This article was first published in November 2004. It is from the first edition of the 21st volume of The Classic. This article was chosen as this week’s throwback considering that THHS seniors are going through the college application process this fall season.
College knowledge can curtail stress
Should I apply early? Should I take college courses in high school? What if my SAT score isn’t high enough? These are just a few of the endless questions that many high school students have on their minds. Applying to colleges and universities may be complicated for some, but if you are well informed and have a good understanding of the process, then life gets a whole lot easier.
Institutes of higher education consider the high school years to be the most significant for an individual’s future education. “Course selection throughout high school is important,” said College Counselor Antoinette Teague. “Colleges are looking for students who have challenged themselves with the most rigorous course of study offered at their high school.” Teachers here at Townsend Harris stress the importance of taking Advanced Placement (AP) and Queens College (QC) classes so that students can both get a taste of what a college program is like, and add advanced courses to their academic transcripts.
Once a college is aware that a student has taken an AP or QC course, the applicant’s academic ranking automatically rises on that school’s scale.
Colleges regard senior year in secondary school to be just as important as any other year. Many people believe they can take things lightly during their final year, especially after they’ve been admitted to a school to which they applied, but beware of “senioritis,” the name often given to slacking off in the 12th grade. The truth is that if admissions officers see your senior grades drop drastically, they may refuse you admission, or if you have already been admitted, they can revoke that scholarship you received, or even rescind your acceptance.
Students’ transcripts are of course a major criterion for colleges’ evaluation of candidates, but since academic offerings and standards vary from one high school to the next, many colleges give great weight to national test scores
“Exam scores, including SAT and ACT scores, are a part of the picture that will demonstrate to college admissions counselors how much students have achieved and the likelihood of their continued success at the college level,” said Ms. Teague. For those who aren’t completely satisfied with their scores, there’s always the option of taking the SAT again.
Many schools require the SAT subject tests. “Competitive schools ask for three SAT subject exams,” said Ms. Blier.
In addition to the academic record and exam scores, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and college essays are “all part of the profile you present to the college admissions office. All are important and help to describe and set you apart from others with the same academic credentials,” said Ms. Teague.
Ms. Blier said that it’s “far more important to show dedication to one or two activities than to a whole laundry list of clubs.” This goes for community service as well, because students can receive a fine letter of recommendation for their consistent volunteer work. Finally, it is imperative to have a strong essay, because the essay is “the last impression.” as Ms. Blier calls it. “After all, admissions counselors are reading your essays, often at midnight, and they are looking for students who have something to say and can say it well,” she said.
Some colleges offer opportunities for “special admits.” Athletes, musicians, and artists can be considered “special admits,” as well as the physically handicapped and other students who may be considered as part of a minority group within the school’s population.
Many schools offer the option of Early Decision (ED). Under this policy. students apply to one place only, usually in early November of senior year. and agree to attend the school if they are accepted. This agreement is binding. In mid-December, applicants find out whether they have been admitted, rejected, or placed on the waitlist. About 25% of our school’s senior classes apply ED, according to school statistics.
Senior Catherine M. Kim is applying ED because after visiting a university campus, she said she “really fell in love with it.” She then added, “1 can’t imagine myself going anywhere else.” But ED isn’t for everyone. Ms. Teague said.
“Students should only use this option when they are very sure about the school they want to attend.” When this is the case, there are advantages to applying carly. “Acceptance is received sooner, you may have an advantage in getting accepted, but your profile should be very close to or exactly what the school has traditionally accepted,” said Ms. Teague. According to an article in the November 4, 2002 issue of Newsweek, ED can “dramatically increase [a student’s] odds” of getting in, but those “who apply early for the wrong reasons can end up dissatisfied.”
Some schools, including Yale University, Beloit College, and the University of North Carolina, have announced that they have dropped ED and have switched to Early Action (EA), the non-binding policy. EA allows applicants to compare financial aid packages with other schools to which they’ve been admitted.
While some anxiety over the application process is “normal,” Ms. Teague stressed that, “it is important to keep anxiety within manageable limits because too much can be counterproductive.” She advises you to “ask for help as soon as you need it?” As you gather more knowledge about the application process, you’ll gain a better understanding of what colleges are looking for in you, and what you are looking for in a college.
