the application process — part 2
The interview is one of the
most feared parts of the application process. While some colleges and
universities require interviews, many may not.
I would encourage
you to seek out an “interview” even if it is not required. The
interview provides the opportunity for you to have your face literally in front
of the admissions representative. What better way is there to make a positive
impression? I believe it is human nature to be more sympathetic and positive
toward someone you have met. Admissions representatives are people too, and
it is more difficult to discount a person than it is to discount an application.
You should dress to make a positive impression. Be prepared to have a clear
answer to questions like:
- Why do you want to come to "College of the Clouds"?
- What can you contribute to the school?
- What is important to you in choosing a school?
- What opportunities were you involved with during high school?
- Where do you see yourself in ten years?
- Why are you interested in Biology? (insert your intended major)
- Describe the type of person you are.
You should practice answering
these types of questions before your interview. You should also have
questions ready to ask
when given the chance. This will
help demonstrate your interest in the school and will show
that you are well prepared. If the school does not require an interview,
it is likely that
the admissions "interview" may simply be a time for the admissions representative
to answer your questions and tell you more about the school.
7. Recommendations
Recommendations can be one of the most powerful and positive
tools in the application process. Having said this, I also
believe that
this is
one
of the most overlooked
parts of the application process. I was amazed at what some
people sent in as "recommendations." This is not always the student's fault, but
it still reflects negatively on him/her. Consider this - you have the opportunity
to have any teacher, clergy member, employer, coach, etc. complete a recommendation.
What does it say to the admissions office to have a recommendation sent in
on your behalf that is poorly written, incomplete, or not very positive? You
should consider it your responsibility to ensure this doesn't happen.
First, make certain you are asking someone who already thinks
highly of you. Ask the individual if they feel comfortable
and confident
in writing
a favorable
recommendation. Let the person know that they can say "no". You should
be ready to ask someone else do a recommendation if this person seems to be
at all reluctant.
Second, after the person agrees to write the recommendation,
make sure they understand how important this recommendation
is to you.
Don't
just say "thanks" and
leave it at that.
Third, make sure you ask that they complete the recommendation
by a specific date. I would recommend within one to two weeks.
If they
are "too busy" or
can't promise to do so, find someone else. Communicate the importance of their
recommendation in your acceptance and possibly your financial aid. If the school
does not require a recommendation, send one anyway. If they require one, send
two. If they require two or more, I’d suggest just sending the number
requested.
The recommendation provides an opportunity for a third party
to brag about you to the admissions office. Do not overlook
the weight
a
recommendation could carry!
8. The SAT/ACT.
Plan to take both the ACT and the SAT. Compare your scores
to determine which is stronger. You can then take at least
the stronger
test
a second time.
This means additional time and expense, but I believe it
is time and money well
spent. Students with a weak score on one test may score significantly
higher on the other. You could also experience dramatic improvement
on the second
try of the same test.
There are countless reasons why you may do poorly, so give
yourself at least a couple of chances to put forth your best
effort. Your
high school
may provide
you with the opportunity to take the ACT and/or SAT practice
test. If not, find another way to take one of these by contacting
a school
in
your area.
This will help prepare you for the real thing.
I recommend taking both the ACT and the SAT toward the end
of your junior year and then at least the stronger again
in the
fall of
your senior
year. This
should give you time to take either test again, if necessary.
Before losing too much sleep over these tests, remember that
although
important, they
are only one part of the application process.
9. Ask For Help
If you get stuck at any point, be sure to ask a parent or
guidance counselor for help. Make certain the lines of communication
with your guidance
counselor are open. You will need their help in sending out
your transcripts. Some
high schools may require that you submit your application
to
the guidance office
for review prior to sending it on to the college. The important
point is that there are likely well-qualified people around
to assist you – please
take advantage of this opportunity. If you are homeschooled, give the college
a call and ask about the school's policies relating to homeschooled students.
10. Take Your Time
By planning ahead you should not feel rushed as you work
through the application process. Whether filling out the
application,
preparing for an interview,
writing your essays, or getting a recommendation, put forth
your best
effort. Do not
put yourself in a position of saying, "If only I would have..." If
you do not gain acceptance to a particular college or university, be prepared
to move on. Your school is out there, stick with it until you find it.
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