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Getting
into college is as simple as 1-2-3 -- if you have
all the tools to get you in the door.
Dear
College Dean... Can I Get In?
By Lynda Kessler
Additional reporting by Paul D. Rosevear
May/June 2003
The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- When you
go to a BON JOVI concert, you want to hear the
hits. When you watch MICHAEL JORDAN play basketball,
you want to see his trademark slam dunks. Just
like a music fan or a sports enthusiast, admissions
officers want to be impressed, and expect you
to deliver the goods! Your chances of getting
into the school of your dreams are much better
if you know exactly what the admissions officers
are looking for, and give it to 'em.
The
most important thing, says Marty Nemko, author
of You're Gonna Love This College Guide
(Barron's, 1999), is your grades. "Killer
colleges look for good grades in tough courses,"
he says. "Take the hardest schedule you can
without getting any C's." From here on out,
keep that in mind. Test scores are at the top
of admissions officers' checklists as well. "SAT
IIs should be taken at the end of the course in
June, no matter what year it is," says Joyce
Mitchell, author of Winning the Heart of a
College Admissions Dean (Ten Speed Press,
2001). In other words, don't wait to take the
SAT II for American history when you're a senior
if you had the course sophomore year.
The
next tip is obvious, but often overlooked: Learn
about the colleges that interest you! Admissions
officers like to see that you have done some research
on the colleges you're applying to, which will
be reflected in your application, and especially
in your interview. And if face-to-face interviews
are not mandatory, make sure you go anyway.
"Showing
up for an on-campus interview [will] show the
admissions office that you're seriously considering
the college," says Nemko. "The main
thing in the interview is to look happy to be
there. No gum, [and] watch your slang -- sullen
doesn't sell," adds Mitchell.
Plus,
if you have a special ability, be sure to capitalize
on it -- colleges love talent. "Athletes
and performers should include a short note to
the college coach or artistic director that includes
your performance and academic highlights, and
right after you've applied, ask your coach [or
supervisor] to phone or write on your behalf."
You can never have too many cheerleaders!
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