Oct 10, 2012

Applications, and Essays, and Deadlines... OH MY!


Hey Seniors:  So we know that right now you are working diligently on your college applications.  Good 4 U!  Here are some tips on... 

WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN YOU APPLY!


Being someone you’re not                                                              
(suddenly joining 10 clubs this year and protecting the rain forest!)  Admissions wants to know about one or two activities that are truly a passion for you.

Neglecting the Personal Statement
Even if it’s optional – do it.  It gives you the opportunity to give more information about you to admissions.

Writing about the wrong school                                                           
Yikes!  A student wrote about the ‘exciting school spirit, fun football games, etc. and how fun it would be to live in Ann Arbor.  Then the student sent it to Wisconsin.

Mentioning majors the school doesn’t offer                                                 
Do your research on-line to make sure the college has the major you are considering.  “Undecided” is OK if you truly don’t know.

Being careless in Social Media                                                           
Privacy Settings!!!  Be careful when sharing pictures, post, tweets, and videos.  Admissions often interacts via Facebook and You Tube to provide info and answer questions.  You don’t want them to see THAT picture.

Using slang in essays 
Slang such as LOL, YOLO and :) undermines your college essay.  Admissions wants to get a sense of who you are -- your character.  They want to see if you can articulate this in a well-written essay.  Make your English teacher proud!

Read more about this in “Best Colleges” Edition of U.S. News & World Report 2013 edition.

           TTYL,
GW College Coach

Did you “like” the Glenbard West Guidance – College Coach facebook fanpage, yet?

P.S. Don’t forget to turn in green GBW Transcript Request Forms to your counselor after you have submitted your application online.