Tips for the College Application

Many universities are now accepting applications and granting tentative admissions approval for the 2009 fall semester…meaning…these students haven't even completed their senior year, BUT THEY'VE BEEN ACCEPTED TO COLLEGE! How is that possible? The answer, many schools have ‘Early College Admission Programs' granting tentative admission approval for high school students who have completed their junior year of high school and have a 3.0 or better grade point average and/or rank in the upper quartile of their class.

Regardless if a student applies at the completion of their junior year in high school or during their senior year, most universities are looking at the same basic qualifications to grant admissions: high school class rank, satisfactory ACT/SAT test scores and involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership roles.

Strong academic preparation is evident through high school class ranking. Many times it is difficult to achieve an upper level ranking position without participating in at least one of the following: Advance Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and/or Honors courses. Achieving good grades in these types of courses show universities that you are better prepared for college level course work.

Standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT are accepted at all universities for college entrance. These tests assess a students' basic educational knowledge in English, math and science. Universities use these tests in an attempt to level the playing field between varying school districts requirements, private high schools and home schools. Minimum scores for acceptance into a university range from school to school so check with the universities you are interested in to determine their requirements for admission.

Students involved in extracurricular activities, leadership roles or volunteer work for non-profit or charitable organizations possess the ability to succeed as a well rounded student by demonstrating their diversity and ability to balance classroom, social and service activities.

Rather than ‘fit into a university mold', students should focus on discovering, developing and growing their own true passions through education and service. While high school class rank, ACT/SAT test scores and involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership roles are some of the items what Admissions Counselors are looking for, remember to not lose who YOU are during your college search.

Editorial provided by Vickie House, Director of Admissions and Recruiting at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX.