6 answers
Mira
Student
Tacoma, Washington
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I actually get into top tier schools?
Hi! I am aiming for top tier schools. I am a current freshman, 4.0 GPA. I do student council and mock trial. This year I took one AP and advanced class, next year I will be taking 3-4 AP classes. I am interested in zoology, pediatrics, youth advocacy, law, and government. What can I be doing to get into a good university? (Are my EC’s enough? I know I don’t have music or a sport)
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6 answers
Terri R
Professor
20
Answers
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Updated
Terri’s Answer
Keep in mind that the top-tier schools are highly competitive, and even with strong grades, AP or other advanced classes, and numerous activities you might not be accepted into these schools. But there are many strong colleges nationwide, and you should look at a variety of options. Research schools to find ones that have a strong program in the fields in which you have an interest, and take the time to speak with professors, career counselors, and current students. You might find that the "top" schools in your fields of study aren't necessarily "top-tier" schools but are instead ones that will provide you with the best career opportunities in the field. As you learn about schools, ask the school to provide you with specific information about the curriculum and co-curricular opportunities (research and teaching assistant positions, competition teams, internships to help you gain experience, etc.), as well as information about where their graduates in each program land after graduation. And ask the students about their experiences in the program to see if they are finding the mentoring and opportunities needed to help in their educational journey. Good luck!
That is good to keep in mind, thank you!!
Mira
Rhiana Jones
22
Answers
Updated
Rhiana’s Answer
Congratulations on maintaining a strong academic record and being involved in extracurricular activities! It's great that you have a variety of interests and passions, and that you are already thinking ahead about how to prepare for admission to top tier universities.
Here are some general suggestions for what you can do to increase your chances of being admitted to a good university:
Maintain a high GPA: Continue to work hard in your classes and strive for academic excellence.
Take challenging courses: It's great that you are planning to take more AP classes in the coming year. Admissions officers at top tier universities like to see that students have challenged themselves academically.
Get involved in meaningful extracurricular activities: Your involvement in student council and mock trial are great starting points, but consider branching out and finding additional activities that align with your interests in zoology, pediatrics, youth advocacy, law, and government. For example, you could volunteer at a local animal shelter, intern at a pediatric clinic or with a youth advocacy organization, or participate in a political campaign.
Pursue leadership roles: If possible, try to take on leadership roles in your extracurricular activities. This could involve becoming a captain of a sports team, serving as the president of a club, or leading a community service project.
Build relationships with teachers and mentors: Developing strong relationships with teachers, counselors, and other mentors can be invaluable when it comes to college admissions. They can provide guidance, advice, and support throughout the process.
Prepare for standardized tests: Most top tier universities require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. Start preparing early by taking practice tests and identifying areas where you need to improve.
Conduct research or pursue independent projects: If you have a particular interest in a field, consider conducting research or pursuing an independent project related to that field. This could involve working with a professor or mentor, or conducting your own experiments or investigations.
Remember that admission to top tier universities is competitive, and there are many factors that go into the decision-making process. However, if you continue to work hard academically, pursue your passions, and demonstrate leadership and initiative, you will be putting yourself in a strong position for admission.
Here are some general suggestions for what you can do to increase your chances of being admitted to a good university:
Maintain a high GPA: Continue to work hard in your classes and strive for academic excellence.
Take challenging courses: It's great that you are planning to take more AP classes in the coming year. Admissions officers at top tier universities like to see that students have challenged themselves academically.
Get involved in meaningful extracurricular activities: Your involvement in student council and mock trial are great starting points, but consider branching out and finding additional activities that align with your interests in zoology, pediatrics, youth advocacy, law, and government. For example, you could volunteer at a local animal shelter, intern at a pediatric clinic or with a youth advocacy organization, or participate in a political campaign.
Pursue leadership roles: If possible, try to take on leadership roles in your extracurricular activities. This could involve becoming a captain of a sports team, serving as the president of a club, or leading a community service project.
Build relationships with teachers and mentors: Developing strong relationships with teachers, counselors, and other mentors can be invaluable when it comes to college admissions. They can provide guidance, advice, and support throughout the process.
Prepare for standardized tests: Most top tier universities require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. Start preparing early by taking practice tests and identifying areas where you need to improve.
Conduct research or pursue independent projects: If you have a particular interest in a field, consider conducting research or pursuing an independent project related to that field. This could involve working with a professor or mentor, or conducting your own experiments or investigations.
Remember that admission to top tier universities is competitive, and there are many factors that go into the decision-making process. However, if you continue to work hard academically, pursue your passions, and demonstrate leadership and initiative, you will be putting yourself in a strong position for admission.
This is really great advice, thank you!
Mira
One more question-Is it bad that I have many interests? I have heard that college applications like it if you are really good at one area, but I have many areas that I like!
Mira
Mira, I don't think it's bad, at all, that you have many interests. In fact, I think it's great! Yes, eventually you will need to declare a major and make career decisions but in high school it is wonderful to take an interest in lots of different topics. I personally was a science/pre-med major at a small liberal arts college and this was a way to continue to explore many interests in a setting where this was encouraged. Please don't feel you must already have your goals narrowed down.
Suzanne Sorkin
Suzanne Sorkin
Retired family physician and medical educator
106
Answers
Traverse City, Michigan
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Mira, I would encourage you to consider looking into small liberal arts colleges including the top tier women's colleges.
For example, look at Wellesley College in Massachusetts:
https://www.wellesley.edu/admission
These colleges are trying hard to reach out to students across the country who might not otherwise think to apply there. For top academic students with outside interests and strong intellectual curiosity, they can offer significant funding support (don't let the listed tuition price scare you off...these colleges often have large endowments and are able to offer excellent financial support to accepted students).
Good luck and please stay in touch as additional questions arise.
For example, look at Wellesley College in Massachusetts:
https://www.wellesley.edu/admission
These colleges are trying hard to reach out to students across the country who might not otherwise think to apply there. For top academic students with outside interests and strong intellectual curiosity, they can offer significant funding support (don't let the listed tuition price scare you off...these colleges often have large endowments and are able to offer excellent financial support to accepted students).
Good luck and please stay in touch as additional questions arise.
Marie Enos MSN, BSN, RN-NIC
RN
71
Answers
Huntsville, Alabama
Updated
Marie’s Answer
I see that you are taking AP classes which is good. You need to check with local community colleges and local universities to see if they offer Duel enrollment. This allows you to take college classes while in high school. If you qualify for AP classes you are perfect candidate for program. College credit ,when applying to a university, improves your application. Volunteer work also looks good on application. Volunteer at animal shelter, pediatric unit at hospital and/or boys and girls club. Don't worry about music and sports. Other thing can make your application stand out. Best of luck.
Thank you so much!
Mira
Baljit Gill
Lawyer paralegal
127
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Mira,
It seems you are on the right track. The one thing you could do is volunteer in the legal field. Ask around some law firms or even in house law firms and see if you could shadow a paralegal or lawyer. The other thing is that you could see if there's any opportunity for internships in the legal field. This would set you apart from other applicants that are applying to law school. A summer job would also be affective in bumping up your application.
It seems you are on the right track. The one thing you could do is volunteer in the legal field. Ask around some law firms or even in house law firms and see if you could shadow a paralegal or lawyer. The other thing is that you could see if there's any opportunity for internships in the legal field. This would set you apart from other applicants that are applying to law school. A summer job would also be affective in bumping up your application.
Edward Overtree
Senior Counsel
57
Answers
Pennsylvania, PA
Updated
Edward’s Answer
The Admissions Director at my college told me applicants should emphasize everything extracurricular they have done.
The reason is that a substantial majority of all applicants (70+% at my college) are equally qualified, but there's physical space to admit only a very small percentage (6% at my college)
Therefore, Admissions accepts applicants who can fill one of the many roles needed on campus: if the tuba player is graduating, Admissions seeks out a replacement tuba player. Same for sports, theater, singing, college government, etc. etc.
So be sure to emphasize what you have contributed to your highschool community; it may not be what the college needs, but if it happens to be, you'll get in!!
contribute something to your high school or community in addition to your school work
write down somewhere on your college application what you did
The reason is that a substantial majority of all applicants (70+% at my college) are equally qualified, but there's physical space to admit only a very small percentage (6% at my college)
Therefore, Admissions accepts applicants who can fill one of the many roles needed on campus: if the tuba player is graduating, Admissions seeks out a replacement tuba player. Same for sports, theater, singing, college government, etc. etc.
So be sure to emphasize what you have contributed to your highschool community; it may not be what the college needs, but if it happens to be, you'll get in!!
Edward recommends the following next steps: