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How to Increase Your College Admissions Chances

April 22, 2020 by Rana L. Choubah, CFP®

What matters most when you’re trying to get into college? In a word: grades. If you do nothing else in high school, keep your grades up. At a basic level, it really is that simple.

More specifically, the factors that matter most to colleges are these:

  • high school GPA
  • grades in college preparatory courses
  • strength of curriculum
  • SAT or ACT scores

And after that?

  • essays or writing samples
  • demonstrated interest in the school
  • letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors
  • class rank
  • extracurricular activities

Let’s talk about how to approach your high school coursework, your activities, and your application to improve your college acceptance odds.

Take challenging core classes

Earning straight As in the easiest courses your high school offers won’t impress anyone, and it won’t prepare you for more rigorous college courses. Look for classes that give you a combination of challenging yourself academically and succeeding. Top marks in the core subjects of history, math, English, science, and foreign language matter more than success in nonacademic electives, unless you’re a top athlete — but this article is for the students who aren’t.

Some students are smart enough, prepared enough, and lucky enough to enter high school enrolled in the most advanced classes across the board. They excel in those classes and continue to thrive in challenging classes throughout their sophomore, junior, and senior years.

Most students will take a less straightforward path. They might enroll in the middle tier of classes freshman year, and based on how they perform; they might drop down to less challenging classes in some subjects for sophomore year and go up to more challenging classes in others.

Some schools don’t offer advanced or Honors classes. In these cases, students who need a challenge — and a way to stand out when they apply to college — will need to find alternatives. These might include local community college courses, online Advanced Placement courses, or online college courses. As a bonus, it may be possible to earn simultaneous high school and college credit.

Look at it this way: School takes up a lot of time and energy. You don’t want to be bored, and you don’t want to be frustrated. Try to pick classes that offer the right level of challenge so you can feel engaged, learn what you need to learn, and create a solid transcript.

Commit to extracurricular activities

Depth matters more than breadth when it comes to extracurriculars. It won’t help to belong to ten clubs, because admissions officers know it’s impossible to make a meaningful contribution to that many organizations. Plus, you’ll probably feel stretched thin, trying to hit all those meetings and pay all those dues. Instead, make a solid commitment to one or two activities you’re passionate about so you can really make a difference.

If you can take on a leadership position within those activities, even better. This doesn’t have to mean becoming the officer of an organization, there are limited spots for those, and sometimes they’re won on popularity, not merit.

Leadership could mean spearheading a project of your own design. If your Spanish National Honor Society offers a tutoring program for students who are learning English and you learn that those students don’t just need English for school but English to help them get after-school jobs, create a program that fills that need. Teach them the vocab; fill out sample job applications; conduct practice interviews. Keep track of how many people you help and the results they get.

Being able to participate in extracurriculars is a luxury, as some students need to earn money or take care of family members. If that’s you, don’t assume your extracurricular game is dead. How can you maximize the opportunities you have? Can you get on a managerial track at your part-time job? Don’t just work hard and hope to get promoted; tell your manager about your goals and ask how to achieve them. Colleges want students who are responsible, motivated and take the initiative. So do employers.

Write an engaging essay

Your essay is your best shot at showing the admissions office who you are. It is your chance to showcase yourself in more depth than your transcript and a list of extracurriculars can. What can you tell the admissions office that will help you stand out? What makes you unique? And can you write? The ability to write a clear and engaging piece with correct grammar and punctuation can boost your application.

Choose your essay topic carefully and put your draft through many rounds of revisions. Get input from teachers and college counselors with topic selection and writing. You will also find lots of strategies and tips online for college essays:

  • use a narrative structure
  • write about a challenge you overcame
  • avoid common topics and cliches
  • don’t repeat things included elsewhere in your application

Some English teachers will even assign personal essays to help you generate ideas and practice for your college application. Being able to spend class time and homework time on something you have to do anyway while getting free personalized feedback can be a big help, so take full advantage of this opportunity if you get it.

Develop relationships with teachers whose classes you work hard in

You’re going to need recommendation letters to get into most schools, and teachers will write better letters if they actually know you and if they respect your work ethic. That means participating in class, turning in assignments on time, asking questions after class or after school about subjects you’re especially interested in, and joining any clubs or activities your teacher sponsors. It doesn’t mean playing teacher’s pet or being insincere; your teacher and classmates will see right through it, and no one likes a phony.

Approach recommendation letters the right way

You should not try to tell a teacher what to write in a letter about you, nor should you expect to read it. That said, it is a good idea to give your teacher or counselor a list of your strengths, accomplishments, challenges you’ve overcome, and weaknesses you are improving on. Then you are ready for an unrushed conversation about these points.

Teachers have so many students to keep track of, so they may not know you as well as you think. At the same time, they might have special insights about your performance and behavior based on their observations, teaching, and life experience. This conversation could be a time to get an excellent letter of recommendation, to grow as a student, and receive advice about college.

Get your request in early, months ahead of the application deadline, especially if you have chosen a popular teacher. You don not want someone who could influence your college chances to be grumpy or rushed when they’re writing about you.

Demonstrate interest

There are many ways to demonstrate an interest in a school: introducing yourself to a representative at your high school’s college fair, completing an informational interview with an alumnus, or visiting the campus and sitting in on classes, to name a few.

Demonstrated interest matters at some schools more than others. It may not even matter at all. But when it does matter, a 2017 study says certain types of demonstrated interest matter more than others: a college visit often carries more weight.

That’s fine if you have the means to pay for the trip and your parents can take the time off work, and if you’re not choosing a college during a pandemic.

Applying early decision or early interest are also good ways to show you’re serious about a school, and these options are much more accessible to students of limited means and during crazy times.

But don’t worry about it too much unless you know the schools you want to attend care about this factor.

A word about test scores

High SAT, and ACT scores have long been among the most important criteria for getting into your college of choice, especially for the nation’s most selective schools. But due to concerns about the shortcomings of standardized tests, many colleges and universities have

Then, due to COVID-19, more schools waived standardized tests as an entrance requirement for 2020 admissions. Find out what your target schools’ test requirements are before you dedicate time or money to test prep.

Playing the college admissions game to win

Each college has a unique mission and reputation. It wants to attract certain types of students. Learning what colleges want, then creating a plan to meet those criteria, is a solid strategy to increase your admissions chances. CollegeData, a college advice website, has a tool called College Match that shows how much specific schools care about different factors in their admissions decisions.

After all, you probably don’t want to go to just any college. You’re probably interested in specific schools, or you will be after paging through a college’s website, talking about schools with your friends, and getting input from your parents and teachers.

Sometimes, getting into college can feel like a high-stakes game that every decision might make or break. Don’t put that kind of pressure on yourself. Try to stay focused on the present, because the choices you make throughout high school are not just about trying to get into college. You’re trying to learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills, understand the world we live in, and get better at expressing yourself. These abilities will help you succeed in school, work, and relationships throughout your life, regardless of where you end up.

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Eric C. Jansen, ChFC

Fun Facts About Me

When he is not researching the next great stock to add to client portfolios, you can find him travelling frequently with his family to Jackson Hole Wyoming.

  • Hometown: Chicago, IL
  • Birth Month & Year: November, 1964
  • Favorite Hobby: Goldmining in Nome, AK
  • Favorite Food: Steak at Charley’s Steakhouse in Orlando FL
  • Can't be interrupted when: Watching the Discovery Channel
  • Hidden Talent: Finish Carpenter
  • Something on bucket list: Obtain Helicopter Pilot License
  • Family Pet: Goldfish

Steven C. Johnson, ChFC

Fun Facts About Me

Steve would tell you that one of the best parts of the day is spent talking to clients and relationships that result from it. When away from the office, he loves to travel the back roads of New England enjoying all the great sites that can be found off the beaten path.

  • Hometown: Townsend, MA
  • Birth Month & Year: December, 1967
  • Favorite Hobby: Playing Hockey
  • Favorite Food: Chicken Caesar Salad
  • Can't be interrupted when: Watching the Bruins
  • Hidden Talent: Cooking – Makes a great Thanksgiving turkey
  • Something on bucket list: Travel to Italy and Greece
  • Family Pet: Max – our Pomeranian

Frederick M. Lane, ChFC, CASL

Fun Facts About Me

When not managing client portfolios, Fred can be found relaxing with family and friends.

  • Hometown: Nutley, NJ
  • Birth Month & Year: July, 1954
  • Favorite Hobby: Dog Walking
  • Favorite Food: Italian
  • Can't be interrupted when: Listening to Pink Floyd
  • Hidden Talent: Landscaping
  • Something on bucket list: Space Flight - Tourism
  • Family Pet: None

Catherine Utley

Fun Facts About Me

  • Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
  • Birth Month & Year: February 1977
  • Favorite Hobby: Anything that gets me outdoors exploring nature
  • Favorite Food: Anything Mexican
  • Can't be interrupted when: Drinking first cup of coffee for the day
  • Hidden Talent: Putting together complicated puzzles
  • Something on bucket list: Over the water bungalow in Fiji
  • Family Pet: Currently between pets. Previous owner of 2 adorable pugs

Catherine M. Gareri

Fun Facts About Me

When not caring for her clients Cathy enjoys relaxing in her yard at home.

  • Hometown: Bellingham, MA
  • Birth Month & Year: July, 1957
  • Favorite Hobby: Cooking and Entertaining
  • Favorite Food: Steak at the Capital Grille
  • Can't be interrupted when: It's family time
  • Hidden Talent: Dog Whisperer
  • Something on bucket list: Spending a couple months on the Almalfi Coast
  • Family Pet: In Between Mastiffs now so a little blue fish “Willy”

Katie E. Moore, CLTC

Fun Facts About Me

When Katie is not busy taking care of her clients, she spends her time being a mom to her two little ones, Owen and Isla.

  • Hometown: Modesto, CA
  • Birth Month & Year: September, 1982
  • Favorite Hobby: Swimming
  • Favorite Food: Mexican Food
  • Can't be interrupted when: I'm cooking
  • Hidden Talent: Climbed Yosemite's Half Dome, twice - no fear :)
  • Something on bucket list: See the Northern Lights and Potty Train my 2 year old
  • Family Pet: Caddy and Sierra – our two cats

Herbert Kyles

Fun Facts About Me

When Herbert isn't reviewing your portfolio or assisting you with your financial well-being you can probably find him relaxing with friends.

  • Hometown: Overland Park, KS
  • Birth Month & Year: November, 1989
  • Favorite Hobby: Hockey, Golf & Cooking
  • Favorite Food: Chipotle
  • Can't be interrupted when: Studying
  • Hidden Talent: Fluent in French
  • Something on bucket list: Demolition Derby
  • Family Pet: None

Hesper Duval

Fun Facts About Me

Loves spending time with 2 daughters and enjoys participating in 5k obstacle races throughout the year.

  • Hometown: Charlton, MA
  • Birth Month & Year: October, 1981
  • Favorite Hobby: Running
  • Favorite Food: Cheesecake
  • Can't be interrupted when: Reading a good book
  • Hidden Talent: Interior Design and furniture restoration
  • Something on bucket list: To travel cross-country in an RV
  • Family Pet: Charlie and Nora, both black labs from the same litter

Donna Fournier

Fun Facts About Me

When not cheering for the Patriots, Donna spends her free time travelling throughout the United States looking for new haunted places to explore. She loves to wear her cowboy hat and boots when travelling out west.

  • Hometown: Swansea, MA
  • Birth Month & Year: February, 1961
  • Favorite Hobby: Exploring haunted locations
  • Favorite Food: Pizza
  • Can't be interrupted when: Eating my pizza
  • Hidden Talent: Rollerblading
  • Something on bucket list: Travel to Australia
  • Family Pet:  Had a pet skunk

Anne Whitney

Fun Facts About Me

  • Hometown: Jaffrey, NH
  • Birth Month & Year: September 1988
  • Favorite Hobby: Drawing and painting
  • Favorite Food: Anything spicy!
  • Can't be interrupted when: Reading a good book
  • Hidden Talent: Expert calligrapher
  • Something on bucket list: Go to San Diego Comic Con
  • Family Pet: Most recently, a rescued beagle named Max

Steve Taylor

Fun Facts About Me

  • Hometown: Franklin, MA
  • Birth Month & Year: May 1975
  • Favorite Hobby: Golf
  • Favorite Food: Pizza
  • Can’t be interrupted when: Spending time with my family
  • Hidden Talent: Juggling
  • Something on bucket list: Play golf at Pebble Beach
  • Family Pet: none

Sarah Kupec

 

  • Hometown: Wyckoff, NJ
  • Birth Month & Year: November, 1992
  • Favorite Hobby: Hiking
  • Favorite Food: Chipotle
  • Can't be interrupted when: Watching LSU football. Geaux Tigers!
  • Hidden Talent: Chalkboard art
  • Something on bucket list: Travel to Germany
  • Family Pet: Max, a 14-year-old Westie

Cathy Hession

Fun Facts About Me

When away from the office, Cathy enjoys working out and participating in the 26.2 mile Jimmy Fund Marathon Walk each September.

  • Hometown: Hanover, MA
  • Birth Month & Year: May, 1964
  • Favorite Hobby: Travel & hiking
  • Favorite Food: Danny's Homemade Sauce
  • Can't be interrupted when: Watching Katie ride
  • Hidden Talent: Equestrian photographer
  • Something on bucket list: Spend a month in Monterosso Al Mare w my family
  • Family Pet: Sassy, our Australian terrier

Kieran Lavery

  • Hometown: Bedford, NH
  • Birth Month & Year: November, 1989
  • Favorite Hobby: Playing tennis and softball
  • Favorite Food: Tex-Mex
  • Can't be interrupted when: Watching college basketball
  • Hidden Talent: Can solve a Rubik's cube in under 2 minutes
  • Something on bucket list: Attend Oktoberfest

Matthew Cleary

In his free time, Matt likes to hike, camp and travel with his wife Gina.

  • Hometown: Farmington, Maine
  • Birth Month & Year: March 1986
  • Favorite Hobby: Hiking
  • Favorite Food: Lasagna
  • Can't be interrupted when: Watching the Celtics
  • Hidden Talent: Water skiing
  • Something on bucket list: Traveling to Greece
  • Family Pet: Aspiring British Bulldog owner

Justin Giuliano

When not helping clients, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and family while settling into his new home.

  • Hometown: Wethersfield, CT
  • Birth Month & Year: July 1988
  • Favorite Hobby: Exploring new destinations with my wife
  • Favorite Food: Frutti di Mare
  • Can’t be interrupted when: Grilling
  • Hidden Talent: A unique inability to sit still
  • Something on bucket list: Traveling to Europe

Rana Choubah

When Rana is not helping clients with their financial needs, she spends her time with her family traveling, hiking and running.

  • Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
  • Birth Month & Year: October 1967
  • Favorite Hobby: Running
  • Favorite Food: Pizza
  • Can't be interrupted when: Reading a good book
  • Hidden Talent: Construction and home repair
  • Something on bucket list: Complete a triathlon
  • Family Pet: Two sweet cats, Macy and Maya

Krista Isabelle

In her free time, Krista can be found crafting or playing outdoors with her husband and son, curled up reading next to her beloved cat, "Berg", or cooking her favorite go-to meals.

  • Hometown: Acton, MA
  • Birth Month & Year: August 1994
  • Favorite Hobby: Graphic Design
  • Favorite Food: Anything with peanut sauce
  • Can’t be interrupted when: Reading
  • Hidden Talent: Cartoon Drawing
  • Something on her Bucket List: Fostering animals

Danielle Drew

When Danielle does not have her head in a book studying to expanding her financial planning knowledge, she enjoys anything active and outdoors, including visits to the beach and hiking.  

  • Hometown: Dennis, MA
  • Birth Month & Year: November, 1985
  • Favorite Hobby: Working out, concerts, and exploring wineries
  • Favorite Food: Lobster pot pie, cheeseburgers, BBQ, the list goes on...
  • Can't be interrupted when: Working out 
  • Hidden Talent: Country line dancing
  • Something on bucket list: To hike the 48, 4000 footers of New Hampshire
  • Family Pet: none, hopefully a big dog someday

John "JP" Bisceglia

JP loves spending time with his niece and enjoys weekend trips to the cape during the summer.

  • Hometown: Shrewsbury, MA
  • Birth Month & Year: October 13th 1993
  • Favorite Hobby: Fishing with friends and family
  • Favorite Food: Pasta Alleluia
  • Can't be interrupted when: Hiking Wachusett Mountain with the pup
  • Hidden Talent: Navigating and driving boats
  • Something on bucket list: Helicopter snowboarding in Japan.
  • Family Pet: Alaskan companion noble dog

Jay Willwerth, ChFC

Fun Facts About Me

Jay’s days are spent helping clients achieve their financial goals, followed by nights and weekends typically watching his daughters play competitive volleyball.

  • Hometown: Melrose, MA
  • Birth Month & Year: September, 1959
  • Favorite Hobby: Golf
  • Favorite Food: Anything at a Patriot’s Tailgate
  • Can't be interrupted when: Watching the Patriot’s Game
  • Hidden Talent: Competitive Volleyball Watcher (Mostly his 2 daughters)
  • Something on bucket list: Play a round of Golf at Pebble Beach
  • Family Pet: Bella, our Shih-poo