Did you know that students can meet with a college representative and receive an admissions offer that same day? Many people aren't aware that this option is available for some colleges, but some students find the process much more preferable to applying traditionally.
​
Read more on usnews.com

If you’re a high school student (or the parent of one) sweating about college admissions, you might take heart from some news from the other side of the table. Many college admission officers are just as worried about whether you’ll apply and then take them up on their acceptance offer as you are about getting in.

Part of the reason many college admission officials are nervous is that many colleges had a tougher time filling their freshman class last year. The industry publication, Inside Higher Ed, recently surveyed senior college admission officials across the U.S. about their institutions’ admissions policies, procedures, and results. Sixty-three percent of the admission officials who responded reported that their college or university failed to meet their enrollment goals for the current academic year (2016-2017). That’s up from 58% when the same survey was conducted the prior year.

The college admissions process has occasionally been likened to an old-fashioned mating ritual.

It starts out with mutual flirtation: student flirts with colleges, requesting information and perhaps visiting campuses; colleges flirt with student, sending emails and a forest-full of brochures, mailings and catalogues.

It starts to get a little more serious: student may decide to “go steady” and apply as a binding Early Decision candidate which means that if they are accepted, they must attend. Many students choose to “play the field” and open up their search to include many colleges and universities.

1. Social media can be used as a tool. More and more, college admissions officials are looking at Facebook pages, Google+ profiles, Twitter feeds, and YouTube videos to research college applicants, especially before admissions interviews. Use social media to display your strengths, activities, and interests. Remember: Don’t post things that you wouldn’t want college admission officials to see.

2. Your GPA holds the most weight. In college admission decisions, your GPA holds more weight than your test scores and extracurricular and volunteer activities.

3. Relationships are important. Relationships with teachers and counselors are important when it comes time to ask for letters of recommendation. The better the teacher and/or counselor knows you, the more accurate their letter will be. Choose someone who you believe will write you a high-quality letter, not just someone who is willing to write a letter.

4. SAT or ACT? It’s your choice. You do not need to take both the SAT and the ACT. Learn about the differences between the two tests and see which one is a better fit for you. Most college admissions officials say that their college does not prefer one test over the other.

5. Extracurricular activities: Quality over quantity. College admission officials look for depth and consistency in an applicant’s extracurricular activities. Get involved and stay involved in a few activities that match your interests and potential college major.

6. Undeclared? No problem. Declaring a major is not essential, in most cases. Few colleges require that a student declares his or her major during the application process.

7. Research matters. Take the time to research various schools through books, videos, blogs, social media, college tours, and information sessions. It is important to have a clear idea of why you are applying to each school.