CC Bootcamp: Understand the Admissions Process - Live Session w/ Ivy League Potential on Aug 19 at 7pm ET

[CC_Sorin]

@CCBootcamp_Aug2024, we are now opening up the live AMA. Make sure to ask @IvyLeaguePotential your questions by commenting below!

[IvyLeaguePotential]

@nwflow

Some universities do have cut-off scores, but most of the universities who engage in holistic evaluations do not have strict bars with grades and test scores. Instead, they give the students a rating on a scale and then continue to review the entire application. This way they look at their activities, test scores, and grades in the context of what opportunities the student was presented with by their school and family and how they best took advantage of those opportunities.

[blueduck05]

I thought it so too… and was waiting for the link.

[IvyLeaguePotential]

@Smithmiffy

As an international student, please see the resources available at this website: https://educationusa.state.gov/

They can answer more specific questions about the kinds of scholarships and exchange program opportunities available for international students where you live.

[CC_Sorin]

@blueduck05, this is a written AMA session. You can ask your questions by commenting below.

[IvyLeaguePotential]

@Sbbass

To answer this essay question, we recommend that students write about any research or passion projects they’ve done in their intended field of study.

Then at the very end of this essay, they can also talk about professors at the university whom they want to study with or programs at the university they’re interested in that relate to their intended field of study.

[nwflow]

I’ve seen in other forums people talked about the “hook” in student’s application. What does that mean? What’s the importance of the “hook”?

[IvyLeaguePotential]

@Sbbass

I believe you’re talking about the personal statement. Admissions officers are looking to see if this student will be “a good roommate”.

We have an essay strategy we use with our students called “head, heart, and hands”.

The personal statement ideally showcases the student’s unique life and challenges in a positively inspiring way.

Of course, the specific essay topic all depends on the student’s background, activities, and life experience. If it’s possible to highlight the student’s leadership experience in a personal statement, that’s even better.

Hope this helps!

[IvyLeaguePotential]

@Sbbass

I would list it under the Awards section in the common app. You will likely also have an activity called “Girl Scouts” and in the description box you can talk about achieving the Gold Award, which is impressive. That way you have highlighted the award twice. You definitely want to draw attention to all your awards and highlight that, since admissions officers are often reading the application quickly and may miss something unless it’s listed in more than one place.

[CC_Sorin]

@IvyLeaguePotential, as a former Harvard admissions interviewer, do you want to maybe talk more about interviews as that part of the application will not have its own session in this Bootcamp? What advice would you give students on how to ace their interview? Also, what are some common interview mistakes to avoid?

[CC_Sorin]

@EmperorStartiger, you can ask your questions by commenting below.

[IvyLeaguePotential]

@Sbbass

This is a tough question to answer without knowing you and your situation in more detail. Generally, we do not recommend applying to a school Early Decision if you have not visited the school or if you need to make your final decision based on financial aid letters.

[IvyLeaguePotential]

@nwflow

The “hook” is the area in a student’s life where they have excelled. It can be academic, athletic, musical artistic, etc. Highlighting your area(s) of excellence and showcasing the depth of your commitment to an activity is the #1 strategy for standing out in college applications.

It’s a balancing act if you have more than one hook, because you don’t want to err on either side. The first error students make is to present themselves as “jack of all trades, master of none.” The second error students make is to present themselves as having “tunnel vision”.

[IvyLeaguePotential]

@CC_Sorin

The interview is a great way to put a face to your application. Not all colleges offer them, but if they do, then you should take advantage of the opportunity. It’s good to be proactive in this area. Some colleges offer interviews, but they may contact you to set one up. Other colleges may have an online scheduling option on their website or portal, so it’s up to you to setup the interview. Some are offered in-person and others online. Be sure to do some online research on the person who will be interviewing you to see if you can learn a little bit about them and see if you have any areas of common interest. In the interview itself, remember to highlight your accomplishments and keep it informal and conversational!

[IvyLeaguePotential]

Thanks for the great questions! I enjoyed our AMA and look forward to being of service in the future.

[CC_Sorin]

We are now at time so we’ll be wrapping up this session. THANK YOU @IvyLeaguePotential for the detailed overview of the college admissions process and for answering our questions. We look forward to the session on Thu, Aug 22 @ 7pm ET to talk about how to create a stellar college list.

If you have not done so yet, make sure to register for our CC Bootcamp!