Components of the College Application

Hello Juniors, now that fall is officially in full swing, it’s time for the Class of 2025 to think about college applications. There are many facets to the college application, all of which are unique and important to pay attention to.  Sign up now  for our free webinar on Demystifying the College Application Process. 

TOP 8 MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE COLLEGE APP

Top 8

What is it?

Rigor/curriculum

The classes a student takes that are available to them in their school. Colleges look for students who are taking and excelling in challenging classes that are available to them. Colleges will weigh this against the level of classes available at the student’s high school.

GPA

Every college has their own algorithm to calculate a student’s GPA. Often this will remove elective classes and be calculated solely on the student’s academic subjects (math, English, science, etc.)

Test Scores

Due to COVID, most colleges have gone test optional, meaning that a student is not required to submit a test score, but may do so if they have taken the SAT or ACT. Students submitting test scores should do so if their test score is in the 50th percentile or higher of the college’s requested score range.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Student’s extracurricular list for sports, clubs, service activities. This is a great place for students to show their ingenuity during COVID and how they were able to still participate in their activities under social distancing rules.

Personal Statement

“The Big Essay,” a 650 word max personal statement where the student is asked to share a personal story which gives colleges insight about their life, personality, and personal values.

Supplemental essays

Colleges will ask the students supplemental questions such as “Why have you chosen our college?” or “How can you help add to the diversity of our institution?” This is a further chance for students to give colleges insight into their lives, and to express why they are a good fit for the college and vice versa. Usually 250-300 words max.

Additional/Optional essays

Colleges may ask students “Is there anything else we should know about you?” or “Are there any life circumstances which have impacted your grades and/or curriculum?” This is where a student can express any extenuating circumstances that may have impacted their high school career, such as an illness or injury.

Letters of Recommendation

Colleges will expect students to submit letters of recommendation as a part of their application. It’s best practice to get 1 letter from a counselor, 1 letter from a humanities teacher, and 1 letter from a STEM teacher. Students should ask teachers who can speak best to their character and work ethic, and remember, it may not even be the class in which you got your best grades. Also remember that these letters are written for students as favors from teachers, so be sure to ask early, be deliberate in your ask, and to thank your teachers for their letters of recommendation.

MORE ABOUT THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

The student will be asked to submit a narrative style essay personal statement to give colleges more insight into their lives and values. This essay is usually 650 characters max. This style of writing is to be done in the first person, and should center around events in a student’s life, lessons learned, obstacles and challenges they have encountered and growth that has come from experience. This essay is where the student should show some vulnerability and give the schools insight into their character.  With testing now being optional or even test blind (not requested at all), and extra-curricular activities disrupted, the importance of  essays has taken on more significance for many college admissions committees.

WHERE CAN I FIND HELP?

LB Kussick from Kussick College Coaching and  Liddane Tutoring & Learning Services both provide support for college applications. LB offers college coaching and support for the whole application, while LTLS offers college application tutoring, as well as SAT and ACT test prep and mock tests.Lastly, we feel so strongly about getting a good start on college applications and essays, that if you are unable to work with us, we will refer you to someone who can support you! Give us a call or shoot us an email if you have questions!