With the middle of the school year approaching, it’s time to really think about applying for college for the 2021 academic year. Additionally, it is not a bad idea to start planning ahead if you have a student looking forward to applying for the 2022 school year. With everything that goes into applying for college, it can be a stressful time of year for both students and parents. Whether you went to college or not, many parents approach Educational Attainment Services and say something similar to, “I’d like to know how to get a student ready for college.” Aside from things that include high school GPA and test scores, EAS offers three things colleges look for in applicants so you can help your student prepare for the application process.
AP and honors classes
There’s much more to preparing for college than simply getting good grades and testing well. College courses are typically much more difficult than what students get in high school. Taking AP (advanced placement) and honors classes are a great way to help your student prepare for the rigors that come with college. While these classes aren’t an exact replica of what college will be like, they are more difficult and require a heavier workload than typical high school classes. Showing colleges that your student can handle a workload that is heavier than the average students in their class helps them stand out above other applicants who didn’t take AP or honors classes.
Extracurricular activities
While the work done outside of school might not seem important, it shows colleges that your student is committed to doing well in more than just school. Extracurricular activities and the leadership roles that come with them demonstrate that an ability to commit to long-term projects. Additionally, they show an ability to thrive in an environment that has much more than just school going on in life.
Extracurricular activities also show a side of your student’s personality and responsibility that grades and tests cannot. Academic clubs, athletics, community service clubs, and others will show a college the things that your son or daughter has made a priority during the time in school.
Well-written essay
There’s much more to writing an essay than simply putting the right words on paper in the correct format. An essay is a chance to connect with applicants and find out what makes each unique. Make sure your student is using the essay to do just that. They can explain why they chose the extracurricular activities they did and the leadership skills gained with each, share something about them that sets them apart from other students, and their professional goals and why they want to attend a particular school to meet those goals. Use the essay to create a personal connection with the admissions officer and set yourself apart as a person rather than simply another piece of paper they’re reading.
Get help from EAS
Get help from EAS to set your child apart from the rest of the field of applicants. Our services include college essay counseling, application assistance, and others that are designed to help your student successfully get through the college application process and achieve more. Contact EAS today to learn more about how to get your student ready for college.
