College Bound: hints for getting into colleges

Techniques to get into college: Early planning

     In addition to working with high school counselors, there are some things students and parents can do to facilitate college applications. 

     Anne Martinez, a management consultant and now a community school volunteer, enjoys mentoring students. Martinez has a B.A. in Economics from Princeton University; and a M.B.A. from Stanford University.  She has served on the Great Falls School Board.  Presently, she is a board member of both the Great Falls Scholarship Foundation and the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation.  In the past, she has worked as a strategic planner for Davidson Companies.

     Martinez has had two children go through the process of applying to colleges and universities in 2010 and 2011. She has done alumni interviews for Princeton University for many years as part of their admission process and has met a lot of students over the years that she has helped.

     Martinez offers some insight to what you can do to get an early start on applications for college.

    1.  How do kids apply to colleges and universities today?

    The Common Application (commonapp.org.) is a free online undergraduate application used by over 400 colleges and universities.  The CA currently provides both online and print versions of its First-year and Transfer Applications. Teachers and counselors use this website as well.  It is an overwhelming process for parents.   Also, a good blog: New York Times: “The Choice,” offers a wealth of information about applying to college; from the financial aid to the required essays.  This is a good resource as experts chime in on the blog.  There are also independent educational consultants like Hughes Tutoring (www.hughes tutoring.com) located in Missoula, Montana.  

2.  What kind of help is available if you want to apply on your own?

     Parents of all high school students locally receive the VISIONS newsletter published twice a year.  College Bound also does a workshop every spring.

3.  When is a good time to start planning your path to applying to college?

     Early on, kids need to read, read, read, even quality magazines, like National Geographics.  Kids that are good readers, test well.

     Students need to start planning in middle school.  In the seventh and eighth grade, start taking honors classes.  If you do not start here, it is harder to jump on track later.  High schoolers need to plan over four years.  When planning their course of study in high school, students should consider taking AP (Advanced Placement) and/or dual credit classes.  Not only do colleges like to see that you have taken these rigorous, college level courses, but if you get a high enough score on the AP tests, you can also get academic credit or be placed in upper level courses putting you on track to graduate early.  Obviously, this can save you and your family money in the long run.   

     From sophomore year on, start practicing for the SAT (SAT Reasoning test, formerly the Scholastic Aptitude and Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (ACT.org, the organization responsible for the ACT Assessment College) tests.  Most colleges accept either the SAT or the ACT and you can take them as many times as you want, although it may be costly.  Some kids do much better on the SAT or the ACT, so take them both at the end of sophomore year or beginning of the junior year to see which one you do better on.  Definitely take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) the fall of sophomore year for practice.  Juniors take the PSAT to qualify for National Merit Scholarships.  The website: collegeboard.org has information on SAT testing.  And the new policy called “Score Choice: that allows students to see scores before sending them in.  You might take the test again to improve.  Then, send your highest scores from your test to the colleges to which you are applying.  Some colleges require two SAT subject tests.  Plan your testing schedule in advance and find out when and where these tests are given.  It is wise to take the SAT subject tests in the spring after completing the relevant class.

4.  How important is the high school transcript?

    This is what the admissions office looks at first. It is most important.  Consider: course load, class rank, leadership potential, essay and extracurricular activities.  Schools today are looking for what the individual student is passionate about. For example, if you like to write, volunteer to be part of the editorial staff of your high school newspaper.  Community service is important.  Use your summer effectively to volunteer.  If kids have to work full time in the summer, that shows a good work ethic.        

5.  How can a student strengthen their application?

     There is a lot of free testing on line from College Bound.  The vocabulary website: freerice.com.  donates ten grains of rice through the World Food Programme to help end hunger for each answer you get right. Subscribe to the SAT question of the day.  They will email it to you.  Another way to apply is for Early Decision or Early Action.  Early decision is binding and you have to apply by November 1 of your senior year, and commit (if accepted) by December 1.  Early Action defines your decision by early spring.  The advantage here is that the odds of getting into your school of choice are better.

6.  How important is the required essay?

     The essay is very important.  The earlier a college applicant starts drafting his or her essay, the more prepared they are. Pick something to write about that you are passionate about.  Have parents and teachers read this and get going early. This is the part of the application where students can demonstrate their interests and intellectual passion.  Take a look at the website:  commonapp.com. It refers to set of questions that schools want answered in your essay. Work on it during the summer between your junior and senior year.  Each college will also require supplemental essays of varying lengths.  Have your English teacher, parents, siblings and friends read your essay and give you feedback.

7.  Are recommendations still required for college applications?

     Yes.  Most schools require recommendations from two teachers, one counselor, and sometimes an optional recommend from someone the student personally knows well or has worked for.  Choose teachers who know you well and with whom you have a good relationship.  Give them a list or resume of your activities and awards and work experience.

8.  Is there financial aid available to most students?

     Financial aid is mostly need based, but generous.  People tend to underestimate their need.  It depends on many factors: assets, income, and the number of kids in your family in college.  FASA.org has the financial aid form.  All three Great Falls high schools hold FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in February, March and April for families who need help completing the FAFSA Form.  There are also many subsidized government loans available.  And, there are lots of scholarships to apply for.  Don’t be discouraged by the price tag.