What does it take to get into Selective and Highly Selective colleges and universities?
- Usually a higher GPA and rigorous course load (AP and Accelerated classes).
- ACT/SAT Scores.
- Extracurricular involvement and leadership roles.
- When applicable, a well written essay that answers the specific prompt that is provided.
- When applicable, letters of recommendation from teacher(s)/counselor that can speak to your character and not just how well you did in a class.
Admission Types
- Regular Decision
- Early Action - you apply early, find out early, it is not binding.
- Early Decision - you apply early, find out early, and you are “bound” to that school unless you cannot financially afford it.
Deadlines
- Apply early!!! Colleges and universities have various deadlines but November 1st is a good rule-of-thumb priority deadline. Students that apply by the college's priority deadline are given more consideration for scholarships as well as admission.
Application Process
- Check what type of Application system the college/university uses. Don’t automatically start filling out the Common App because not all schools use it!
- Need help figuring out the Common App? Check out this video - https://youtu.be/pziMelhmR6k
- Stay organized - keep a check-off list to keep track of the things you have completed/submitted.
Resources
- Your counselor and teachers.
- Career Resource Center staff (College/Career Counselor and ISAC Representative)
- Who knows the most about a particular selective/highly selective college?
- That college’s admission counselor/representative! Come talk to them in the CRC, email them, call them. They are there to help you!