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Continue readingGetting Into College – Why It’s Easier Than You Might Think
The thought of getting into college can be daunting. The ACT or SAT exam is a big deal. Keeping your grades up is not easy, and writing an admissions essay that stands out is no simple task. But there are trends these days that are sure to make you feel more at ease about getting into college.
First of all, the number of college age students is declining in America.
This means competition for slots at top universities are easier than ever to fill.
Also, the number of higher education slots is higher than ever these days. Schools have more slots for students than ever before. In fact, the U.S. has an overcapacity in university slots. So outside of the universities that reject more applicants than they admit, competition for students to enroll is very keen. This, combined with the decline in student population, really works in your favor.
The average acceptance rate for college acceptance right now is 70%. Many schools have acceptance rates of 80% or more. Again, they have their slots to fill if they want to remain active and vibrant places of learning, and this works to your advantage.
It’s especially easy to get accepted into college if you’re a boy. More girls apply than boys, 57% to 43%, and colleges always look to keep their student gender ratios in check.
The bottom line is this:
Try not to be too intimidated by the thought of getting into college. If you are a serious student who is looking for the experience of higher education, then there is a college or university out there for you. The trick is to know how to choose the right group of schools to apply to. And to make your application the very best it can be.
The experts at Great College Advice can help you navigate the complex and intimidating process of getting into college. They have years of experience helping thousands of kids just like you get accepted to the school of their dreams. They are familiar with colleges and universities all over the country and the world, and the programs they offer that would be the best fit for you. Contact Great College Advice to find out how they can help you make the best decisions about getting into college. As well as to maximize your chances of getting accepted!
Is Your Kid Cut Out For College? Take this quiz:
Here are a few quick questions to ask yourself to help you decide is your kid cut out for college. Ready for the rigors of an independent academic life, and all the rewards and responsibilities that come along with it.
Do they get good grades?
A well-rounded student is involved in more than just academics. But the basis of a solid college career is solid academic achievement. Is your student ready to handle it?
Do they like to read?
Exercising the mind for fun is a sure sign of academic potential. Readers demonstrate an ability to self-motivate when it comes to learning and mental growth.
Do they like what they are learning in school (at least most of it)?
Do they ever talk positively about their academics? Recall stories of enjoying themselves in class. Do their teachers say they are active participants in class?
Are their ACT or SAT scores above the national average?
Moreover, this is not a necessity for acceptance into any college. But it’s a good indicator of your student’s readiness to move forward in their academic career.
Are they active in the community in some way?
Good grades are the foundation of a solid college application. But your student can really stand out as prepared for life on campus if they are actively making a difference outside the classroom.
Is their main after-school activity “relaxing with friends”?
Do they enjoy intellectual stimulation? Are they motivated by a sense of charity, community, or activities that require self-motivation?
Are they able to manage their own schedule (without help from you)?
College students have to work independently and to take responsibility for how they spend their time. So, you won’t always be there to remind about due dates and deadlines.
These are all good indicators of whether or not your student is cut out for college. However, if you answer ‘no’ to some of these questions, all is not lost. Because, much of what is required for success in college is teachable, and can be learned over time and with and increased maturity. So the best solution is to start your student early on a path toward academic and extracurricular success with encouragement toward positive activities. First, find out where academic subjects and community activities intersect with your student’s interests and nudge in those positive directions.
Is your kid cut out for college? The experts at Great College Advice can help you find the right academic program for your student, no matter their level of success or engagement.
Contact us to learn about our wide range of services and find out how we can help you get into a top college.
5 Misconceptions About How To Get Into College
1. I have to do community service.
Doing community service is a fine choice for extracurricular activity, if you enjoy it. It can be a satisfying and selfless way to contribute to society. But it is not necessary to have community service listed as an activity on your college application. You should put your extracurricular focus on areas you enjoy, where you are eager to make a difference. It is the impact of your efforts that will be looked upon positively by college admissions officers, not necessarily community service specifically.
2. I have to go to summer school.
What you need to do is excel as much as you are able in classes that are challenging. That is how you demonstrate to college admissions officers that you are able to handle the rigors of college academic life. Summer school by itself is a fine way to show academic talent. It is a great way to get ahead in your academic career. But is it necessary? No.
3. My grades are not that important.
Your grades are of utmost importance. College life is academic life. There are many aspects of college life outside of the classroom, but you are there to learn. In order for a college to want to accept you, you must demonstrate the ability to learn, to self-motivate, and to succeed in their academic environment. The only way to prove this to colleges is to get good grades.
4. I’ll get a scholarship.
Scholarships are reserved for the strongest performers who are applying to college programs. The chances of you getting a scholarship depends on your performance relative to the college to which you are applying. If you apply to several schools, then your chances of receiving a scholarship to any one of those colleges is entirely dependent on your strength as an applicant relative to each college.
5. I’ll pay for it somehow.
College tuition is more expensive than ever before, and student loan debt is a huge issue in the U.S., which affects many adults for years and even decades after their college days are over. You need to look at your future college education as a cost/benefit equation. Choose colleges and programs that you and your family can afford, and take advantage of any scholarships available in order to help you pay for your college education, and to protect your future.
Are there any other misconceptions you may have about getting into college? Let the experts at Great College Advice help you navigate the complicated and sometimes confusing world of college applications. We have several tiers of services we can provide that can fit any budget, and with our expertise in the areas of scholarships and other methods of financing your college education, your investment in Great College Advice could end up saving you money in your overall college education costs. Go to greatcollegeadvice.com to learn how we can help you.
7 Little Changes To Make Getting Into College Easier
Read the following tips about way you can change to better your chances of getting into college.
Read books
One of the things that sets successful students apart from those who are less successful is that they read for enjoyment. There’s no better way to expand your mind, your vocabulary and your outlook on life than to read books.
Talk to your teachers, about anything
Before and after class, show an interest in school, in the subject, the lesson, current events, anything at all. Your teachers are there to help you and they want to get to know you. You can learn a lot, and eventually you’ll know who you can ask for a letter of recommendation.
Get to know your guidance counsellor
It’s the job of your guidance councilor to help you make decisions about your direction in life. This includes the college application process. He or she has vast knowledge about applying to college, and lots of wisdom about life in general. Talking to your councilor will help you choose a good path, and be less stressed along the way.
Get your homework done right when you get home from school
The old adage, “work before play” really applies here. Don’t procrastinate. Give yourself the maximum time and attention that your schoolwork requires. And do it while it’s fresh in your head, and before you’re too tired to do quality work.
Consume quality media
It can be enticing to spend time watching cute puppies or fail videos, but just remember that these things give you nothing beyond entertainment value. Watch a TED talk. Read an interesting news article or watch a video about current events. It’s all part of your learning process, and you will still enjoy yourself.
Confine your social media time to 30 minutes a day
We’ve all fallen down the rabbit hole of social media, but try not to waste too much time on these things. Set an alarm if you have to. Time is precious, and if you are going to be productive and successful, you need to focus when necessary, and participate in real life!
Worry less and have more fun
Everyone considering college wants to get accepted to the college of their choice. And the stress of achieving that can overwhelm you if you let it. Yes, you need to do your best in academics, but if you can relax a bit and spend time doing things you enjoy, you’ll be happier, more relaxed, and have a more well-rounded college application.
Have questions about changes you can make to help you get into college?
Let the experts at Great College Advice help you. Contact us to learn about our wide range of services and find out how we can help you get into a top college.
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