More Than A Number: The Truth About Your College Dream
You would notice your fraught silence while thinking about your college dream. There's no magic formula in getting into the university of your choice, so you like to believe that the admissions process is unfair. It's not really the case.
If you really want to know the real score, then you only need to go through the report of the Chronicle of Higher Education. The writers of this publication have interviewed admissions deans across America over the decades, and the outcome can help you deal with the application process. It's not personal. (If you read good words about you, then let it inspire you to do better during your first year in college. Don't let it get it to your head. If it's not something you like, then don't take it as a personal offense.) Your college dream is more than a number, but not quite.
7 Thoughts to Remember
It's not about you, so don't be upset about rejection. You became known for being sullen and disappointed after you find out that you didn't get an A in one of your subjects during high school. Your (high school) friends are jealous of the awards that are on display in the mantelpiece (in your home). You assume that you'll have an easy passage to college, which is no longer a guarantee. Admissions deans (or tutors) have to consider competing goals, which means that they aren't looking for applicants who don't fit one description. (In other words, the brightest student may not be admitted to Harvard.) There's also this thing about revenue, which can be a debatable topic. You'll find it out later.
Connections won't get you an unconditional offer. If Kennedy is your surname, then don't expect Ivy League colleges to prioritize you. It might elicit looks from other students, though.
Your grades and test scores must exceed everyone's expectations. You might find it ridiculous after you learn that admissions deans (or tutors) want to know the real you. It's an indicator of how you're able to handle the rigor of the coursework. This is what you're supposed to do as a student, so you better not slack on it.
But you're more than a number. Big-name colleges have thousands of applicants, and only a small fraction of them will be offered a place. It's a case of a big batch of senior students with outstanding academic records, which prompts deans to look into other factors. Extracurricular activities will reveal your leadership (or lack of), also emotional intelligence. Admissions essays will demonstrate your ability to put your critical thinking to good use. Deans will also take note of your fire for learning (or lack of). Your recommendations will attest your ability to overcome obstacles, if not your optimistic attitude to distressing moments while finishing your homework. It's all about differences, which can make you stand out from the rest (or not).
Be true to yourself. Your (application) essays and personal statement give you the opportunity to show your authentic self to the (admissions) deans. They want to see the passion behind your pursuit of higher learning, also experiences that will enable you to rise above the challenges of managing the coursework during a hectic term. You don't need to try too hard, as a polished paper could make some deans think twice about your application. You can put your creativity to good use, where you can accompany a short video or a set of photos. Try anything that will make you noticed in seconds.
It's all about diversity. The recent election may have revealed the great divide, which would mark the first year of the Trump administration. It would go back to Clinton's term, though. Many colleges have addressed it, as they tried to balance the ratio of applicants from a privileged background and those coming from low-income families. Geography is another thing. (If you're a native of New England, then don't narrow your choices to the Ivy League schools. These universities are likely to lean towards applicants from the Midwest, as they want students all over the US.)
Do good. It pays to be a volunteer, so think about a gap year prior to your first year in college. You don't need to think of faraway lands, where volunteer work would conceal your real motives. (You want a selfie in front of the Romanesque structures while thinking of busking as an option when you run low on funds.) This will broaden your horizon, which can make you a better writer. You'll also learn some (real-life) skills, which can teach you to cope with the pressure of beating the deadline to your assignments. Make the most out of it if you're really serious about volunteering.
College deans want you to be serious about your studies
If you want to make your dreams come true, then you must be willing to work for it. Make college your first choice, such as you won't miss a morning lecture. You choose to sleep early instead of staying up late for parties. You will get in touch with admissions deans, even promising them to do a campus visit. Never think of financial circumstances, which can be a hindrance to your college dream. Anything can happen if you show the strongest expression of demonstrated interest.
