Hey seniors, before you turn in the last of your college applications and as you start hearing back, you may want to look at the following advice, compiled by your Features editors–starring our lovely guidance department, Assisant Principle Doug Arnold (a former admissions officer for Duke University) and local college adviser Cigus Vanni. Juniors, you may want to look at this as well if you want to get ahead in the college process. Or you can save it for when you actually care (and you will eventually, we promise). Freshmen and sophomores, just don’t look. Yet.
How honest should an essay be, and what sorts of things should students avoid talking about)?
Truly, no topic need be out of line if by the end of the essay one’s reader knows that any issues have been addressed, that wrongs have been righted, that foolish decisions have given way to wiser choices and that self-awareness has been gained.
- Cigus Vanni
Are there any easy tips to remember during interviews?
Interviews are not required at most schools. Make sure you have done your homework before you go into an interview. Don’t ask about a chemical engineering degree at a school that doesn’t offer any engineering programming! This is your chance to interview the school rather than have them interview you. Find out what they have to offer you as a student there.
– Mr. Arnold
What’s a good number of schools to apply to?
Well our official rule of thumb is around six schools. Try and have two reaches, two realistic and two backups.
- Ms. Hofmann
How much do essays influence admission?
It really depends on the school. For example, there are two extremes within our state. You have Penn State University, where they only compare your GPA to your SAT scores. They don’t care about essays at all. On the other end of the spectrum is a school like Muhlenberg where essays and recommendation letters matter a whole lot more.
-Ms. Rosen
How can students get off the wait list?
Make a pitch to the school that it remains one’s first choice–write back to the college immediately and reiterate that one wants to be included on wait list; provide another letter of recommendation on one’s behalf; send a copy of the final transcript (or at least some final grades when they become available); light candles. Do NOT stalk admissions officers or play the more-is-better game. —
-Cigus Vanni
Does everyone need to go to college?
Not everyone needs to go to a traditional college. If you aren’t sure about what you want to do, take a structured gap year and work or attend a fifth year program somewhere else. –
- Mr. Arnold
Other thoughts?
There are many paths to get to where you’re going.
-Ms. Serratore
Should students send supplemental materials (art, music, writing, etc)?
It depends on the school. For instance a school like Vassar loves it and has time to look at it but a school like Penn State won’t even glance at it.
-Ms.Serratore
