Researching Colleges

Criteria For College Admission

Each university and college has its own specifications for admissions and its own criteria for college admissions. Be very familiar with the College Admissions Domino Effect. The College Admissions Domino Effect Says that there are five main points of applying and being accepted to the colleges that you prefer. Neglecting to follow one of these steps or not following through on an step makes your chances of being accepted decrease substantially. This is comparable to lifting a domino from a chain of dominos.

Pay close attention to the following five points which are pertinent criteria for college admissions:

n      Grades/ G.P.A./ Class Rankings

n      Standardized Test Scores

n      Activities/ Experience

n      Application Essay

n      Recommendations

There are many facts to consider and goals to achieve when trying to gain admissions to the college of your choice. Be prepared every step of the way:

n      Become knowledgeable of the college admissions timeline.

n      Don’t wait until the last minute to start applying. Keep in mind your criteria for college admissions.

n      Take into consideration all instructions, rules, and regulations for each college you are applying to.

n      Carefully check your application packet to make sure everything is in tact and it is securely sealed. Then don’t forget to mail it.

n      Be sure that your college essays are well written, grammatically correct, and proofread by at least one other person.

n      Your letters of recommendation should be written by teachers who are familiar with your interests and who know your potential.  Be aware of the criteria for college admissions as you continue to gather your materials.

n      Take the time to make a visit and familiarize yourself with the colleges you are interested in.

n      In your criteria for college admissions include requirements, costs, ranking, reputation for each college.

n      Attend college fairs, take advantage of college related activities that may involve you and be of interest to your endeavor.  Visit college websites to learn information about all colleges that are of interest to you.

n      As part of your criteria for college admissions, proceed in taking advanced courses in your senior year of high school which are geared toward college.  Always make good scores.  Many colleges request to review some of your senior scores before making a decision to admit you.  Some colleges may even require seeing all of your senior grades before making their decision.

n      Involve your guidance counselor to help you narrow down your list of colleges to a workable number.

n      Try to score high on your standardized test; however, if you don’t – take them again.