The home stretch, what should I do to benefit me the most?

Applying to College
1

Well, as a rising senior, with only so much time before sending in the college applications, I was wondering what would be the best way to utilize the time I have now.

Do you guys think it would be essays and making sure your college application is perfect, or trying to boost the application with more EC’s and competitions (realize that I’m pretty sparse on the amount of awards I’ve recieved)? If it’s the latter, I was wondering if there are any upcoming competitions (preferrably math/science related) that you guys know off the top of your head occuring before deadlines.

Or would you suggest restudying for a SAT retake (score was 2280); I realize that the score is pretty alright for most schools, but am still wondering the amount of help that scoring a 2300+ would give. Anyways, I realize that I’m asking a lot, but any feedback to any of these questions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

2

<p>If you focus on ECs now, they’ll know you’re just doing it for application purposes. Focus on your grades and your essays. Don’t bother retaking the SAT I.</p>

3

<p>most definitely start thinking about your essays. it sounds like your pretty much ahead of the game right now, but like beginning said, don’t pack your resume with short-lived ECs. admissions officers are more concerned with dedication/commitment, not quantity. when your school starts, finalize your transcript (make sure there are no discrepancies).</p>

<p>if any of the colleges you are applying to require SAT IIs, sign up for those if you already haven’t taken them. and finally, RELAX!!!</p>

4

<p>First, I agree with beginning. The sad truth is there isn’t much you can do to change where you are at this late date. The most prestigious competitions will take lots of time and most won’t be awarded in time to make much difference in admissions. </p>

<p>But, here are some things you can do to boost your chances:</p>

<p>(1) Take a close look at every school on your list, including your safeties, and determine as near as you can, what they consider most important in an applicant. If you don’t know the answer, ask during interviews, read their websites for clues, email the admissions rep for your region of the country. Then, sit down and figure out what it is that you ALREADY have in your application that will convince them to choose you. If you can’t find anything, then you may be aiming too high with your list of schools.</p>

<p>(2) Figure out which teacher(s) will do the best job of telling your story in their recommendations. Help them (and your guidance counselor out) by preparing a package that includes a brief summary describing each school and the top one or two things you have uncovered that they will be focusing on, a short paragraph describing your various passions and activities with examples, and three, anything they don’t know about you but should. Give them PLENTY of time to write the recommendations and thank them for doing so before, during and after.</p>

<p>(3) Write a strong essay. Tell the one story that no one else but you can tell. If you don’t know what that story is, spend time figuring it out. Show the essay draft to no more than three people who know you WELL and ask them what “if you didn’t know me, what would your picture of me be after reading this essay?” Revise and polish as necessary but make sure the essay is in your voice, telling the story only you can tell.</p>

<p>(4) Prepare a resume that shows the EC’s you already have in the best light. </p>

<p>(5) Continue to get good grades and to work hard at whatever activities you’ve participated in in the past. If opportunities for contests or whatever arise, go ahead and try them, but don’t drive yourself crazy or waste valuable time pursuing them.</p>

<p>(6) Make sure your college list includes solid good bet schools that you would be happy to attend. Work just as hard on those applications as your dream schools.</p>

<p>(7) try not to stress too much. Chances are, if you’ve chosen your school list wisely, you’ll be just fine come spring.</p>

5

<p>wow</p>

<p>carolyn’s advice is impressive.</p>