Getting Into CollegePreparing students for college has become
not only a big business, but a source of tremendous stress
on parents and students alike. It almost seems as though
obtaining entrance to college is no longer a logical process
– get good grades, work hard, apply, go to college. It has
become more of a game.
The College Game Getting good grades is not enough. A
student must now take the right courses, get very high
grades in those courses, and pack the rest of her day with
the “right” activities. Some courses, such as college level
or Advanced Placement (AP) courses are much more beneficial,
assuming the child can handle the material. Of course if the
child can’t handle the material, prestigious universities
might not be the right course for that student.
Planning for College Some schools do not present the same
challenging entry as others. These are often termed “safety
schools” by applicants. The “reach schools” and “target
schools” are the ones that require a bit of effort and
foresight. Unfortunately, many students who wish to attend a
notable college do not realize what is involved in gaining
admission until too late. Planning for college does not begin in
high school. It should, by many accounts, begin in junior
high or even earlier. Classes and tracks taken in middle
grades can have great implications on a child’s future.
Getting ahead on high school level courses in junior high
can offer additional opportunities for college level courses
in high school, or for GPA boosting electives.
Dedication Colleges greatly admire students who show
perseverance in school activities. Students who complete a
long stretch of a single activity, be it band, choir,
theater, or sports, can have a boost to their application.
This makes sense in a way, but it also severely limits a
student’s opportunities to try other fun electives or to
take additional core classes. This is why it is so highly
regarded.
American Boarding Schools
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