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Whether you feel your grades have slumped or you're not happy with your SAT scores, the important thing to remember is that the college admission process is all based on who you are as an academic, social, and goal-oriented being. That means, colleges don't just look at your grades or one bad semester -- your involvement in extra curricular activities and your future hopes and desires count, too.

Translation: You need to convey to the colleges -- on your  

college application

 , in your essay, and at your college interviews -- that you are dedicated, intelligent, motivated, and full of aspiration. Your GPA, SAT scores, subject test performances, etc. are certainly all very important, but don't let it bring you down if you feel you're not "up to par."

Emphasize your other strengths, aside from grades... your participation in a favorite club or organization, an exciting after-school involvement with a group, hobby, etc. Also, find out what your specific schools are looking for in terms of potential students. How, you ask? By sending away for their catalogues, viewbooks, and surfing their Web sites.

Keep this in mind, too: If there were any unusual or special circumstances behind a bad semester or class grade, include an explanatory letter with your college applications. If you missed school because of a death in the family or some type of injury or illness, a letter of explanation to the colleges can draw emphasis away from your weaknesses and onto your other strengths. Of course, if you missed school because you just didn't feel like going, then you have some work to do to build yourself up in other areas.

Here are some ways to pump up your College Applications:

Put a lot of thought into application essays and make sure they're grammatically perfect.

Set yourself apart from the crowd. Think of the essay as a golden opportunity for you to highlight your distinct personality. Be clear, concise, and well-organized and when you are satisfied, ask someone to proofread it for you.

Find one or two teachers who you know will give you strong recommendations.

Make a difference -- volunteering looks great on an college application and will make you feel good, too.

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