Where to Start?
The admissions process is an attempt by colleges and universities to select the most qualified students for their particular institution, carefully matching student and program. The basis of this selection is determined by an evaluation of the following:
Academic Information
1) The transcript which includes:
a) Academic grades
b) Type and number of courses
c) Level of courses (rigor)
d) College grade point average (College GPA on transcript)
2) Test results:
a) SAT or ACT
b) Subject Tests
Personal information contained in:
1) Autobiographical essay/writing sample
2) Resume of extracurricular activities:
a) Leadership roles
b) Activities and clubs
c) Sports participation
d) Work and travel experiences
e) Unique talents and interests
f) Volunteer service
3) School Recommendation
4) A personal interview
5) Letters of recommendation by teachers
6) Letter of recommendation by counselor
Academic
More than anything else, strong academic credentials build the foundation for college admissions. These credentials include your scholastic record and standardized test results. While scores on the SAT and ACT can be significant, equally important will be performance shown by your four year classroom record. Admissions officers place a high value on students with consistent academic success in demanding programs. A simple rule-of-thumb for courses and grades: Take the hardest schedule you can handle without getting a “C”. “C’s” are acceptable in college admissions; but, “acceptable” doesn’t mean “desirable.” Of course, you should always do the best you can, and sometimes a “C” is doing the best you can. If the best you can do is a “C” in a high level class you are going to have to be very realistic about your chances at selective colleges/universities. Colleges do not accept courses in which you earn “D’s” or “F’s”.
Personal
Getting your academic house in order is the first rule for progress in the college application process. After that, it is time to find out who you are, what you are good at, and what your interests are. Achievements outside the classroom are an additional factor in admission of an applicant, and for many of the selective colleges, a student’s nonacademic record can allow him or her to be accepted before applicants with similar academic credentials. Colleges are not as interested in students who participate or dabble in a large number of activities as they are in applicants who have become sincerely involved in a few meaningful endeavors. Choose the activities that interest you most and make a real commitment to them. If possible, work toward a leadership position in your activity. Spend time thinking about what intrigues you and what you are curious about. If you think you would be good at public speaking, take a class or become involved in student leadership. If you would like to develop artistic talent, take advantage of the fine arts programs at RHCS.
It is important that you learn about yourself and develop yourself as a person in the college admissions process. Colleges are looking for interesting people. You will hear that they want people who have a passion. Perhaps some of your classmates have already found theirs, but maybe you are still looking. There are unlimited opportunities for exploration. If you get stuck, see your counselor for ideas about volunteering, interesting classes, or summer opportunities. A growth curve is important. Most colleges are looking for students who are growing steadily as a student and a person. Achieving just a satisfactory level of performance and staying there often indicates complacency and a lack of motivation. If you apply yourself daily and pursue real interests, you will enter the college application process with confidence and direction.
The admissions process is an attempt by colleges and universities to select the most qualified students for their particular institution, carefully matching student and program. The basis of this selection is determined by an evaluation of the following:
Academic Information
1) The transcript which includes:
a) Academic grades
b) Type and number of courses
c) Level of courses (rigor)
d) College grade point average (College GPA on transcript)
2) Test results:
a) SAT or ACT
b) Subject Tests
Personal information contained in:
1) Autobiographical essay/writing sample
2) Resume of extracurricular activities:
a) Leadership roles
b) Activities and clubs
c) Sports participation
d) Work and travel experiences
e) Unique talents and interests
f) Volunteer service
3) School Recommendation
4) A personal interview
5) Letters of recommendation by teachers
6) Letter of recommendation by counselor
Academic
More than anything else, strong academic credentials build the foundation for college admissions. These credentials include your scholastic record and standardized test results. While scores on the SAT and ACT can be significant, equally important will be performance shown by your four year classroom record. Admissions officers place a high value on students with consistent academic success in demanding programs. A simple rule-of-thumb for courses and grades: Take the hardest schedule you can handle without getting a “C”. “C’s” are acceptable in college admissions; but, “acceptable” doesn’t mean “desirable.” Of course, you should always do the best you can, and sometimes a “C” is doing the best you can. If the best you can do is a “C” in a high level class you are going to have to be very realistic about your chances at selective colleges/universities. Colleges do not accept courses in which you earn “D’s” or “F’s”.
Personal
Getting your academic house in order is the first rule for progress in the college application process. After that, it is time to find out who you are, what you are good at, and what your interests are. Achievements outside the classroom are an additional factor in admission of an applicant, and for many of the selective colleges, a student’s nonacademic record can allow him or her to be accepted before applicants with similar academic credentials. Colleges are not as interested in students who participate or dabble in a large number of activities as they are in applicants who have become sincerely involved in a few meaningful endeavors. Choose the activities that interest you most and make a real commitment to them. If possible, work toward a leadership position in your activity. Spend time thinking about what intrigues you and what you are curious about. If you think you would be good at public speaking, take a class or become involved in student leadership. If you would like to develop artistic talent, take advantage of the fine arts programs at RHCS.
It is important that you learn about yourself and develop yourself as a person in the college admissions process. Colleges are looking for interesting people. You will hear that they want people who have a passion. Perhaps some of your classmates have already found theirs, but maybe you are still looking. There are unlimited opportunities for exploration. If you get stuck, see your counselor for ideas about volunteering, interesting classes, or summer opportunities. A growth curve is important. Most colleges are looking for students who are growing steadily as a student and a person. Achieving just a satisfactory level of performance and staying there often indicates complacency and a lack of motivation. If you apply yourself daily and pursue real interests, you will enter the college application process with confidence and direction.