What’s the one part of my college application that I should focus on the most?
Thursday, November 6th, 2008
Dear Babs,
What’s the one part of my application that I should focus on the most? Obviously, my grades and my test scores are what they are, and there is nothing that I can do to change them. I know the essay is crucial, but is it more important than the extracurricular activities or recommendations? How can I be sure to make a good impression on the admissions people and ensure my application is placed in the “IN” pile?
Yours Truly,
Lost in the Crowd
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Dear Lost,
You answered the question yourself: Your grades and your test scores are what they are—you can’t do anything to change them. As for extracurricular activities, picking up trombone for one month of senior year is not going to impress college admissions advisors. They’re no fools!
What you can focus on is your essay and your letters of recommendation. Make sure you’ve had a good rapport and more than one class with the people you ask for a recommendation. Don’t be shy to remind them of any exceptional work that you’ve submitted or of any outside passions you’d like them to include. You’ll be making their job easier by providing specific details – and it’s a sure way to stand out from the crowd!
The other thing that you should devote yourself to is the essay. An essay shows off your personality as well as your writing style. Be creative, be engaging, be funny! Even if you have mediocre grades, a well-thought out and executed essay will indicate the complexity of your intellect as well as your potential for creative thought. This is your opportunity to shine!
What’s the number one way to make sure you’re in the “IN” pile? Focus your applications on schools that are a good match for your academic and personal strengths. Online sites like CampusCompare can help you find and determine your chances for schools that are the best match for you.
For those “reach” schools where your grades alone don’t quite meet the mark, put in the extra effort with the recs and your essay. You will be so much less stressed when the deadlines come around.
Truly Yours,
Babs
