or her academic record. Is your transcript where you would like it? How are the SAT and AP scores? If the answer to those questions isn’t as desirable as you would hope, there is plenty to do.
At the beginning of the school year, sign up for more extra-curricular activities or work for a leadership position in those you’re a member of. Don’t just join anything, but find something you can commit to. That will bring a little more beef to your application. Either find two or three activities to be a part of, or find one great leadership position. Whatever you do, do it well. It will help your recommendation letters if you truly commit to the activity and bring yourself to it, not just show up.
For all students, the essay is important. If you do have the test scores and grades, talk about what made you get them. How did you manage this feat? What has it taught you? For students who are beefing up on extra-curricular activities, talk about them. What’s your favorite? Best experience? In your essay, bring attention to all the qualities that make you a student a university would want.
Think too about which teachers will provide recommendations. In high school, there’s probably one teacher who really got you. Ask them, at the beginning of the school year, for a letter. Chances are, they will illuminate your great qualities better than you could yourself. Also, when your counselor sends the transcript and recommendation, ask them to make any special circumstances. If your grades took a steep decline at one point because of surgery or personal issues, a college should know.
All in all, your goal is to provide a complete picture. Tell the college everything you possibly can about yourself in any way possible. That way, when they sit down to look at your file, the admissions council will feel a better connection to you and (hopefully) admit you. The decisions may seem like they come out of nowhere, but don’t let that stop you from giving them all the information you have.