3 Tips for College Admissions Success

Over 70 percent of high school students continued on to a two-year or four-year accredited college in 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The college admissions process is undeniably becoming more and more competitive, a process that can be overwhelming for a student. But for a parent, it can be bewildering, unsure how to help your child and clueless about where to get resources.

Erika Coplon, Director of InsideTrack, based in San Francisco, a college admissions coaching company, talked to Patch and provided three main tips for what you, as a parent, can do now to stay informed and help your child. And yes, as early as February.

1. Find the “Perfect Fit”

Thirty percent of college students transfer to another university, according to Coplon.

“It’s not that they’re unhappy, they just didn’t believe that specific college was the right fit for them,” she said.

Often times, the prestige and the college reputation are much higher factors in determining where a student applies, Coplon added.

“Many students just write what they think admissions officers want to hear. But they need to realize that passion and authenticity is what admissions officers want to read.”

She said InsideTrack helps students pinpoint what they’re most passionate about, then to articulate that passion.

“It’s no longer a laundry list of activities that impresses admissions officers,” Coplon said. “They would much rather see some few activities with passion over an extended period of time.”

With over 5,700 colleges around the nation, students are bound to find one that suits them. Seven hundred schools are test optional if your student doesn’t perform particularly well on standardized tests. Many schools also allow applicants to submit portfolios of their work.

“Students can excel beyond their wildest dreams if they just find a school that fits,” Coplon said.

2. Stay Informed

At InsideTrack, they distribute calendars that include all the important dates that students need to know, including SAT and SAT II dates.

But ultimately, a home-made calendar seems like a good tool to have that you can help your student create on his or her own.

Because it is winter break, Coplon said students can take the time to start harvesting information about schools that interest them and visit.

“Even if a college isn’t on your student’s list and is nearby, you should visit it,” Coplon said. “You never know what might come of the visit. Visit a school in a big urban city like Cal or stop by a lab with all females at Mills College in Oakland.”

Because tuition costs are a huge factor in determining where a student ultimately decides to go, scholarship information and eligibility is another consideration for parents and students. For example, the Bay Area Gardeners Foundation will provide to college-bound students. The deadline for Cal Grants is Mar. 2. Cal Grants provide financial assistance to very needy students who live in California and plan to attend a California college, public or private. 

3. Use Available Tools

In a national survey conducted of American colleges, 47 percent reported an increase in online applications. Gone are the days when the only submission format was an envelope with multiple stamps. Familiarizing oneself with the online submission process is key, Coplon said.

Educating yourself about the available options is key, she added. The Common Application was created in 1975 and now can be applied to 414 colleges nationwide, according to their website. International colleges were just included on the list this year.

There are also many colleges offering Early Decision and Early Action. Noting the different is key because Early Decision is binding and Early Action isn’t, she emphasized. But in both scenarios, committing to Early Decision and/or Early Action is a huge choice often based on few factors and not enough research.

You can find out more information on these three tips at the Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. for a college information session at the Downtown Library. Director Erika Coplon will present a comprehensive look at the admissions process as well as answer questions. By registering for the event at Eventbrite at http://collegeadmissions.eventbrite.com/, you are also eligible to win one month free of college admissions coaching.