Here’s the answer:

Easy. Grades. Hands down.

Why is that? Well, the answer is pretty simple, really.  Schools like to admit people who perform well at school. Certainly, it’s nice to be an all-conference left fielder or volunteer hundreds of hours at your favorite non-profit. And colleges will be happy if you want to bring those talents with you to their school. But not unless you have the GPA and academic rigor to do well in the classroom. Grades are more important than your extracurricular activities.

Many students, however, would prefer to believe that the grades on their transcript don’t matter much. After all, we have all read or heard second-hand stories that being involved in many activities can sway an admissions office decision.

But the point is this: grades are the measure of your work in school. They are the assessments of your academic performance. And they are recorded and presented to college admissions offices on your transcript. 

The Importance of Your High School Transcript

The number one most important element of your college application is your transcript. The transcript is the record of your academic performance. It gives information about the rigor of your courses (e.g., honors, college prep, remedial, Advanced Placement, etc.), as well as your performance (your grades in those classes). You have a GPA that is a mathematical representation of your performance through high school. And this GPA is used to compare your performance with other students at your school. They will recalculate your GPA to standardize across applicants, focusing on your real GPA.

College admissions officers read and re-read your transcript. They will focus on your primary academic subjects, including math, English, science, social studies, and world languages. They will pay much less attention to your grades in your “extracurricular pursuits done while in school,” including music, theater, business, art, debate, and sports conditioning.

These subjects are academically light-weight. Your grades in these subjects may say more about your dedication than they do about your talent. I mean, it’s nice to have good grades in these “extracurricular” subjects, because they demonstrate you are responsible and that you have a decent work ethic. 

School Is School (Not an Extended Holiday)

But again, a college is a “school,” not a Fun-Zone (okay, okay, college can be fun, but the real work of the college is done in the classroom). Colleges want to know whether you can analyze literature, perform a chemistry experiment, identify the causes of the Vietnam War, or solve difficult geometry problems. So they will focus on your grades in the core academic subjects. 

Admissions officers may also likely recalculate your grade point averages. They will probably strip the extra little points you may get for honors or AP or IB courses. They do this so that they can really compare your performance against others in the same class in the same school.

The fact you got a B in that AP US History course but that you got a “bump” in your GPA to make it “equal” an A does not wipe away the incontrovertible fact that you did not get an A in AP US History. College admissions officers are well aware of the shenanigans high schools engage in to reward students for taking hard courses.

So your high school transcript is more important than just about everything in the admissions process.  

But there are some other things that are also super-important–more so than your extracurricular achievements.

Standardized Test Scores

The other academic factor is your test score on the ACT or SAT. While these scores are not really a measure of your intelligence or your classroom abilities, they are measures of how well you understand English and basic mathematical computation. These fundamental academic skills are important if you are to succeed in college. The colleges that require these scores are giving you a chance to show off those skills.

Now much has been said about the diminishing importance of standardized tests in the admissions process. Many colleges and universities remain “test-optional” after first doing so in 2020. But, some elite . Here is the most updated list from the College Board, which includes MIT, Dartmouth, Harvard, Brown, Cornell, and others.

But even if colleges remain test-optional, you should still attempt the test. A strong test score is another academic feather in your cap that demonstrates your prowess in the classroom. It is an imperfect measure of your intellectual gifts, but it certainly gives college admissions officers some solid information about your basic mathematical and English communication skills–not to mention your ability to do well on standardized tests!

What’s more, a good test score might help you score some merit scholarship dollars at your preferred college (assuming that your preferred college awards merit-based scholarships…many of the most selective colleges do not). 

Teacher Recommendations

Other academic factors also enter the mix at most colleges. The first is your teacher recommendations. Not all colleges require them, but certainly, the more selective ones generally do. These recommendations do not focus on all your extracurricular achievements—but on your curricular ones.

Your teacher knows very well how you do in the classroom, whether your assignments show sophistication and your tests indicate mastery of the material. For more about getting great letters of recommendation for college, see this post.

Extracurricular Achievements

Once admission officers have considered these academic factors, they will turn to your extracurricular achievements. These activities can show dedication, perseverance, and distinctive talents, and often provide a platform for developing leadership abilities. So extracurricular accomplishments are definitely important. Every admissions office wants to fill their class with hard-driving, creative, and interesting people who are willing to make their college a better place.

But they won’t just skip over your poor academic performance and let you in because you can run fast and debate with the best of them. They may admire your creativity, but if you can’t demonstrate that you can hack the algebra and the five-paragraph essay, you won’t get in. The fact remains that grades are more important than your extracurricular activities.

Summary: Which is More Important — Grades or Extracurricular Activities?

If you haven’t figured it out before, there is a clear answer to this question: grades. Extracurricular activities can be important, not only for college admission but for giving you fun and interesting experiences throughout high school. And beyond.

But in the college admissions process, your grades are far and away more important. If you don’t have the grades, no amount of extracurricular achievement can make up for your inability to perform well in school.

So if you want to go to college, go study!

Need help with the college admissions process?

The expert admissions counselors at Great College Advice can help with high school course selection to balance rigor with GPA. We also provide assistance in developing your extracurricular activities along with researching colleges, essay support and overseeing the college application process.

Contact us today for your complimentary consultation.

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.  

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With nearly 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other. 

The post Which Is More Important — Grades or Extracurricular Activities? first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

High School Grades and Course Rigor Matter the Most in College Admissions

The most recent National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) State of College Admission Report updated its four-year college members’ survey of the Factors in the Admission Decision. Admissions officers mark each individual factor (grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.) as either Considerable Importance, Moderate Importance, Limited Importance, or No Importance in regard to how they are used in determining whether to accept a student.  

Source: NACAC, State of College Admission Report 2023. 

As shown above, the factors receiving the highest ‘considerable importance’ percentage were related to grades and course rigor with approximately ¾ of college admission officer respondents marking them as such.  

Why are grades the most important factor in college admissions?  

Well, the answer is pretty simple, really. Schools like to admit people who are good at school. Certainly, it’s nice to be a great center fielder, to have led your Model UN team to a regional title, or to be the lead in your high school musical. And colleges will be happy if you want to bring those talents with you to their school but not unless you can succeed in the classroom. The point is this: grades are the measure of your work in school. They are the assessments of your academic performance. And they are recorded and presented to college admissions officers on your transcript. 

The Importance of Your High School Transcript in College Admissions 

The number one most important element of your college application is your transcript. The transcript is the record of your academic performance. It gives information about the rigor of your courses (e.g., honors, college prep, remedial, Advanced Placement, etc.), as well as your performance (your grades in those classes). You have a GPA that is a mathematical representation of your performance through high school. And this GPA is used to compare your performance with other students at your school. 

College admissions officers read and re-read your transcript. They will focus on your primary academic subjects, including math, English, science, social studies, and world languages. Colleges want to know whether you can analyze literature, perform a chemistry experiment, identify the causes of the Vietnam War, or solve difficult geometry problems. So they will focus on your grades in the core academic subjects. They will pay much less attention to your grades in your “extracurricular pursuits done while in school,” including music, theater, business, art, debate, and athletics. 

Even though your high school grades and course rigor are clearly the most important factor in college admissions, there are other factors that are also analyzed in the admissions process.  

Teacher Recommendations 

Other academic factors also enter the mix at most colleges. The first is your teacher recommendations. Not all colleges require them, but certainly, the more selective ones generally do. These recommendations do not focus on all your extracurricular achievements—but on your curricular ones. Your teacher knows very well how you do in the classroom, whether your assignments show sophistication and your tests indicate mastery of the material.  

As evidenced in the NACAC survey, with 11% indicating teacher recommendations are a considerably important factor and 40.5% moderate importance, teacher recs are an important element for college admission that build on your grades and course rigor. 

[For more about getting great letters of recommendation for college, see this post.] 

The College Essay(s) 

The Common App personal essay as well as supplemental essays remain an important part of a holistic college application review, with over 56% of colleges surveyed indicating it was given considerable or moderate importance. The roughly 20% of schools deeming essays of considerable importance has remained consistent over the last decade based on previous NACAC surveys. As we point out here, a well-crafted college essay can present admissions officers another side of you not seen in your high school transcript.   

Extracurricular Activities 

Extracurricular achievements can show dedication, perseverance, and distinctive talents, and often provide a platform for developing leadership abilities. So extracurricular accomplishments are definitely important. This is confirmed by the NACAC data, where even though only 6.5% of schools view extracurriculars with ‘considerable importance’, 44% weigh extracurriculars with ‘moderate importance’. Every admissions office wants to populate their campus with hard-driving, creative, and interesting people who are willing to make their college a better place.

But, as noted with extracurriculars being moderate and not considerable importance, admission officers won’t just skip over your poor academic performance and let you in based on how you have stayed busy outside the classroom. They may admire your creativity, but if you can’t demonstrate that you can hack the algebra and the five-paragraph essay, you won’t be admitted.  

What About Standardized Test Scores? 

The other academic factor is your test score on the ACT or SAT. Some elite universities that tend to dominate the college admission headlines have returned to requiring test scores in recent years, including MIT, Dartmouth, Harvard, and Yale. In addition, some public colleges in certain states (Florida comes to mind) require test scores. There will likely be more in the years to come but test-optional at many colleges is here to stay. 

The NACAC survey points to just how much standardized tests have declined in importance over the years. Heading into the 2024 admissions cycle, only 5% of colleges surveyed placed ‘considerable importance’ on test scores compared to around 50% pre-COVID. 

But even if colleges remain test-optional, you should still attempt the test. A strong test score is another academic feather in your cap that demonstrates your prowess in the classroom. It is an imperfect measure of your intellectual gifts, but it certainly gives college admissions officers some solid information about your basic mathematical and English communication skills–not to mention your ability to do well on standardized tests! 

What’s more, a good test score might help you score some merit scholarship dollars at your preferred college (assuming that your preferred college awards merit-based scholarships…many of the most selective colleges do not). 

Study Hard and Challenge Yourself 

In the college admissions process, your grades and course rigor are far and away more important than the other factors looked at by admissions officers. Of course, also give yourself the opportunity to excel outside the classroom in activities that you enjoy. Find that balance where admissions officers can not only see that you will be able to do the work in college but also contribute and make a difference on campus.  

If you need assistance in the college admissions process, please contact us for a complimentary consultation. At Great College Advice, we provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun.

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With nearly 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other.

The post High School Grades and Course Rigor in Admissions first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

However, at Great College Advice, after helping thousands of kids over the years, we have seen first-hand that not all volunteer work will help on your college application. Keep reading to find out if volunteering will give you a helpful boost on your college application, or if it would be better for you to put your focus on other aspects of the application.

When does volunteering look good in college admissions?

• When it is clearly meaningful and exciting to you;
• When you show commitment;
• When you are able to take a leadership role;
• When you’re able to solve problems and make an impact;

How important is volunteer work on a college application?

We get this question all the time, and, like so much else in the college application process, the answer is simple: it depends!

Colleges want students who are mature, responsible, curious, empathetic, and engaged with the world around them. Volunteering can be a great way to develop those characteristics and to showcase them on your college application. If you can do volunteer work that you find meaningful and exciting, that will certainly help you show on your college application that you are precisely the type of student colleges want on their campus.

That being said, colleges can tell if you are just doing volunteer work because you think it will look good on your college application. If that is the case, your college application will probably stand out more if you put your efforts towards something you feel more passionate about.

Does volunteer work matter for college admissions? Or are colleges looking for something else?

The fact is that colleges do not require volunteer work or community service. They are not asking their applicants to “tick boxes” or follow particular check lists.  They are not looking for a particular number of volunteer hours.

The fact is, it’s not about the particular activity (e.g., sports, the arts, research, internships, paid work, or volunteer work).  It’s about why you do it and how well you do it.

Rather, a commitment to volunteer work can demonstrate a couple of different things.

• First, it is a testament to your desire to give back to your community.  A sustained and loyal commitment to a particular organization that fulfills a particular mission speaks volumes about what you think is important as a human being.  If you are volunteering to benefit your fellow humans–no matter in what capacity–you are signaling the sort of person you will be in the future:  someone who puts service to the community high on the list of your personal commitments.
• Second, this commitment to volunteerism and service can be a way to demonstrate your impact. The more you dedicate your time an enterprise of any sort, the more the possibility exists for you to move that enterprise in a positive direction.  By putting your energies, talents, and time into solving problems, making a difference, and enhancing the lives of others, you can show that you are not just marking time in order to rack up hours to “look good” on your college application.  Rather, you are diving into this volunteer endeavor headfirst in order to have a positive, measurable impact.

College admissions officers like both of these things. They like to see how you spend your time, and time spent in the service of others says a lot about the person. However, this concept of impact or achievement is even more important:  volunteer work can attest to your tenacity, perseverance, loyalty, and creativity.  And often, it’s a way for you to demonstrate leadership.

What colleges look for in volunteer work

Remember: when colleges look at your application, they’re trying to figure out what kind of contributions you will make to their campus. Are you the type of student who will do the minimum to scrape by and graduate? Or are you going to be someone bringing passion, energy, commitment, leadership, and a fresh perspective to campus? Of course, you want to use your college application to demonstrate that you will be that second type of student! And your volunteer work is one opportunity to do that.

• The cause or organization you’re volunteering with is a lot less important than the way you approach your volunteer work.
• Volunteer in a way that allows you to showcase that you are a committed, passionate, curious, generous leader. This means trying to commit to one or two organizations or types of volunteer work over the course of your four years in high school, rather than flitting from one opportunity to the next.
• It also means looking for ways to incorporate leadership and creativity into your volunteer work. Rather than simply showing up for a volunteer shift somewhere and doing as you’re told, see if you can propose your own volunteer projects and see them through.
• This could mean starting your own nonprofit organization or going out and interacting with your community on your own, but it doesn’t have to be independent, either. Get to know an organization you like or one that you’re already a part of. Approach the volunteer coordinator with your idea and ask if it would be helpful and welcome at that organization.

If you find yourself doing the bare minimum at your volunteer hours just so you can list them on your Common Application, something is not right. It may be time to look for a new volunteer opportunity or consider if your time would be better spent pursuing other extracurricular activities. At the end of the day, volunteering is a way to give back while nurturing your sense of curiosity and engagement with your community. Find something that you feel excited about, and you can’t go wrong!

How many volunteer hours do you need for college admission?

In order for volunteer work to help on your college application, it should be substantive. Aim for somewhere between 50 and 200 volunteer hours over the course of your high school career. Less than that, and you haven’t given yourself the opportunity to truly engage with the organization you’re serving and the work you’re doing. More than that, however, and you might be overworking yourself or pulling focus away from other important areas of your life as a high school student, such as your school work and your mental and physical health.

But remember:  your impact as a volunteer is not measured simply by marking time. Admissions officers will like to see if you have made some sort of impact as a volunteer.

• Did you revise some procedures that made the lives of volunteers easier?
• Did you develop new programs for the organization?
• Did you lead particular programs or some aspect of a program?
• Did you raise money for the organization, and if so, how much?
• Did your responsibilities increase over time, and if so, in what way?

To make the point, consider the young man who spends four hours every Saturday shelving books at the local library. He shows up at 10am, collects the piles of books that have been checked back in, sorts them into stacks according to where they should be reshelved, and then starts putting books back on the shelves until 2pm. He does this every Saturday for three years.  This shows dedication and consistency, but it does not show increases in responsibility or increased impact for the library. The job is certainly necessary, and the librarians are very appreciative, but this volunteer work is more about the number of hours spent and less about the achievements of the volunteer in improving the organization.

By contrast, consider the young woman who volunteers at the homeless shelter every Saturday for four hours. In 9th grade, she mops floors, empties the trash, and serves at meal time. But as she learns about the residents of the shelter, she comes up with ideas for how to better serve the clients. Maybe she has ideas for getting clients to meet one another, build community, and spend time together by organizing a “game hour” every Saturday. She discusses those ideas with her supervisors, who give her the green light to try it. Over time, this game hour becomes a regular fixture of the shelter in the hour leading up to lunch and gives a subset of clients something that they look forward to every Saturday when the volunteer pulls out the games and gathers people to play. This student has a greater impact and has earned some respect from the shelter administrator and appreciation of the clients. This sort of volunteerism has greater value in admissions than the previous example of shelving books.

Where to volunteer

There are so many great places to volunteer! If you’re unsure of where to get started, consider organizations that you or your family/friends are already involved in. This could include religious organizations or charities you already raise money for.

What skills or talents you’re bringing to the table. Maybe you have a knack for film-making, love animals, or are a great tutor. If you have some sort of interest or talent, look for organizations that align with those interests or need people with those talents.

Your academic interests. If you’re interested in politics, volunteering on a political campaign might make sense. If you’re interested in marine life, try volunteering at the local aquarium. If you like fossils and paleontology, volunteer at the local museum of science or natural history

Here are some ideas about where to volunteer in high school to make an impact:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Churches/synagogues/mosques/temples
• Animal shelters
• Local nonprofits
• Political campaigns
• Medical research fundraisers such as Relay for Life
• Tutoring groups through your school or outside organizations
• The Red Cross
• Meals on Wheels
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Museums
• Homeless shelters
• Food banks
• Women’s shelters

Volunteer work can help a college application

Volunteering can help you show on your college application that you are a dedicated, empathetic, curious leader who prioritizes giving back to your community. It can help you develop maturity and demonstrate to colleges that you’re going to be an engaged, active community member. Just make sure that, whatever volunteer work you choose to pursue, it is something you find personally meaningful and engaging. If you’re doing something you find interesting, it will show through on your college application.

Need more help on your college application? We have helped hundreds of kids just like you find the school of their dreams and stay sane while doing it! Fill out this form to schedule a free consultation with us.

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With nearly 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other.

The post Does Volunteer Work Matter for College Admissions? first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

So given the subjective nature of the process, it isn’t entirely unreasonable to ask–over and over–what looks good on a college application?

So what looks good on a college application?

It’s not what you do, but how well you do it

Many parents believe there is some secret checklist that one follows to get into selective colleges:  

• community service,
• academic research, 
• leadership,
• sports,
• the arts,
• an internship.

But colleges care much less about the actual activity you pursue than the impact you make and the level of achievement you are able to reach. 

Athletics and college admissions

While it’s nice to play a sport–and American culture certainly emphasizes sports in our schools–the more selective colleges won’t care that much unless you are good enough to play for them and help them win the conference title.  Of course there are other benefits to sports other than the college application process, but if you want the sport to “look good” on the college application, you have to play well enough to get onto the college or university team.

Volunteering and college admissions

The situation is similar with community service.  Many people ask us how many hours of volunteer work look good on a college application. But it’s not about the number of hours. It’s about the impact.  For example, a student who spends 4 hours every Saturday for four years shelving books at the local library performs an important service to the community.  However, the impact is minimal:  if that student didn’t shelve the books, someone else would–eventually.  If, on the other hand, the student worked only a few hours a week over the summer to develop a new reading program for kindergartners and helped the library to write a successful grant proposal to fund it, the impact on the community would be much greater.  And imagine the two different recommendations the head librarian might write for these two students:  one was loyal and dependable and responsible, while the other was creative, innovative, and was able to envision a project and move it toward realization. It’s not the time you put in but the results you achieve.

Internships and college admissions

Similarly, internships are not about the time one spends or the prestige of the company.  It’s about what you do during your time on the job. It can be very useful for a young person to do a job shadow for a couple of weeks to learn about life as an engineer or a marketing director or sales manager. But that is a very passive sort of internship:  the student follows the principal around, attends meetings, and gets a feel for the world of work.  But what is that young person accomplishing? In some instances (though relatively rare), a high school intern is given a specific project to complete while on the job, and may also get some good supervision and access to various tools and systems that the young person can utilize to add value to the company. What colleges are looking for on the college application is your contribution, your agency, your impact on the organization. Most internships, to be frank, are of little value on the college application because most companies don’t have the wherewithal to conceptualize a meaningful experience for a high school intern–especially if the intern is going to be there only for a couple of weeks.  

Jobs on the college application

Having a job while in high school can look great on the college application. But here again, not every job is of equal impact. The student who slings ice cream a few evenings a week makes some good money and learns the value of punctuality, responsibility, loyalty, and adhering to the rules and regulations of the ice cream shop. However, the student who works very hard, goes above and beyond to build the confidence of the business owner may be promoted.

We once worked with a young woman who worked at In-N-Out Burger 20 hours a week all the way through high school. By the time she was a junior, she had been promoted to assistant manager and regularly opened or closed the store, handled all the money and receipts, and was trusted by the owner of the franchise to manage entire shifts on her own. Unsurprisingly, this young woman got a full tuition scholarship–in large part because of the outstanding letter of recommendation the franchise owner wrote on her behalf.  She clearly had a huge impact on this person’s business, and he was glad to tell the world what a responsible, considerate, diligent, and dependable human this young woman had become. So if you do get a job, and you want it to look good on a college application, look for ways to contribute above and beyond the expectations.

A case study of what looks good on a college application

Not too long ago we were working with a young man whose father insisted that he get a job. The father really loved the world of cycling, and he helped his son get an after school job at the local bicycle shop.  The young man was not very enthusiastic, but he was tasked with assembling bikes. By his own admission, he wasn’t very good at it, nor did he like it much.  But he showed up, day after day, and his coworkers liked him and engaged him in conversation. During these conversations in the shop, the owner learned that the young man was a computer whiz and enjoyed playing around with all sorts of programming software and had taken a computer science course in high school.  The owner then took him aside and showed him the inventory software they were using, and explained that nobody else in the shop could figure out how to work certain aspects of the software, and the inventory and sales data and reports weren’t matching up correctly. 

So the young man offered to help. And by the time he was done, he had completely reworked the software for the bike shop and created systems that the owner and other workers could use in a way that improved accuracy and efficiency–and profitability! And, incidentally, he never assembled another bicycle.  

Simply by showing up regularly, showing responsibility and a willingness to help, this young man made a tangible and useful contribution to the business he worked for.  When he put this job on the application, he could say much more about his work at the bike shop than reporting the number of hours worked and bicycles assembled. And his boss?  Just think of that glowing recommendation that was submitted along with the college application. 

Start ups can look good on a college application

The web is full of instances in which high school students started up new ventures, whether for profit or not-for-profit. These can definitely look good on a college application. Usually.

We worked with a young man who started up his own medical equipment donation organization–collecting supplies in the US and delivering them to clinics in Tanzania. Another young woman solicited donations to create back-to-school backpacks for elementary school students in low income neighborhoods. And another young man started up his own lawn care business that employed two other kids and made tens of thousands of dollars in a summer.  Yet another young man was written up in the New York Times because he refused to hear the word “no” when officials at this school said he could not create a film festival (he did it anyway). 

These are enterprises that the student conceived, planned, and executed themselves. Their motivations were sometimes different.  The young woman did her activity expressly to look good on her college application.  The young man with the lawn business need to pay for his car insurance, gas, and new tires.  What mattered, however, is that the students were firmly in charge of the programs they began, and had to resolve problems, react to setbacks, and interact with all manner of other people–almost exclusively adults–to achieve their aims. 

Less impressive start ups

Some start ups are less impressive, especially when it becomes apparent that parents are heavily involved in the success of the business, or provided the necessary seed capital to get it going (our lawn mowing student had to take out a loan from his dad to buy a mower), or otherwise provided too much support to make the venture go. Sometimes it’s hard to discern, from the outside, whether the venture is truly the brainchild of the child or the parent. But admissions officers have clues, most of which have to do with family income, social class, and privilege.  Kids whose ventures lie well outside the experience of the parents are most likely to be seen as creations of their own efforts–and not a result of parental guidance (or interference!). 

College admissions folks have become just a bit wary of the high number of start-up ventures that kids pursue.  It’s so easy in the US to set up a company or a non-profit company. The barriers to establishing a venture are pretty low. Here, as with any other activity, what’s important is not the establishment of the start up but the other metrics of success that the student is able to show: number of shipping containers delivered, number of kids who received backpacks, or the number of lawns mown and dollars earned.  Some ventures are able to show this sort of success, while others look good on paper, but don’t have the results to back up the claims.  

Intellectual curiosity is what looks good on a college application

These days, many kids are pursuing academic research as part of their college applications. They want to show that they have true intellectual interests and the skills and abilities to craft their own research. There are even programs out there for which families can pay to get the personalized guidance in developing and executing an academic research project. Other students make contact with academic researchers at local universities (or sometimes at far away universities) and develop research project with professors.  

Here again, however, not all academic research is treated equally in the college admissions process.  What’s important here–as in everything–is the impact, the substances, the quality of the research–and not the amount of time put in. It’s also not about the “prestige” of the university, the professor, or the department for which one works. In some cases, what is reported as “research” is nothing more than the student working in a lab cleaning test tubes or preparing samples.  It is not substantive work. 

In other cases, however, students are given quite a bit of responsibility within a structured laboratory environment, and they can actually contribute to the success of the research project. 

Sometimes the student is able to publish the results of the academic work they did, either as a co-author on a published research paper, or as a student author in publications like The Concord Review. 

Research is not just for science, either.  We’ve worked with students who have performed substantive historical research.  In one case it was with a professor, and in other cases it was with the guidance of a graduate student. One ended up being recognized in the publication the professor later published, while the other submitted his lengthy research paper for publication on his own. 

Reading looks good on a college application

Read. A lot. We can’t emphasize this enough. Reading not only will help your test scores improve, but it will both be a demonstration of your intellectual curiosity.  We are often dismayed when we ask high school students what they are reading.  Very seldom are they reading outside the school curriculum.

It is particularly disheartening when a student who swear she wants to do academic research is not reading in their professed field of interest. We have met kids who swear they are interested in neuroscience who have not ever read an article or book on the subject.  Or kids who want me to help them find a research project in biomedical engineering who cannot share anything they have read about it. 

Reading shows intellectual curiosity

But when a student tells us they are intellectually interested in something like military aircraft, and can point to the bookshelf full of books about Japanese kamikazes, the Red Baron, the history of commercial aircraft, air battles over Europe, and the use of rockets in warfare, we are impressed. And so were college leaders.  After this young man was interviewed by the Vice President of Enrollment for a college to which he was applying, the Vice President called to say how impressed he was. The young man’s enthusiasm and knowledge for his little hobby was contagious.  Needless to say, that college accepted him with a huge scholarship. 

The fact is that colleges want to accept learners, and learners are not just people who get good grades in school.  They are not just people who sign up for summer programs or do “academic research” with the guidance of a professor or graduate student. 

Learners are people who read, who teach themselves things.  They are people who have curiosities about the world, and then set out to satisfy that curiosity–whatever it is. Yes, watching YouTube videos or listening to podcasts can be informative.

But exploring the world’s libraries is really where we can find the repository of human intellectual inquiry. If you can’t find your library card or haven’t used it since you were reading Hop on Pop, now is the time. 

Do summer programs  look good on a college application?

Sometimes. 

The thing about the vast majority of summer programs is that they are relatively passive.  Someone else sets the syllabus. Someone else defines the parameters of inquiry. Someone else scaffolds the learning in ways that are digestible for younger learners (who have the attention span of a YouTube video rather than a 300-page book). And if there is a performance or assessment at the end of the experience, someone else has decided what that shall be, too. 

Summer programs can be a great way to advance your knowledge of a subject or get a taste of life or introduce you to an entirely new domain of knowledge. 

But, to return to the points above–isn’t that what the library is for?

The other thing about summer programs is that they tend to be expensive. In this way, they are beyond the reach of many, many students and their families.  And in some cases, the summer programs are great moneymakers for the colleges that offer them.  The Summer at Brown program is full of interesting intellectual offerings.  But thing of the profits Brown is spinning every summer.  The overwhelming majority of participants in the Summer at Brown program will have absolutely no chance of getting into Brown, while the kid who spend his summer reading histories of Civil War battles from the confines of his back yard may have a better chance of acceptance. 

Intellectual curiosity on the college application

What’s my point?  Intellectual curiosity comes from within. You can purchase ready-made programs to learn, and it can be helpful to learn in this way (after all, this is what college is all about–enter a classroom, learn from an expert, and perform an assessment to show you have enhanced your knowledge).  But the most selective colleges in the land are seeking young people whose intellectual curiosity is self-driven, not externally driven.  The self-motivated intellect is more desired–because those students are most likely to take best advantage of the resources at a place like Brown–rather than the kid whose parents paid a pretty penny for them to spend two-weeks on the Brown campus safely inside a college classroom learning whatever some graduate student cooked up on the syllabus. 

All this said, there are some summer programs that are very valuable and difficult to get into.  Examples include the Iowa Young Writers Studio, the Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS), and MIT’s MITES program and Research Science Institute (RSI).  And these programs may not even cost anything at all–but are offered on a competitive basis to the best of the best. 

Need help with that college application (and what looks good on it)?

The team at Great College Advice can help guide you in making choices about how to spend your time and how to ignite those inner curiosities.  If you want chat with a counselor to learn more about how we help young people craft interesting lives–and good college applications–give us a call or contact us via our website.  We look forward to the conversation. 

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With nearly 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other.

The post What Looks Good on a College Application? first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about how to get into college.  

1. What is the best summer program that will make my application stand out?

This is actually not the right question to ask. The right question is ‘what is the best way to achieve something great?’ Choose programs that you would enjoy putting energy into and try to make a real difference. This will give you a better chance at getting into the college you want.

2. Which is better? Top grades or rigorous coursework?

The reality is both. Top grades in rigorous coursework are the best way to demonstrate to a college that you are prepared for the further rigors of academic life on a college campus.

3. Which club(s) should I join?

Join a club, team or society whose mission aligns with your interests and goals. Again, try to make a difference. Don’t just participate, lead and stand out. This will help you stand out on your college application.

4. What is a good SAT / ACT score?

You want to earn the highest score you possibly can. This means you must prepare ahead of time. Take the preparatory classes, take the practice exams. Learn as much as you can about how to earn a high score and do your best.

5. How much community service must I do?

You do not necessarily have to participate in community service at all in order to get into college. What you need to do is stand out in your extracurricular activities. So, choose activities you enjoy, so you will be more likely to invest your time and talent in them. Be sure to check out must I do community service to get into a good college for more information.

6. What’s the most important academic activity?

Read books. Read for class, and outside of class. One of the most common traits of academically successful students is that they read for enjoyment outside of their regular academic coursework. Of course, do your homework, and complete it on time. Give yourself ample time to study for exams in order to get the best grades that you can. But reading is the best way to expand your mind.

7. Is getting good recommendation letters one of the best ways to get into college?

It is advisable to get three letters of recommendation although colleges do have different requirements. Typically, a college wants to see two recommendations from teachers and one from your school counselor. The best way to receive a good recommendation is to put forth effort in those classes, participate, collaborate, and to get to know your teachers outside of the classroom. Talk to them before and after class, about anything. Let them know about your interests. Show them you are motivated to succeed in life and they will be more than happy to share that information in the form of a recommendation letter.

8. What’s the best way to prepare for the English portions of the ACT or SAT?

Read books. This is the answer to two of these questions for a reason. It is that important. It’s a great indicator of academic success and it’s a great way to learn outside the classroom. Yes, it expands your mind, but in answer to this specific question, it expands your vocabulary. This is of crucial importance for the English portion of the ACT or SAT.

9. What’s the best extracurricular activity to pursue?

Pursue activities you enjoy. It is in those areas where you are most likely to put in real effort, and where you are most likely to truly excel. This is what college admission officers want to see. Mere participation in extracurricular activities pales in comparison to demonstrations of leadership in those activities. Go where you want to make a difference and then make that difference.

10. Should I apply Early Decision?

Applying early decision (ED) is an option but only if you are truly competitive for acceptance into that school. It is not a random lottery. Schools are looking to lock in top performers and get an idea of the remaining spots they have open for the regular admissions process. It’s also a great way for you to put the stress of the college application process behind you sooner than later. But again, if you wonder about your ability to get accepted into a school or program, or feel like it is a stretch for you, do not apply early decision. 

Have more questions about the best ways to get into college?

Do you have questions about how to get 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. With our years of experience in the world of college applications, we’ve helped thousands of students get into the college of their dreams. We can help you, too!

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2023 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

The post 10 Questions About The Best Ways To Get into College first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Here are 6 ways a parent can help with college admissions:

• High school academics and activities;
• Help build the college list;
• Maximize the college visits;
• Help show demonstrated interest;
• Assist with the college application where needed;
• Help with financial aid information.

High school academics and activities  

Familiarize yourself with the high school graduation requirements  

Every high school requires students to take a minimum number of core classes and may also require courses like arts or physical education. In general, high school guidance counselors are keeping track of these graduation requirements, but parents should doublecheck to make sure your student is on track meeting these requirements.  

Recognize your student’s strengths, weaknesses, and passions when choosing high school classes  

While there are some general guidelines in planning the high school course path, your student is unique. Your job is to help encourage and develop your child’s interests and talents. So, if French is more intellectually stimulating than physics, then find ways to extend and expand that interest and proficiency in French while perhaps pulling back a bit in science. Yes, colleges do look at high school transcripts for the level of academic rigor. But, you also want your student to be successful and gain confidence so optimize this level of rigor so as not to add too much stress to your child. 

Help your student identify activities to explore  

Your student’s high school may offer many activities in which your student has not yet had the opportunity to participate. Many schools hold an activities fair at the beginning of the school year; others simply publish a list of activities offered. You can encourage your student to attend the fair and/or review the list of activities to determine which ones might be of interest. You also can help your student find out how to sign up or otherwise get involved. 

How parents can help build the college list 

Help identify reliable sources of information and opinion  

As you know, teenagers are acutely aware of others’ opinions but typically they place more weight on the opinions of their friends and social media than you. This will also occur when it comes time to build the college list. Schools may be added or subtracted based on which friends and classmates may be interested in a particular college or what they heard second-hand. Help your student identify whose opinion she should value in this process whether it be someone who truly knows your child, is knowledgeable about today’s college admissions process, or can be corroborated by a more trustworthy source. Rather than shooting down ideas, help your child develop the skills to gather and assess information they collect. The development of these skills is critical to success in making difficult choices in adulthood. 

Bring discussions about applying to a college back to what is important  

Discussions during the list building process will inevitably focus on a particular school and what they “like” or “dislike” about it. However, whenever possible, try to bring the discussion back to the student’s criteria of what they want in a college. Ask questions about how well the school reflects those priorities whether it be the strength of a particular major, the existence of a desired activity, the characteristics of the student body, or location. If your student cannot adequately answer the like/dislike question, gently suggest she investigate how well the college satisfies the selection criteria.  

Listen before you provide an opinion  

Your student will inevitably change his mind numerous times when building the college list. That is why parents should not immediately give negative feedback every time a student adds, deletes, or re-ranks schools that makes you uncomfortable. Instead, discuss why he is interested in particular aspects of different schools and be excited about these new discoveries—even if temporarily. After a few days, wait to see if he is still as excited then add your perspective. 

Don’t push your college views too hard  

Researching colleges is a stress-ridden process and will take effort on your student’s part. Parents should allow the student to do the work and form their own opinions of schools. If you do find schools that you feel would be of interest to your student, share that information with your child. But also remind yourself that teenagers often run in the opposite direction their parents are trying to steer them. So, even though you have probably done a lot of your own college research, be sure to downplay this when you discuss your thoughts and preferences.  

The college major as part of list building 

Beware of articles you may read in the press that focus on the economic value of certain majors, or that list the average salaries of graduates. Remember that these are statistical analyses that cannot take your student’s life choices into account. Remind yourself that any individual’s experience—including your own—may or may not adhere to norms and averages. Focus on what subjects and possible career paths will likely make your student both happy and successful rather than merely statistical studies.  

Also, in this age of AI, consider the other skills and knowledge that might be important to your student’s future. Consider the job prospects of the architect who speaks Chinese, the doctor who understands economics, the engineer who has a passion for art, and the lawyer who understands psychology. No profession in the 21st century stands in isolation from all other domains of knowledge, and skills developed in learning one discipline are easily transferred to another. For some students, it may be more helpful to develop a short list of possible majors based on aptitude and interest than to attempt to pinpoint a specific career path before the end of high school. 

College visit advice for parents 

Given what’s at stake (that is, the money you will eventually spend on tuition, not to mention your student’s happiness), carve out enough time at each campus to allow your student to determine whether this school would be a good fit. It takes time to get beyond the superficial aspects of a campus to learn about that community of people. Plan a college visit itinerary that will help your student—and you—get the most out of the visit. Read our blog post on how to maximize your college visits.

Let your student take charge of the visit  

We know it is tempting to take charge of the visit but let your student show independence. Have them check in at the admissions office when you arrive and fill out the contact card. Try and restrain yourself from asking a lot of questions during the information session and tour. Your student may be quiet at first and simply be taking time to soak it all in. Don’t try to fill the silence by asking lots of questions. You may turn your student off from a college if you push too hard.  

We know there are certain questions you will have as a parent that your student will not likely ask. Your questions about campus safety or financial aid are perfectly appropriate to ask—go for it. But don’t forget the tips above. Let your student take the lead! Consider, too, that there may be other ways to get the answer to your question—perhaps in a way that doesn’t step on your student’s toes. 

Let your student give the first impression of a college 

Note what your student is thinking and feeling, and encourage them to communicate these thoughts and feelings. In our experience, every child wants and needs parental input into the decision of which college to attend. However, the experience can be more productive for the student if the parent starts out in listening mode.  

Encourage your student to take notes during or after the campus visit  

We understand that each college can look the same after you have done a few college visit trips. It becomes hard to remember all the detail that was provided during the informational session and campus tour. So, encourage your student to take notes (and maybe even some pictures) during the visit. At a minimum, have her jot down some observations right after the visit. Her thoughts may be helpful in not only deciding whether she wants to apply, but it may come in handy when it comes time to write the ‘Why College X’ supplemental essay. You should also take a few notes because these may be different or complementary to what your student notices when you compare notes later.  

How parents can help show demonstrated interest 

Should I demonstrate interest as a parent?  

The colleges want students who can advocate for themselves during the process. It is absolutely fine to let a college know that you love their school as a parent, but the communication surrounding demonstrated interest should come directly from your student. Here is how your student should show demonstrated interest.

However, in recent years some colleges have begun to track parent interaction as part of their enrollment strategy. These schools will send out emails and texts to the parents of prospective students currently in their pipeline. By providing information directly to parents, the goal is to get parents (i.e., the nudgers) to feel valued and nudge their child to apply to their institution. The data apparently shows that parents who click on and interact with these communications improves the odds of not only their students applying to that college but also ultimately deciding to enroll.  

What can I do to help encourage my student to demonstrate interest?  

Help plan campus visits, attend information sessions when colleges visit your community, remind your student to visit the college’s website and request a brochure, take your student to a college fair, and help them figure out when to schedule an interview. Also, many high schools have colleges come to visit. Make sure your student knows when admissions officers are visiting and how to sign up for those visits. 

How parents can help with college applications 

Remember that this is your student’s application 

As difficult as it is to let go, you have to remember that this process belongs to your student. Do not complete the applications yourself and more importantly, do not write the essay. Your student’s application needs to be a reflection of them and, therefore, needs to be their work.   

Know how the high school process works for the transmission of recommendations and transcripts  

Many students will hear a presentation from their high school counselor about how the transcript and letters of recommendation process works but good luck getting that information from your student. You should confirm the steps for each to help your student meet these deadlines.   

College essays  

The primary rule for parents is to avoid exerting too much influence. Parents can be very helpful in brainstorming topics, engaging in conversations to refine or expand upon a student’s ideas, and reading over drafts and offering suggestions for improvement. But be careful when editing. Sometimes parents will get too involved in restructuring paragraphs, rewording entire phrases, or otherwise putting so much of their own adult voice into the essay that it no longer is an accurate reflection of the applicant. It’s critical that the admissions officer is hearing your student’s voice as they read through the essay rather than a 50-year-old. Believe me, admissions officers can tell.

Help your student organize and prioritize  

As noted in our recent blog post, have your rising senior get started with various parts of the college application during the summer. If your student has decided to apply Early Decision (ED), make sure they are prioritizing this application. The same applies to Early Application (EA) colleges. Help them keep track of deadlines and (gently) remind them of these timelines. Students who are applying to more competitive schools and have additional essays to write will likely need to get started earlier.  

Financial aid advice for parents 

Know your budget  

Before your student even considers applying to college, take stock of your family’s financial situation. Ask yourself, how much do I have available to spend for a college education, and how much am I willing to spend and sacrifice? If possible, talk to an accountant or financial planner and ask them to provide you with some thoughts on what you can and cannot afford and how you will fund college.  

Discuss your perspective on college costs and financial aid with your student  

Since it is your student who will be the beneficiary of the college education that you are purchasing for them, make sure they understand what you are able and willing to spend and how you will pay for college. Your student should be involved right from the beginning of the college process. If student loans are in your financial aid future, then it is the student who will be responsible for repayment of them. If work-study is part of a package that your student receives, then it is your student who will have to seek out and do the work. By including your student in discussions about college funding, they will have a greater appreciation for the sacrifice that you are making as a family to send them to school. Hopefully, this will help your student to be even more focused on achieving when they reach college.  

Start the financial aid process early  

Students can begin filing both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile on October 1 of the year before they matriculate. You should begin to educate yourself about financial aid as early in your student’s high school career as you can. The sooner you understand what you are dealing with, the better you will be able to plan an approach to the process.   

Feeling overwhelmed with the college admissions process? 

The team at Great College Advice has years of experience working with thousands of students as they navigate the college admissions process.  We can help you prepare, select, and apply to colleges to give you the best chance of being accepted to your top choices.  Of course we can help with demonstrating interest, but we will also help you with every other aspect of this process. Want to learn more?  Please contact us and we’ll set up a no-cost, no-obligation meeting so we can learn more about you and discuss how we can help make the college admissions process more successful and less stressful. 

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.  

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With nearly 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other. 

The post 6 Ways a Parent Can Help with College Admissions first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Follow the Great College Advice Guide to College Admissions:

• • 9th Grade: Build the Foundation by getting good grades in the most rigorous courses for you; 9th Grade College Admissions Guide
  • 10th Grade: Gain Momentum by continuing to receive good grades in difficult courses while also starting to narrow down your activities to those you find most interesting; 10th Grade College Admissions Guide
  • 11th Grade: Stay Focused as your junior year is the most critical in terms of grades while juggling leadership roles and college prep; 11th Grade College Admissions Guide and 11th Grade College Admissions Guide for 2nd Semester
  • 12th Grade: Bring it all together; 12th Grade College Admissions Guide

9th Grade: Building the Foundation 

Freshman year focuses on making a successful transition to high school while laying groundwork for college preparation. Key priorities include: 

• Academics: Adapt to high school’s increased academic rigor and establish strong study habits. While freshman grades typically carry less weight in college admissions, maintaining a strong GPA sets a positive trajectory. 

• Course Selection: Begin taking honors classes in strong subject areas to demonstrate academic potential. Work with counselors to plan a challenging yet manageable course load. 

• Extracurricular Exploration: Try various activities to discover genuine interests. This is the ideal time to sample different clubs, sports, and organizations without pressure to commit long-term. 

• Summer Planning: Use summer break productively through jobs, volunteer work, academic programs, or pursuit of personal interests. Focus on activities that combine learning with enjoyment. 

10th Grade: Gaining Momentum 

Sophomore year is about refining academic and extracurricular focus while beginning standardized test preparation. Priority areas include: 

• Academic Excellence: Maintain strong grades while increasing course rigor through AP, IB, or honors classes as appropriate. GPA from sophomore and junior years receives particular scrutiny from admissions officers. 

• Extracurricular Focus: Start narrowing down activities to those that genuinely interest you, seeking leadership opportunities where possible. Quality of involvement matters more than quantity. 

• Standardized Testing: Take the PSAT for practice. While scores don’t count officially, these provide valuable exposure to test formats and help identify areas for improvement. 

• College Exploration: Begin general college research – consider preferences regarding size, location, and academic programs. Attend local college fairs and visit nearby campuses to get a feel for different environments. 

11th Grade: The Critical Year 

Junior year is widely considered the most important for college admissions, with multiple critical components: 

• Academics: This is the last complete year of grades colleges will see on your application. Take the most challenging course load manageable while maintaining strong grades. 

• Test Preparation: Take SAT/ACT in your fall or spring semester. Consider summer retakes if needed. Many students do test prep during fall/winter to prepare. 

• College Research: Intensify college exploration through campus visits, virtual tours, and information sessions. Begin developing a balanced list of reach, target, and likely (safety) schools. 

• Teacher Relationships: Build strong relationships with teachers who might write recommendation letters. Request letters in spring semester before senior year rush. 

• Leadership Roles: Seek leadership positions in extracurricular activities. Demonstrate increasing responsibility and impact in chosen areas. 

• Summer Planning: Use summer strategically for meaningful experiences like internships, academic programs, or significant community service projects. 

12th Grade: Bringing It All Together 

Senior year focuses on completing and submitting applications while maintaining academic performance: 

• Early Planning: Begin application work summer before senior year. Create a detailed timeline of deadlines for early decision/action and regular decision applications. 

• Application Components: Complete all application materials in addition to your essays including:  

• • Common App or other application platforms;
  • Essays: Draft and refine personal statement and supplemental essays. Your essays should not be a summary of your accomplishments but rather a story that allows you to reflect on how you have grown as a person. Allow plenty of time for multiple revisions and feedback;
  • Letters of recommendation;
  • Activity lists and resume;
  • Portfolios or additional materials as required 

• Financial Aid: Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile early to maximize aid opportunities. Research and apply for scholarships. 

• Maintain Performance: Continue strong academic performance; colleges will see final transcripts (“senior slide” can jeopardize admission). 

• Decision Management: Track application status, meet deadlines, and carefully evaluate acceptance and financial aid offers before making final decisions. 

The college admissions process requires careful planning and sustained effort across all four years of high school. Success comes from building progressively: establishing strong academic foundations in 9th grade, focusing interests in 10th grade, maximizing opportunities in 11th grade, and executing applications effectively in 12th grade. While the process can seem daunting, breaking it down into grade-level priorities makes it more manageable and helps ensure students present their strongest possible applications to colleges. 

Need some assistance with the college admissions process? 

This high school college admissions timeline contains recommendations to stay on track and take control of the college planning process. However, if you feel as though you need some personal guidance so that you can blaze your trail toward college success, please contact us for a free consultation. The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college. We provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun.

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.  

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With over 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other. 

The post College Admissions Guide for High School first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

9th grade is an exciting time as hopefully you have made a smooth transition to high school and found a comfortable balance between your academics, extracurriculars, and social life. As you gain more confidence and continue to explore classes and activities that excite you, here are areas to focus on that will help you down the road in the college admissions process entering your second semester of 9th grade.  

Freshman year focuses on making a successful transition to high school while laying groundwork for college preparation. College admission tips for 9th grade include: 

• Academics: Adapt to high school’s increased academic rigor and establish strong study habits. While freshman grades typically carry less weight in college admissions, maintaining a strong GPA sets a positive trajectory. 

• Course Selection: Begin taking honors classes in strong subject areas to demonstrate academic potential. Work with counselors to plan a challenging yet manageable course load. 

• Extracurricular Exploration: Try various activities to discover genuine interests. This is the ideal time to sample different clubs, sports, and organizations without pressure to commit long-term. 

• Summer Planning: Use summer break productively through jobs, volunteer work, academic programs, or pursuit of personal interests. Focus on activities that combine learning with enjoyment. 

College admission tips for 9th grade: Finish strong in terms of GPA 

9th grade is a big transition, and it may take at least a semester to adjust to the higher expectations of high school. Do not be overly concerned if your first semester freshman grades are a bit lower than expected. Most colleges weigh freshman year grades less than 10th and 11th grade GPA, and some colleges do not factor 9th grade GPA at all in their college admissions decisions. But, this doesn’t give you an excuse to relax as most selective colleges will at least peek at your freshman grades. In the spring semester, focus on improving your GPA by spending more time on those classes that proved more challenging in your first semester. If you’re struggling and falling behind, ask your teachers for additional help or use resources like Kahn Academy.   

In addition to your overall high school GPA, admission officers analyze your GPA trend by semester and year so look to improve, if possible, your spring semester 9th grade GPA relative to your first semester. As grades are generally regarded as the top factor in gaining admission to college, continue to make studying your primary focus in 9th grade.    

Aim for course rigor as you plan your 10th grade class schedule 

As you strive to improve your GPA in the second semester of 9th grade, begin to think about your 10th grade courses. As you begin to strategize your sophomore year course schedule, keep in mind that your 10th and 11th grade GPA and course rigor will be the most scrutinized by college admissions officers. Plan to take as many rigorous classes as possible, including AP and honors courses, while striving to maintain that balance of a high GPA. Work with your high school counselor to make sure you’re not taking on too much but that you’re also challenging yourself.  

Get involved in extracurricular activities 

9th grade is the ideal time to explore all the different extracurricular activities your high school has to offer as well as beginning to look at opportunities outside school. Your freshman and sophomore years of high school are the time to try new activities, whether it be sports-related, speech and debate, mock trial, math club, robotics, or theater. You may be surprised what new pursuits grab your attention. As you move along in high school, continue with those extracurricular interests that engage you and give you a sense of accomplishment. It’s not what you do: it’s how well you do it. Commitment and achievement are more important than the volume of activities. If possible, spend time identifying ways to enhance the club or organization and bring these ideas to life. Being a participant is great, but learning to lead and make a difference outside the classroom is an accomplishment that colleges truly value.     

Begin making summer plans  

Summer is filled with endless opportunities for high school students, such as:  

• Getting a job or internship;  

• volunteering or participating in a community service program;  

• attending an academic program on a college campus;  

• playing organized sports or going to a sports camp;  

• traveling abroad or participating in a travel or adventure program;  

• participating in performing arts (i.e., community theater) or attending an arts or music camp;  

If you’re planning to work and save money for college this summer – congratulations! Having a job demonstrates commitment, responsibility, and maturity — all things that college admissions officers like to see. In terms of rounding out your summer outside of work, brainstorm ways to amplify your extracurricular activities from the list above. Make plans for the summer that will be both fun and productive. The summer may offer you a chance to pursue interests that you aren’t able to engage in during the school year or double down on those extracurriculars that you are passionate about.   

The best of the college admission tips for 9th grade: Enjoy Yourself! 

Your freshman year of high school is not a time to stress about college admissions. Find time for fun both inside and outside the classroom. Hopefully your extracurriculars bring you joy, where you get the opportunity to explore new activities while having fun with friends along the way. Also, carve out time to read outside the classroom as you get the benefit of reading being a stress reliever while you learn along the way. Put your nose in a book, whether it be science or teen fiction, non-fiction, or even comic books. Let your family know if you feel that your life is becoming too stressful. Focus on personal growth, intellectual exploration, and developing your interests. 

Ready to start the college admissions process in 9th grade?   

This to-do list contains recommendations to get you started on the right foot of the college admissions process during your freshman year of high school.  Focus on getting good grades, enjoy your extracurricular involvements, and find the right balance across all your commitments.  

If you need additional guidance with your academic, extracurricular, and summer planning, please contact us for a complimentary consultation. The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college. We provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun. 

Follow the Great College Advice Guide to College Admissions:

• Guide Through Every Year of High School
• Sophomore Year: 10th Grade College Admissions Guide
• Junior Year: 11th Grade College Admissions Guide and 11th Grade College Admissions Guide for 2nd Semester
• Senior Year: 12th Grade College Admissions Guide

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.  

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With nearly 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other. 

The post College Admission Tips for 9th Grade first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

• Focus on your grades
• Aim for course rigor as you plan your junior year classes;
• Refine your extracurriculars and begin to explore leadership opportunities;
• Develop a standardized testing plan;
• Visit colleges as part of your college brainstorming process;
• Explore summer opportunities.

College admissions advice for 10th grade: Finish strong in terms of GPA 

Grades are generally regarded as the top factor in gaining admission to college so continue to make studying your primary focus in 10th grade. Your GPA trend is also analyzed by college admission officers so look to improve, if possible, your sophomore year grades relative to your freshman GPA.  

Aim for course rigor as you draft your 11th grade schedule 

Hopefully you have been thoughtful in your course selection to this point, maintaining a strong GPA while taking challenging classes and putting in your best effort. As you begin to strategize your junior year course schedule, keep in mind that your 11th grade GPA and course rigor will be the most scrutinized by college admissions officers. Plan to take as many rigorous classes as possible, including AP and honors courses, while striving to maintain that balance of a high GPA. Work with your high school counselor to make sure you’re not taking on too much but that you’re also challenging yourself. You may want to also discuss dual enrollment options, whereby you take community college classes to earn both college and high school credits. 

Continue to refine your extracurriculars (ECs) and explore leadership roles 

Pursue those extracurricular interests that engage you and that give you a sense of accomplishment. It’s not what you do: it’s how well you do it. Commitment and achievement are more important than the volume of activities. Start bringing more focus to the activities about which you care most. These activities could be as part of the school such as academic clubs and sports or could be a passion outside of school. But, either way, focus on the interests that you truly care about and deepen your commitments to those areas. If possible, spend time identifying ways to enhance the club or organization and bring these ideas to life. Being a participant is great, but learning to lead and make a difference outside the classroom is an accomplishment that colleges truly value. Make connections with the current leaders of your organizations as you may have the opportunity in 11th grade to step into their leadership role(s).    

Develop a standardized testing plan 

Depending on your high school, you may have already taken a PSAT practice test in the fall of 10th grade and/or will be taking the PSAT 10 this spring. Either way, do not stress about these tests as they don’t count for anything. They are just your introduction to the world of standardized college tests. Using your score on this early test as a guide, begin to lay out a plan for your junior year of ACT or SAT testing. You may want to consider researching test preparation tutors or classes. Although most colleges remain test-optional post-COVID, some selective schools are beginning to require test scores again. So, plan on sitting at least once for the SAT or ACT in your junior year.   

Brainstorm what factors may be important to you in selecting a college 

While you shouldn’t necessarily start making a college list at this point, now is a good time to think about what you want from a school in general. Big or small? Urban or rural? Generous with scholarships? Lots of Greek life or none at all? There are a lot of things that you need to consider, so start thinking about them now. 

Visit colleges near you over 10th grade spring break

If you are sticking around for spring break or possibly have a few days off for February break, plan a visit to a few nearby colleges. Check out a big school vs. a small school or a public university vs. a liberal arts college. Sign up in advance through the respective admissions offices for a tour. Or, if you’re not comfortable on a formal tour, just spend some time wandering around to get a feel for the college. When you’re on campus, think about whether you can envision yourself at a school like this. By starting local and thinking more thoughtfully about what is important to you, you will be able to become more strategic when it comes to building your college list in 11th grade.   

College admissions advice for 10th grade: Attend a college fair 

As part of your college admissions advice for 10th grade, use the second semester of your sophomore year to attend a college fair near you. Visiting college booths and talking to admissions representatives is a great way to learn more about potential colleges of interest. Introduce yourself, talk to the admissions representative, and ask questions. Visit their website and sign up for their email distribution list. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has numerous college fairs scheduled across the country beginning in late January. In the Denver area, the Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling (RMACAC) is holding its spring college fair in early March. 

Begin thinking about your summer plans  

Summer is filled with endless opportunities for high school students, such as:  

• Getting a job or internship;  

• volunteering or participating in a community service program;  

• taking college classes or attending an academic program on a college campus;  

• playing organized sports or going to a sports camp;  

• traveling abroad or participating in a travel or adventure program;  

• participating in performing arts (i.e., community theater) or attending an arts or music camp;  

If you’re planning to work and save money for college this summer – congratulations! Having a job demonstrates commitment, responsibility, and maturity — all things that college admissions officers like to see. In terms of rounding out your summer outside of work, it’s important to consider the same questions you’d ask when choosing activities for the school year: What do I enjoy doing?  What am I passionate about? How can I achieve something and/or demonstrate leadership? Additionally, keep in mind that summer may offer you a chance to pursue interests that you aren’t able to engage in during the school year.   

Build a resume or “brag sheet”  

You’ll find lots of examples online or ask your high counselor and/or family for tips on building a resume. Drafting a resume will be helpful as you brainstorm your summer plans – as you can more quickly apply to job/internship opportunities as well as academic or arts programs. Taking the time to put together a resume will also help you see your achievements halfway through your sophomore year and point out areas which could use more attention. Again, remember that the goal is excellence and achievement (i.e., quality), not simply checking off boxes on a form {i.e., quantity).   

Enjoy Yourself – 10th Grade is not a time to stress about college admissions 

Find time for fun both inside and outside the classroom. Hopefully your extracurriculars bring you joy, where you get the opportunity to pad your activities list while having fun with friends along the way. Hopefully reading is an outside the classroom activity you enjoy because you get the benefit of reading being a stress reliever while learning along the way. Let your family know if you feel that your life is becoming too stressful. The college admission process can feel overwhelming but please try to enjoy your high school experience. Focus on personal growth, intellectual exploration, and developing your interests. 

Eager to start the college admissions process in 10th grade?   

This to-do list of college admissions advice for 10th grade contains recommendations to stay on track and take control of the college planning process during your sophomore year of high school. However, if you feel as though you need some personal guidance so that you can blaze your trail toward college success, please contact us for a free consultation. The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college. We provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun. 

Follow the Great College Advice Guide to College Admissions:

• Guide Through Every Year of High School
• Freshman Year: 9th Grade College Admissions Guide
• Junior Year: 11th Grade College Admissions Guide and 11th Grade College Admissions Guide for 2nd Semester
• Senior Year: 12th Grade College Admissions Guide

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.  

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With nearly 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other. 

The post College Admissions Advice for 10th Grade first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

It is also when you should carve out time in your already busy schedule to begin exploring college admissions. At Great College Advice, our goal is to empower students to manage this journey in a way that works best for you. Although there is no cookie-cutter approach, here is the Great College Advice guide for college admissions planning for juniors: 

• Balance academic rigor with good grades;
• Focus activities on those that interest you and where you can make the most impact;
• Make a plan around SAT or ACT testing;
• Begin to ask what you are looking for in a college;
• Plan college visits;
• Develop relationships with your teachers;
• Have FUN!

Make sure you’re in the right classes 

Your junior year is the last real chance to impress college admissions officers with the classes you’re taking, so make it count! Work with your counselor to make sure you’re not taking on too much but that you’re also challenging yourself. If your high school offers a number of Advanced Placement (AP) classes then your junior year is when you should begin taking a handful of them. If you’re unsure whether to take a tough course because you’re worried about your GPA, discuss it with your counselor and parents. But, colleges want to see you challenge yourself so err on the side of taking that AP course as long as you’re not completely overwhelmed and stressed.  Keep studying to make sure your grades stay up! 

Continue your extracurricular interests 

Colleges are interested in students who are engaged and active in extracurricular activities. They want students who will animate their campuses and make them interesting places to work and play. Your junior year of high school is a great time to step into a leadership role in an activity that you have enjoyed during your freshman and/or sophomore year. Rather than quantity, focus on the quality of your extracurriculars. These activities could be as part of the school such as academic clubs and sports or could be a passion outside of school. But, either way, focus on the interests that you truly care about and deepen your commitments to those areas. If possible, spend time identifying ways to enhance the club or organization and bring these ideas to life. Being a participant is great, but learning to lead and make a difference outside the classroom is an accomplishment that colleges truly value.  

Make a plan around SAT/ACT testing 

If you haven’t already, fall of your junior year is the time to map out your standardized testing plan. Although most colleges remain test optional following COVID, we recommend studying and sitting for the SAT or ACT at least once. Some of the most selective colleges have begun to once again require standardized test score submissions. Also, even though many colleges truly are test optional, your admission odds may increase with a test result above a certain threshold. In terms of which test to take, you may want to take a practice exam for each. Many test prep companies will provide free resources as well. We strongly recommend that you schedule at least one “real” test in your junior year and have another date as a “back up plan.” We generally recommend that you try to take your first test in the fall or winter of junior year, with spring as a fall back option if you need to retake. Senior year is going to be super busy, so don’t leave the testing until the last minute. Plan! 

Take the PSAT in October 

Even if you took the PSAT during your sophomore year, this is the one that counts! The PSAT is used to qualify people for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Even if you don’t think you’ll score high enough to qualify for the scholarship, the PSAT is a great way to acclimate yourself to the fun of taking standardized college entrance exams (just kidding!). You will sign up for the PSAT at your school, so look for announcements from your guidance office. 

Begin researching colleges and majors 

The first semester of your junior year is a good time to begin exploring what colleges have to offer. The Fiske Guide to Colleges is an invaluable resource to get a comprehensive overview of hundreds of colleges and be introduced to potential college fits that you never knew existed. Compile a list of schools to explore further and visit their websites to learn more. Most colleges now offer virtual tours which is a great way to learn more about majors, dorm life, athletics, dining, and the social scene. For those colleges that appeal to you, sign up to their email distribution lists.

As you explore, ask yourself questions along the way. Will you be happy at a rural school, or do you want to be in the city? Do large lectures seem like the way to go, or would you rather have a school with small classes? Based on your academic interests, does this college have the major(s) that you may pursue? Can you see yourself at this school? Make a list of the attributes important to you and what colleges pique your interest. This is the building block of what will eventually become your college list, which will get refined over the course of the next year. 

Visit a college(s) and/or attend a college fair near you 

Now that you have a sense of the type of school you’re interested in, it’s time to do a test drive! Rather than jetting off to what you think is your dream school for a visit, we recommend exploring local options first. If you have a day or two off for fall break, plan a visit to a few nearby colleges. They don’t have to be ones at the top of your list. Rather, aim for diversity; check out a big school vs. a small school or a public university vs. a liberal arts college. Sign up in advance through the respective admissions offices for a tour. When you’re on campus, think about whether you can envision yourself at a school like this. By starting local and thinking more thoughtfully about what is important to you, you will be able to become more strategic when it comes to future college trips.  

Also, use the first semester of your junior year to attend college fairs in the area. Visiting college booths and talking to admissions representatives is a great way to learn more about potential colleges of interest. As this will be your first time in front of admissions officers, you may be nervous. But admissions reps are not to be feared! They want you to succeed and are happy to answer questions about their university. Your guidance counselor will likely provide more information at the beginning of the school year. For example, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has 34 college fairs going on throughout the country this fall.   

Build relationships with teachers  

You will ask teachers for letters of recommendation near the end of your junior year. Keep this in mind as you begin your junior year. Hopefully there will be classes that you find truly interesting, and you come to class every day eager to learn. By coming in prepared, with a positive attitude, willing to collaborate with peers, and actively participating in discussions, your teacher will appreciate your intellectual curiosity. As an invaluable and respected member of the classroom, your teacher will eagerly write a letter of recommendation on your behalf entering your senior year.  

Need help kickstarting your junior year college admissions journey?  

This to-do list contains recommendations to stay on track and take control of the college planning process entering your junior year. However, if you feel as though you need some personal guidance so that you can blaze your trail toward college success, please contact us for a free consultation. The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college. We provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun. Here’s to a great start to your junior year!

Follow the Great College Advice Guide to College Admissions:

• Guide Through Every Year of High School
• Freshman Year: 9th Grade College Admissions Guide
• Sophomore Year: 10th Grade College Admissions Guide and 10th Grade College Admissions Guide for 2nd Semester
• Junior Year: 11th Grade College Admissions Guide 2nd Semester
• 12th Grade College Admissions Guide

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.  

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With over 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other. 

The post College Admissions Planning for Juniors  first appeared on College Admission Counseling.