Make yourself stand out
![]() Aside from the obvious need to maintain a good G.P.A., there are many things that can set you apart from other applicants. Below are a few ideas regarding how to make yourself "memorable" to the admissions office. COMMUNICATION Communicate early to the colleges that you are interested in. When speaking to representatives, be very professional and use the same type of grammar that you would at a job interview. If you have family members who have attended the college, mention this in your communication. After speaking with college representatives be sure to send a thank you note to them. The information on the web about you communicates a message as well. Make sure that your social media pages and images are all appropriate because colleges will more than likely search for you on the internet. CLASSES Make sure that your classes show proper rigor and diversity. Be sure to get recommendations from as many teachers as you can. Be prepared to communicate any weaknesses that show up on your transcript! If you took more rigorous classes, be sure to mention it when you speak to representatives. CLUBS Colleges want to see that you do more than just go to school, study, and sleep. Many now want to see that you have obtained a leadership position in a school club (instead of just JOINING a club.) Let colleges see that you have a wide range of interests and are somebody who likes to get involved with their school. COMMUNITY SERVICE In a recent study by dosomething.org. the organization found the following: • 70 percent of colleges in their survey valued consistent local volunteering over a long period rather than a “short stint” abroad. • Commitment to a single cause was preferred 5 to 1 over scattered involvement with a variety of causes. • Having a “founder” role in creating a new idea or project was chosen as the most important marker of good citizenship. • Application readers like to see words like “commitment” and “passion” when applicants describe their community service in college essays |
Community Service Opportunities
Click the logos above for community service opportunities. Please note that these are only a small sampling of websites dedicated to helping your community. To find out more about how you can increase your community service hours, please see your guidance counselor. |