17 answers
madison
Student
Tennessee City, TN
2
Questions
Asked
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what tips can help me get into college
i want to go to college and learn some things and want people to give me advice so i can know what to do and when do i start my college #technology #engineering #scientist #my college #college .
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17 answers
Jen Harris
VP Product Development
3
Answers
Hingham, Massachusetts
Updated
Jen’s Answer
Hi there - Colleges like to know that students are well-rounded. While grades are important, colleges want to know how you spend your time outside of class as well. Are you in any sports or other activities? (This can include activities that aren't directly associated with your school. i.e a club soccer team or YMCA activities). Do you have a part-time job? Do you volunteer anywhere? If not, it's not too late! If there's an organization that interests you, sign up as a volunteer. Colleges like to see that students are giving back to their communities. Good luck in your college search!
Kimberly Iannarone, PHR
Human Resources
34
Answers
North Caldwell, New Jersey
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Hi Madison! That is a great questions. Here are some recommendations that I have for you:
1. Start building up your resume - Look for some volunteer opportunities in the field you want to go. This will help you get some exposure to that profession.
2. Create a LinkedIn - Even if you do not have a lot of information to share, start building it now and continue to maintain it for the upcoming years. This will start your online presence. You can also start to use LinkedIn to connect to those in the profession you wish to pursue. You can reach out, ask if they are able to take the time to answer some questions about their work, and set up some time to talk to them. This way, you will learn more about the field while making a connection. If possible, you may even ask them to be your mentor or shadow them.
3. Study for the SAT/ACT - Make sure to carve out some time each week dedicated to studying. It may help to schedule the test then to work backwards to create a plan. I recommend 3 to 6 months out in advance. It depends on your comfort level and how much time you plan to dedicate each week.
4. For choosing a school, I recommend creating a list of items you desire from the college. Some things to consider would be: location, costs, type of program, etc. Then, you'll be able to research that criteria and create a list of schools to apply to. Take a look at their application process and make a note of some things they want to see along with the deadlines for the applications. Do not wait until the last minute t submit an application. Some may offer rolling admission which means once your application is submitted, they will look at it as soon as possible compared to other schools that will wait until after the deadline to view all of the applications. Some items that colleges may ask for would be SAT/ACT scores, personal statement, transcript, and resume.
These are some items to help you get started on your journey. Best of luck to you!
1. Start building up your resume - Look for some volunteer opportunities in the field you want to go. This will help you get some exposure to that profession.
2. Create a LinkedIn - Even if you do not have a lot of information to share, start building it now and continue to maintain it for the upcoming years. This will start your online presence. You can also start to use LinkedIn to connect to those in the profession you wish to pursue. You can reach out, ask if they are able to take the time to answer some questions about their work, and set up some time to talk to them. This way, you will learn more about the field while making a connection. If possible, you may even ask them to be your mentor or shadow them.
3. Study for the SAT/ACT - Make sure to carve out some time each week dedicated to studying. It may help to schedule the test then to work backwards to create a plan. I recommend 3 to 6 months out in advance. It depends on your comfort level and how much time you plan to dedicate each week.
4. For choosing a school, I recommend creating a list of items you desire from the college. Some things to consider would be: location, costs, type of program, etc. Then, you'll be able to research that criteria and create a list of schools to apply to. Take a look at their application process and make a note of some things they want to see along with the deadlines for the applications. Do not wait until the last minute t submit an application. Some may offer rolling admission which means once your application is submitted, they will look at it as soon as possible compared to other schools that will wait until after the deadline to view all of the applications. Some items that colleges may ask for would be SAT/ACT scores, personal statement, transcript, and resume.
These are some items to help you get started on your journey. Best of luck to you!
Great suggestions shared by Kimberly. Especially regarding the timing and not waiting until the last minute to submit your applications. My daughters had submitted applications as early as they could, to all of the schools that were at the top of their lists. Fortunately, they were accepted by several, including their #1 choices, but they put in the work early to complete their applications, gather the information needed and follow-up to show their continued interest. One other thing they both found helpful was joining social media groups with current students at the schools they wanted to attend. The information they gained from this helped them in admissions interviews and what to expect about life at these colleges or what it is like to be a student at a particular college.
Melisa Cameron
Apurva Parikh
Customer Success Management
15
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Apurva’s Answer
Hi Madison!
I would advise you to get as much involved in the area of study you are embarking on - get to know the professors, research, other students and try to find common ground but also be vulnerable and listen to your peers as well as find a mentor or two from faculty or others around you.
College can be an immersive experience, so don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone, approach those from different backgrounds and above all be a listener!
Good luck to you!
I would advise you to get as much involved in the area of study you are embarking on - get to know the professors, research, other students and try to find common ground but also be vulnerable and listen to your peers as well as find a mentor or two from faculty or others around you.
College can be an immersive experience, so don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone, approach those from different backgrounds and above all be a listener!
Good luck to you!
Mason Sheffield
Wireless Sales
8
Answers
Savannah, Georgia
Updated
Mason’s Answer
Hi Madison,
Colleges want to know that you are academically competent, as well as a driven individual with a diverse skill set. When applying and writing entry essays, accentuate the characteristics that make you unique. What are your extracurriculars? Do you play any instruments? Do you have interests you perdue pursue outside your area of study? Ask yourself these questions and answers in your applications and essays.
How do you volunteer? How are a team player? How do you best serve others? All these things, you bring to the table.
Colleges want to know that you are academically competent, as well as a driven individual with a diverse skill set. When applying and writing entry essays, accentuate the characteristics that make you unique. What are your extracurriculars? Do you play any instruments? Do you have interests you perdue pursue outside your area of study? Ask yourself these questions and answers in your applications and essays.
How do you volunteer? How are a team player? How do you best serve others? All these things, you bring to the table.
Kimberly Grimm
Director, Information Services
12
Answers
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Hi Madison -
College is an awesome educational experience! If you have no idea "what you want to be when you grow up" - start with general educational credits; find out what peeks your interest, what aligns with your passion, and explore that! Don't hesitate to join in on the extracurricular activities, join in on clubs or groups that spark your curiosity - these all contribute to the overall learning! And most importantly - have some fun!!
College is an awesome educational experience! If you have no idea "what you want to be when you grow up" - start with general educational credits; find out what peeks your interest, what aligns with your passion, and explore that! Don't hesitate to join in on the extracurricular activities, join in on clubs or groups that spark your curiosity - these all contribute to the overall learning! And most importantly - have some fun!!
Jessica Palay Sadow
Product Marketing
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Madison! In addition to the great advice that Kimberly provided, I would suggest thinking about two more things:
1. Recommendations: Most colleges will ask for references so think about which teachers, club sponsors, or coaches you would want to ask. Their perspective will help colleges get to know you from a different angle.
2. Do what you love and share it: Colleges want to get to know their applicants. Highlight the clubs and volunteer work you've done - even if some of them are outside of what you want to pursue career-wise, it's good to show passion for the things you care about so they can get to know the full you.
Good luck!
1. Recommendations: Most colleges will ask for references so think about which teachers, club sponsors, or coaches you would want to ask. Their perspective will help colleges get to know you from a different angle.
2. Do what you love and share it: Colleges want to get to know their applicants. Highlight the clubs and volunteer work you've done - even if some of them are outside of what you want to pursue career-wise, it's good to show passion for the things you care about so they can get to know the full you.
Good luck!
Alycia Quist
2
Answers
Updated
Alycia’s Answer
Hi Madison,
Great question!
I would recommend building a sound resume with a wide variety of experiences. Joining teams and social clubs, volunteering, and keeping up your grades.
Networking and receiving letters of recommendations to submit with your applications would also be a great place to start.
Good luck!
Great question!
I would recommend building a sound resume with a wide variety of experiences. Joining teams and social clubs, volunteering, and keeping up your grades.
Networking and receiving letters of recommendations to submit with your applications would also be a great place to start.
Good luck!
Matthew N
Student
40
Answers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
I would recommend getting strong letters of recommendation and being part of extracurriculars in order to help you get into college. This will help you appear more well-rounded compared to other applicants. Good luck!
Liz Hough
Sales Manager
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Liz’s Answer
Hi Madison!
Great question - and totally understand it can be daunting where to start when thinking about college!
A place to start is by writing down your why. Why do you want to go to college? What are you hoping to achieve?
Then write down what interests you. Find the colleges that offer that path! See where the colleges are located, how much it costs, etc.
Figure out the requirements for their programs and make sure to look at when applications are due.
If you have questions about what is required - make sure to ask for help and clarification, especially on the application process.
Set goals that can help you chip away at that requirement list.
Get involved in the community, join engineering or science clubs in school, or online.
For example, here is a great article about studying engineering in college: https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-engineer/
Study and focus in school now - create good habits that you will carry with you!
Incorporate your story in your application - storytelling is so important and will help you differentiate from other candidates.
Best of luck!!!
Great question - and totally understand it can be daunting where to start when thinking about college!
A place to start is by writing down your why. Why do you want to go to college? What are you hoping to achieve?
Then write down what interests you. Find the colleges that offer that path! See where the colleges are located, how much it costs, etc.
Figure out the requirements for their programs and make sure to look at when applications are due.
If you have questions about what is required - make sure to ask for help and clarification, especially on the application process.
Set goals that can help you chip away at that requirement list.
Get involved in the community, join engineering or science clubs in school, or online.
For example, here is a great article about studying engineering in college: https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-engineer/
Study and focus in school now - create good habits that you will carry with you!
Incorporate your story in your application - storytelling is so important and will help you differentiate from other candidates.
Best of luck!!!
Yasemin G.
Aspiring physician
635
Answers
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Madison! Some tips I can offer is keep up your grades As and Bs mostly will be beneficial when it comes to applying to college, volunteer/join a club/work part time, you don't have to do all three but find ways to be active, to show maturity, responsibility and who you are as a well rounded applicant. A well rounded applicant is more than grades so for example being part of a club or a sport's team or working on the weekends while balancing schoolwork will speak for itself (actions matter more than words when it comes to applications for schools). Having strong letters of recommendation from you teachers or coaches or supervisors- these are the people that can speak on your behalf about who you are and your work ethic- so be sure to start to make a list of which individuals can write well about you. Get to start knowing them if you haven't already! Lastly do well on the SAT/ACT- ACT is optional but most colleges do want SAT and ACT can be supplementary; I would recommend to start studying early your junior year maybe even the summer before you begin. A good test score can not only show your strengths as a potential student but also open up doors for certain scholarships- making college less costly!
I hope this helps and best of luck!
I hope this helps and best of luck!
sai sudhakar
2
Answers
Updated
sai’s Answer
Hi there!
College admission officers carefully assess your high school grades, courses, activities.
• Get the best possible grades you can during all four years of high school. Grades are extremely important
• Take academically rigorous classes all four years. You should carry as many challenging courses as you can handle
• Spend sufficient time developing your college essays. Think and reflect before you write. Write, edit, rewrite. This is your opportunity to sell yourself. Convey who you are in your writing: energetic, exciting, passionate, and intellectually curious. How can you make the real “you” stand out from the rest of the crowd? Get feedback on the essays from your teachers and/or other school personnel
• Become involved in your school and/or community during all four years and summer vacations. You need to keep track of your involvement in extracurricular and co-curricular activities, sports, and/or volunteer activities in your community. Move up to leadership positions. Demonstrate growth. Develop a deep interest or talent in one or more areas.
• Ask your school counselor and teachers who know you well for recommendations. At least a month in advance of college deadlines for recommendations, jog their memories by providing them with a “personal data” or “brag sheet” highlighting your academic accomplishments, athletics, activities, and community service and leadership positions. Also, highlight anything special you did during the summer (for example, volunteer work, projects).
• Prepare for on-campus interviews, if required by colleges. Re-read your essays and any information you have acquired on specific colleges. Be friendly and articulate. Dress professionally, not casually. After the interviews, send thank you notes or e-mails expressing your continued interest in their institution.
• Decrease your stress by starting your search for colleges early—no later than the start of your junior year. This gives you adequate time for researching colleges, completing applications, writing essays, and taking necessary exams.
• Get organized and stay focused. Make a file folder for each college that interests you and put relevant information inside of it. Keep focused on your ultimate goal, that is getting into the college of your choice.
• Get on-going assistance from your school counselor and teachers. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions no matter how simple your questions may seem.
College admission officers carefully assess your high school grades, courses, activities.
• Get the best possible grades you can during all four years of high school. Grades are extremely important
• Take academically rigorous classes all four years. You should carry as many challenging courses as you can handle
• Spend sufficient time developing your college essays. Think and reflect before you write. Write, edit, rewrite. This is your opportunity to sell yourself. Convey who you are in your writing: energetic, exciting, passionate, and intellectually curious. How can you make the real “you” stand out from the rest of the crowd? Get feedback on the essays from your teachers and/or other school personnel
• Become involved in your school and/or community during all four years and summer vacations. You need to keep track of your involvement in extracurricular and co-curricular activities, sports, and/or volunteer activities in your community. Move up to leadership positions. Demonstrate growth. Develop a deep interest or talent in one or more areas.
• Ask your school counselor and teachers who know you well for recommendations. At least a month in advance of college deadlines for recommendations, jog their memories by providing them with a “personal data” or “brag sheet” highlighting your academic accomplishments, athletics, activities, and community service and leadership positions. Also, highlight anything special you did during the summer (for example, volunteer work, projects).
• Prepare for on-campus interviews, if required by colleges. Re-read your essays and any information you have acquired on specific colleges. Be friendly and articulate. Dress professionally, not casually. After the interviews, send thank you notes or e-mails expressing your continued interest in their institution.
• Decrease your stress by starting your search for colleges early—no later than the start of your junior year. This gives you adequate time for researching colleges, completing applications, writing essays, and taking necessary exams.
• Get organized and stay focused. Make a file folder for each college that interests you and put relevant information inside of it. Keep focused on your ultimate goal, that is getting into the college of your choice.
• Get on-going assistance from your school counselor and teachers. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions no matter how simple your questions may seem.
Walt Sharpton
Financial Consultant in Tech
15
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Walt’s Answer
I agree with a lot of what has been said in earlier posts about the importance of good SAT scores, strong grades, great extracurriculars, personalized reference letters, etc. so I won't repeat any of that information in my response.
One additional comment that I would offer up, however, is that colleges also love to identify applicants who will offer something unique to their student population. They appreciate having a diverse student body full of talented individuals who can bring their respective passions to campus for the benefit of everyone around them. What does that mean for you as an individual applicant? It means that if there is something that you're really passionate about - and have demonstrated success in - then be sure that that interest shines through in your application (particularly in your essays). It can help set you apart in a really positive way. Good luck!
One additional comment that I would offer up, however, is that colleges also love to identify applicants who will offer something unique to their student population. They appreciate having a diverse student body full of talented individuals who can bring their respective passions to campus for the benefit of everyone around them. What does that mean for you as an individual applicant? It means that if there is something that you're really passionate about - and have demonstrated success in - then be sure that that interest shines through in your application (particularly in your essays). It can help set you apart in a really positive way. Good luck!
Sneha Santosh
Student
2
Answers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hi Madison,
It's great to be thinking about getting into college! I would recommend building meaningful relationships with your teachers so when it's time to ask for recommendations, you can count on some great ones. Also start prepping for the SAT and ACT and workshopping some of your reach schools, target schools, and safeties so you get an idea of what scores you would need to make. I would also recommend getting involved in activities you really care about, not what you think would look good on an application. That way, when you talk about your activities in supplements and interviews they can tell you're really passionate! I would also highly recommend trying to integrate the field you hope to go into with something you are about or are involved in. It shows that your interests fit with your aspirations and makes you really stand out to admissions counselors. Lastly, be genuine and creative! You want to stand out and be memorable while showing off your skills and abilities. Don't misrepresent yourself and try to put your personality into your application. Best of luck on your college search!!
-Sneha
It's great to be thinking about getting into college! I would recommend building meaningful relationships with your teachers so when it's time to ask for recommendations, you can count on some great ones. Also start prepping for the SAT and ACT and workshopping some of your reach schools, target schools, and safeties so you get an idea of what scores you would need to make. I would also recommend getting involved in activities you really care about, not what you think would look good on an application. That way, when you talk about your activities in supplements and interviews they can tell you're really passionate! I would also highly recommend trying to integrate the field you hope to go into with something you are about or are involved in. It shows that your interests fit with your aspirations and makes you really stand out to admissions counselors. Lastly, be genuine and creative! You want to stand out and be memorable while showing off your skills and abilities. Don't misrepresent yourself and try to put your personality into your application. Best of luck on your college search!!
-Sneha
Hi Sneha, this is great advice! I agree with you 100% on developing relationships with teachers - simply because they know you well and could provide a good recommendation. I also agree with your comment on getting involved with activities that you care about; this is key. For me, you nailed it on your comments. Thank you. :)
Sheila Jordan
Carl Holdren
Mechanical Engineer
5
Answers
Hamilton, Ohio
Updated
Carl’s Answer
Generally, the most difficult question students face about college is "which degree should I follow". While most are told by teachers, advisors and parents to pursue a degree that follows the courses you most liked and did well at in high school, I think this leaves a path to pursue very clouded. I suggest that you also think about the things at home that you find interesting. What are the things that you do for hobbies, free time, vacation, work around the house. Do you like to create things - clothing, model cars, carvings, food dishes? Do you like to figure out how things work or repair them or are you more into helping people with physical or medical problems? Ask yourself questions as to what PART of each class you attend in school you found interesting or challenging - would you want a job that included those interests /challenges. Finally, in most colleges, the first year of the school consists of basic classes that would apply to just about any major and would give you added time to change your major with minimum loss.
Mike Corsaro
Senior Software Engineer
1
Answer
Oakland, California
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi Madison!
There's a lot of great advice here about getting into your college of choice, and it's all excellent.
One alternative is that you can always attend a local community college (many offer 2 year programs), and then transfer to a school of your choice. There's a few advantages to this such as saving money, and SAT/ACT scores not being required. Transfer students have a high rate of acceptance, and (in my experience) accept any credits as long as your grade was above a threshold. The exception is that top-tier schools such as MIT are not easy to transfer into, as they accept <5%, but other such as RIT or RPI accept 50% or more.
There are disadvantages, especially if all your friends are attending the same school, but if you want to attend college, there's always a way to make it happen.
There's a lot of great advice here about getting into your college of choice, and it's all excellent.
One alternative is that you can always attend a local community college (many offer 2 year programs), and then transfer to a school of your choice. There's a few advantages to this such as saving money, and SAT/ACT scores not being required. Transfer students have a high rate of acceptance, and (in my experience) accept any credits as long as your grade was above a threshold. The exception is that top-tier schools such as MIT are not easy to transfer into, as they accept <5%, but other such as RIT or RPI accept 50% or more.
There are disadvantages, especially if all your friends are attending the same school, but if you want to attend college, there's always a way to make it happen.
Gautam Madaan
Software Engineering Manager
8
Answers
Dublin, California
Updated
Gautam’s Answer
Hello Madison,
All the answers that I've read here are super relevant. I'll just add couple of my learnings that helped me get into a good college.
1. Recommendation: Jessica did mention this in her answer and I want to double down on it and give it some extra weight. The recommendation from peers, teachers, or anyone you might have worked with is very important. It showcases your personality, work ethic, attitude, skills etc. from the eyes of a different person. Universities are trying to vet your application against others and recommendations go a long way in making your case.
2. Statement of Purpose: Some colleges might ask you why you want to pursue a particular major in their university. If they do, this is one of the most important essays to write. It should showcase your journey, lessons, and what you intend to do in the future if you do get in to the college. Highlight some of the important lessons that inspired you to pick up a particular major(or a group of minors) and most importantly get it reviewed from your teachers, peers, or someone who has already successfully gone through the application process.
All the best!
All the answers that I've read here are super relevant. I'll just add couple of my learnings that helped me get into a good college.
1. Recommendation: Jessica did mention this in her answer and I want to double down on it and give it some extra weight. The recommendation from peers, teachers, or anyone you might have worked with is very important. It showcases your personality, work ethic, attitude, skills etc. from the eyes of a different person. Universities are trying to vet your application against others and recommendations go a long way in making your case.
2. Statement of Purpose: Some colleges might ask you why you want to pursue a particular major in their university. If they do, this is one of the most important essays to write. It should showcase your journey, lessons, and what you intend to do in the future if you do get in to the college. Highlight some of the important lessons that inspired you to pick up a particular major(or a group of minors) and most importantly get it reviewed from your teachers, peers, or someone who has already successfully gone through the application process.
All the best!
Anita Johnson
Technical Support
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Anita’s Answer
Hi Madison!
1. Research the schools that peek your interests
2. Find different activities to make yourself involved
3. Over Prepare for SAT & ACT because those scores will remain valid for years
1. Research the schools that peek your interests
2. Find different activities to make yourself involved
3. Over Prepare for SAT & ACT because those scores will remain valid for years