PrepPoint

Here are some helpful hints recently published in The Piedmont Post. This article was written by PrepPoint founder and college adviser Eva Holtz.

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Whether you’re applying to colleges this fall or just beginning to consider the process, it’s crucial to understand what colleges look for when admitting applicants. Below are four tips from the often-confusing world of college admissions.

1.  Don’t neglect demonstrated interest

With progressively more students applying, colleges struggle to tell whether an applicant is genuinely excited about them, or merely hedging bets in this unpredictable college admissions game. For some colleges, what’s known as “demonstrated interest” can tip the scales in your favor. So if you’re sincerely interested in a particular school, visit the campus, write away for information, accept the invitation to interview, and generally show that you care about what they have to offer.

2.  Take advantage of score choice

It used to be that your SAT results went on your permanent record. With the College Board’s new Score Choice policy, however, you can control exactly which scores are released. This change lowers your stress level on test day and gives you the opportunity to get more comfortable with the real SAT by taking it as often as you’d like. You can learn more by searching “Score Choice” online.

3.  Don’t underestimate standardized tests

Although many students, parents, and educators are frustrated by the foibles and limitations of standardized tests like the SAT and the ACT, these tests remain a dominant factor in admissions. However, these daunting tests present a promising opportunity. Why? Most students already recognize the importance of a strong high school transcript and spend literally thousands of hours earning it. In contrast, most students spend at most a handful of hours preparing for their high-stakes tests. While you can’t transform your academic record in a few hours, those same few hours invested in studying for the SAT or the ACT could completely transform your college options. Not bad for a few hours’ work!

4.  Know that not all extracurricular activities are created equal

As a Harvard admissions interviewer, I see dozens of applicants with striking resumes. There are the intellectuals, the jocks, the artists, the entrepreneurs, the socially conscious, and those who defy easy categorization. What the most remarkable applicants share, however, is enduring commitments, leadership and initiative, and recognition. So instead of cramming your resume with a profusion of superficial involvements, focus on making major contributions in the context of long-term interests.