College Admissions: 4 Reasons to Start Your College Applications NOW
Cristiana Quinn, GoLocalProv College Admissions Expert
College Admissions: 4 Reasons to Start Your College Applications NOW
1. Early Action and Early Decision deadlines fall in November at most schools, but some have now moved to October
The reality is that many colleges are filling 25-75% of their freshman class during early admissions. So, the early bird catches the worm. Also, senior year is fraught with AP classes, campus visits, college interviews, sports, extra-curricular activities and social engagements. The last thing you need to do is add applications to that stressful schedule in September/October. A few hours a week this summer will pay off in spades next year.
2. There isn’t just one app to fill out
While the Common Application is accepted at over 400 colleges, there are still supplements and supplemental essays. And remember that many colleges, particularly state universities, are not on the Common App. Don’t underestimate the amount of hours that will be required to fill out documents and write all the essays.
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The biggest complaint admissions officers have about applications is that they often display signs of being rushed. Students make grammar and spelling mistakes, they fail to choose essay topics that showcase their unique attributes, and they don’t demonstrate why they will be an asset to the college. Great essays require at least 5 revisions, and it is important that you showcase all your activities and awards in a strategic manner on your applications. College applications and essays are some of the most important pieces you will ever author—treat them that way!
4. Supplements should not be generic
When a college asks you to write extra essays just for them, they do it for a reason. They are assessing your critical thinking, your compatibility with the school, and your interest level. Too many admissions officers at Boston University cringe each year when they receive an essay that begins with “The reason I want to go to Boston College is…..”. Writing a supplemental essay is like answering the question “Why did you ask me to the prom?” No one wants to hear that it’s because you have blonde hair, are nice, and were available. You should have very specific points in your supplemental essays that reflect the individuality of that school, why you are a good match, and show that you have done your homework.
This Article originally ran on June 13, 2011
Sensible Advice to the Class of 2015
Charles Bakst, 71, Providence, retired Providence Journal political columnist.
“Stand for something and act upon it.Don’t assume someone else already has done it or will do it. Work to advance yourself but remember there are plenty of people, even right here in Rhode Island, who have not had the advantages you’ve had. They could use a break too. Help them.”
Dave Barber, 60, East Greenwich, Reporter Capitol Television RI State House.
“It’s attitude, not aptitude that will determine your altitude. There is nothing that will serve you better in the future than a positive mental attitude. There are two days in life that never exist; yesterday and tomorrow. Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery. Live in the moment. Exercise gratitude and kindness in all that you do because there has never been a statue erected of a critic.”
Rick Roth, 61, Cambridge, MA, Owner of Mirror Image.
“Read because if you don’t know anything you are no good to yourself or anybody else and reading is the key to gaining knowledge. When you are talking (particularly about yourself) you can’t listen. You learn by listening. Try to make the world a better place Pursuit of money is an empty pursuit and will leave you unhappy and dissatisfied.”
Scott A. Davis, 58, Eastside, Owner of the Rhode Island Antique Mall.
“In today’s age of information, simply having knowledge is not worth much. The secret to success in the future will not lie so much in what you know, but in your ability to synthesize information, whether already known or newly acquired, and to draw insightful and valuable conclusions from it.”
Scott Rotondo, 41, Pawtucket, accountant at Tivoli Audio.
“Always be willing to expand your intellectual toolbox. Challenge the way things are done, and your own beliefs from time to time. Take in other people’s opposing points of view not with rancor and disdain but with dignity and respect.”
Lisa A. Proctor, 55, East Providence, healer/counselor.
“You can not necessarily say all things are possible with God because many do not believe, but I would say a lot of situations we find ourselves in heal when we live honestly, purely, committed and have a merciful and compassionate heart towards others.”
Rudy Cheeks, 65, a musician and columnist of Motif, Providence.
“If you can find what you love and make it the center of your life, you’re doing good and will likely be happy. Whatever you do, “building community” should be an element in your life. Meet your responsibilities (e.g. if you want to create your own family, make sure you are ready for it and committed to it). When you become an “active consumer,” be a smart and thoughtful consumer.”
Kathy Needham, 53, Rumford, Controller, of Pawtucket Times and Woonsocket Call.
“Follow this old adage, “Autograph your work with excellence, it is a signature of who you are." Take great pride in all you do but always remember to be humble. Know that success is a personal goal.”
Gayle L. Gifford, 61, Providence, a strategy consultant to nonprofits.
“Be an informed citizen of the world. Read quality news from home and abroad. Travel. Look. Hear. Participate to create the community you want your children and grandchildren to live in. Hopefully that community is one of justice, peace and inclusion. Don’t work all day in a job that destroys what you value. Play outside.”
Crystal R. Parifitt, 41, Pawtucket, Owner of FurBabies, a small pet salon.
“Live within your means, below if you can…owning the biggest and best is overrated. Don’t go after financial gain, choose financial stability because in 20 years you will regret the time you spent ‘chasing’ when you should have been living.”
Nancy Thomas, Cranston, President of Tapestry Communications.
“What you have done has largely been expected of you. Now, what do you expect of yourself! Find more than one thing you can do. Pursue your education. You’re not done. Read, discuss, have opinions. Let the negative inspire you, and the positive be your lens. And, as it has always been, there is no work as important as that of raising a child. Find your path to doing well at both.”
Barbara Peters, Newport, former AARP RI Communications Director.
“Life is full of successes and disappointments. When we are young we tend to “cry” when the material things we want don’t immediately come our way. Forget the disappointments and concentrate on your successes. Nobody will hand you what you think you deserve. [Only] hard work, dedication to your craft and sensitivity to the feelings of others will bring the rewards to you that are truly deserved.”
Cheryl Babiec, Pawtucket, Pawtucket School Teacher.
“As an old saying goes….’One Man’s Junk is Another Man’s Treasure’ continues to hold true with the test of time. One of my yard sale “finds” had the following inspirational verse (though the author is unknown):‘Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.’”
