Remember Me
forgot your password?

Getting In the Door: Finding the College of Your Choice

Applying for college is an intimidating task for any student. Unlike high school, where classes and curriculum are relatively simple and straightforward, college attendance is a drastic and often frightening change for both parents and students. The first step is to start discussions with high school counselors and teachers. Is there a particular field of interest? Those already in the academic world will likely have beneficial advice and recommendations that make this process easier.

It's always a good idea for any potential student to visit their campus of choice prior to applying. Not only will you see the student body as it will be when you attend, you will meet advisers, faculty, and develop a better idea of the facility's layout. Ask many questions and find the answers to your questions. This saves you from applying to a facility that might not be what you assume.

The first details to discuss are standard considerations. Do you already have a specific institution in mind? It is recommended that any applicant have several colleges in mind. Is there a location that most interests you? Do you want to commute to a local institution or are you looking for a major facility with full dormitories?

Many colleges have detailed web sites that even tell the ratio of students to faculty as well as the average size of classes. If a student wants a college with a smaller number of students per class, they should investigate their facilities of choice prior to applying.

What about the student body? Is there a diverse array of students and backgrounds? Will this enrich your experience in college? Naturally, study the curriculum offered and ensure the classes will interest your particular student.

Admission counselors expect a number of things from a student. Is there a particular field of interest? Are there letters of recommendation? These are letters from previous teachers and there are some things to know before requesting such materials from teachers. First, select only teachers with whom you've had positive experiences. Ensure the letter is well-written; as a poorly created letter of recommendation reflects negatively on the student.

It is always impressive to choose a teacher in the field that interests you. For example, if you intend on pursuing a degree in journalism, one of your letters of recommendation should come from an English or literature instructor.

After you've chosen who will write the best quality letters, give the teacher plenty of advanced notice. Supply documentation on the college, applicable deadlines, and provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for each letter.

Extracurricular activities make a legitimate and lasting impression upon admission officers. They show commitment, responsibility, and initiative. It is imperative to understand that advisers are not looking for quantity, but rather quality. If you belonged to ten clubs or organizations and were not active, it doesn't count for much. Active participation in one or two activities, however, makes a much better impression.

When listing such activities, highlight any leadership experience and a list the most important events in which the student participated. Were you in school plays? Were you involved in special projects or fund raising activities for a local charity? Did you participate in band or drama classes? What about community services such as your local "meals-on-wheels," or humane shelter?

Cost is a major factor in attending college, but it shouldn't dictate where you apply. Even if the tuition and costs make a college seem prohibitive, there are always financial resources available to help. Some colleges offer sponsorship programs, state or Federal grants, and a host of other resources are available for students in need.

If possible, take both the SAT and ACT tests prior to applying for college. Universities differ widely in their preferences. Some facilities want the results from one and others prefer results from both.

Applying for college is often a daunting task, but it isn't impossible. The process is difficult for the majority of students, but rewards you with a bright and promising future.

Michael Fleischner

Michael Fleischner is the Managing Director of http://www.EssayEdge.com and a long time marketing expert. He has appeared on The TODAY Show, Bloomberg Radio, and other major media. For help with your college application essay or medical school application visit EssayEdge.com

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest College and University Articles
  • More from Michael Fleischner

Up level - Scuola di Management | Master in Tourist Management | Master in Hospitality Management | Master in Comunicazione Multimediale

By: Ermal Llanaj | 10/11/2009
Tre master per tre figure professionali altamente specializzate, che fanno la differenza nel mondo del lavoro. Tre figure, non dieci, perché la nostra forza è la specializzazione: per questo noi di Up level offriamo, da sempre, un livello in più.destinatari Ci avete fatto caso? Level è una parola palindroma, si può leggere indifferentemente da sinistra a destra o viceversa. Non per noi: la direzione migliore è una sola, quella che punta in alto, e la persegue soltanto chi ha le idee chiare. Tut

Chinese Traditional Academic Dress

By: Writer | 10/11/2009
This article explains the Traditional Academic Dresses in and China.

The First-Year College Experience

By: shahnaz | 10/11/2009
first day in college

Professor Emman Osakwe

By: Professor Emman Osakwe | 10/11/2009
Professor Emman Osakwe B.Sc. (Nig), M.Ed. (Philadelphia), M.A. (London) Ph.D (Ibadan)

Career Colleges

By: Kathleen Chester | 10/11/2009
Career colleges are essentially privately managed post-secondary schools, which offer career-oriented programs.

Is Becoming a Pastry Chef Your Aspiration

By: Frank Froggatt | 10/11/2009
Has it ever crossed your thoughts to perchance check out a pastry chef school?Maybe all of your friends and family ask you to make all of the delicacies for the parties because they are always spectacular. You get notice from your child's school asking you to prepare some delicacies for the annual bake sale.

Study Skills for Busy Students: Part 1 - Mind Mapping

By: Susan Percy | 09/11/2009
This article is part one of a five part series. Designed for busy students, especially those with demanding courses such as post-graduate, law, medical and so on. This first part covers Mind Mapping, an excellent tool for studying and remembering.

Why it is now Harder for Teens to Earn a College Degree

By: Mia Ava | 09/11/2009
In the U.S. it’s not just tuition fee hikes that are driving up the price tag of earning a college degree. Across the nation, budget cuts are compelling universities and colleges to lay off professors and cancel some classes, thereby making it more difficult for teenagers to get into the courses required to earn their degree. All these lead to more time spent in college.

Life After Business College - Your MBA Cover Letter

By: Michael Fleischner | 09/03/2008 | College & University
If you're considering an MBA, then you'll need more than good grades to get into the school of your choice. Learn the keys to admission and stand out from the crowd.

Getting In the Door: Finding the College of Your Choice

By: Michael Fleischner | 06/03/2008 | College & University
The process of finding and applying to college can be overwhelming. Following some simple steps for admission can be your key to success.

College Planning - Completing Your Law School Personal Statement

By: Michael Fleischner | 06/03/2008 | College & University
Trying to get into a top choice law school can be difficult but not impossible. Learn helpful strategies for getting admitted to the school of your choice.

The College Admissions Process - Everything You Need to Know

By: Michael Fleischner | 06/03/2008 | College & University
There's much you need to know if you're looking to get into your top choice college. In this article we explore the key strategies for being admitted.

College Bound? Beware The Senior Slump!

By: Michael Fleischner | 05/03/2008 | K-12 Education
Stay on the road to academic success by having your student finish his high school career on a high note. Discover the importance of a productive senior year.

The Perfect College For You

By: Michael Fleischner | 05/03/2008 | College & University
Finding and getting admitted to the perfect college can be a challenge. How do you define the perfect college? And when you find it, how do you get in? Learn how to answer these questions and more.

Completing the Graduate School Essay

By: Michael Fleischner | 05/03/2008 | College & University
The graduate school application essay, also known as the personal statement, can make or break your acceptance to a major graduate program. Use these techniques for creating a personal statement that stands out from the crowd.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (1.16, 5, w1)