happy+healthy
college 101
life skills
tips & advice
resources
college 101
life skills
admissions
scholarships
trends
A+
parent to parent
APPLICATIONS
dos and don’ ts for college admissions
The competition to get into college and score sought-after scholarship dollars can be fierce. So how
can your teen get ahead of other applicants? We asked a few college admissions officers what they
look for in prospective students and how your teen can make their application truly stand out.
Your Teen Should
Take the Reins
“Colleges love to see students being proactive. That can mean applying early, visiting
campus and reaching out themselves when
they have questions. When all other things
are the same academically, the student who
has been more personally involved in the
process stands out among their peers.” E.R.
“Parents are an important piece of the education process and have plenty of opportunities
to provide assistance to the student. However,
unless the well-intentioned family member
plans on going to class and taking the exams
for the student, it is best to have the student
complete all the applications, essays and
acceptance documents. Institutions certainly
would enjoy having the parents as students
as well. That would just require a separate application!” A.G.
Speak Up & Show Interest
“Applicants who have proven success in
academics will stand out. We also love to see
leadership and community involvement. Applicants who visit campus and participate in a
tour will also stand out as will those who ask
questions.” K.B.
“A factor that is often not talked about is the
student’s interest in the institution. Colleges
and universities want students that want
them. About 90 percent of institutions are
all the same in their offerings educationally.
Although this leaves only a 10 percent differ-
28
DO
entiation between colleges and universities,
this 10 percent is what makes the institutions
unique. Applicants should express their interest in an institution relating to the 10 percent
and not the 90 perc