College Admissions Guide - FAQs

How do I choose the right college?

Consider the characteristics you want in the college you attend. These might include location, weather, size, curriculum or cost. Visit college websites, take virtual tours and, if possible, visit the campus to get a feel of the campus, environment and academic principles. Another great insight is to talk to people who have attended the college. Get their opinion and ask about their personal academic and social experience at that school.

Do advanced placement courses benefit my chance for admission?

Colleges expect high-caliber students to be taking AP courses, so taking these can certainly make you a stronger applicant. It shows that you are motivated and interested in challenging yourself, and it demonstrates your potential to perform well in college classes.

Do my SAT scores really make a difference?

Depending on the college, your SAT score can be the deciding factor as to whether or not you are accepted to that school. If needed, take your test over again to attain the necessary score required for the college/s of your choice.

Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation?

Choose recommenders who know, like and respect you and your academic abilities to write your letters of recommendation. If more than one recommendation is required, choose teachers from different subjects because that highlights your ability to work well in different disciplines. You can even provide them with a list of achievements you have attained the past several years as a reminder of what you have accomplished. Be sure to give them at least 2 weeks to write the letters.

How do I make my college essay stand out?

Be original, thought out, and personal. Make an effort to tie your essay in to why that individual college is the best choice for you. Be specific in explaining exactly why their learning environment is the right one for you. Create a professional appearance. Triple check for grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors to make certain your essay appears neat and well thought out.

What is the Common Application, and should I use it?

The common application is a route many students take to streamline and simplify the application process. The way it works is that you fill out one application, make copies and send them to however many different schools you would like to apply to. It simplifies the college application process and eliminates duplication of effort. Keep in mind that most colleges require that you complete supplementary material. This can be overwhelming depending on how many colleges you apply to. Stay organized by making checklists to keep track of what you have or haven't sent in.