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Health & Fitness

College Advising: Earn Big "Interest Points" with a College—Now!

Increase your chances with a college. Show some "interest!"


This time of year, students are beginning to work on their college applications. We have many families who have already finished their essays and are just waiting for the Common Application to open on August 1st.  While they wait, they want to know how to increase their chances with their first choice colleges. Schools love to accept students who they know are interested in attending their school. Showing sincere interest is a great way to spend the rest of your summer!

Below is a list of things you can do to help a college know that you are sincere about attending their school. Since you might have several schools you’re interested in, it’s okay to show interest in each of them. As you can see, however, you should prioritize so that don’t wear yourself out “showing interest!”

 

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1.    Request information: Just by going on line and registering with a college’s Admissions page, you are showing interest. You will start receiving e-mail notices from the college about events in your area, ways to meet the school rep, and when to submit your application. If you ever change your mind and want to “unsubscribe” from a school’s list, no harm done.  Just click the link.

 

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2.    Contact the admissions office: Take a few minutes and think of a good question to ask an admissions officer. This needs to be something more than the obvious and beyond what you can find out for yourself on their webpage. Think up a question about something you’d like to learn or an internship you’d like to have and call Admissions to ask. Be sure to give your name when you do so they can remember you.

 

3.    Take the official campus tour: Visiting campuses is expensive and time consuming, but it is also very important for your future “perfect fit.” So often, however, families drive to school and do their own tour without ever stopping in the Admissions Office. Please take the time to stop in, sign in, take a few brochures and the official tour.  Admissions will record your name and note the level of commitment.  You’ll already to be ahead when your application arrives in just a few months!

 

4.    Stay overnight: Overnight programs are great fun. Of course, they’re not offered during the summer months when students are scarce, but you can sign up now. Staying overnight shows tremendous interest in a school and can really make a difference for you. After a day of going to classes, eating campus food, and sleeping in a real dorm room, you’ll know if this school is right for you and your application will reflect that assurance.

 

5.    Sign up now for a campus or alumni interview: Interview slots are few and often make a huge difference to the applicant. Think ahead, show your interest, and be ready to go in the fall.

 

6.    Go to College Fairs: In the fall, the college fairs and school visits will begin. Visit college reps (and give them our name) when they come to your school. Often the very people who visit are the ones who will read your application. Just by stopping in, saying Hello, and asking a few questions, you will be making a huge impression—and a good one!

 

7.    Go to local Information Sessions: Some faraway and popular schools book rooms in hotels where they can give a talk, show a slide show, and meet students. Just by attending these Information Sessions, you will be showing a high level of interest. Sign up early. They fill up quickly!

 

8.    Sign up on the school’s Facebook page: This is easy and effective.  You will receive notices of any upcoming events in your area. You will also hear stories from campus and get campus news as it unfolds!

 

9.    Apply to the school early (now would be nice!): While the Common App doesn’t open for a few weeks and most schools will not be accepting early applications until October and November, schools with rolling admission are already open. Check your list. Wouldn’t it be nice to start senior year with a few acceptances!

 

--All the best from www.PerfectFitCollege.Net

 

 

 

 

 


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