Getting into school

Many four-year colleges and universities receive more applications than they have spots available. This means competition can be tough, especially for the most desirable schools.

students

Now that you have an idea of what you want for yourself and what you want in a school, the next step is getting into the college of your choice.

And it's not just private, name-brand, ivy-clad universities that are tough to get into. Some local state colleges have multiple applicants competing for one spot.

This means that your application packet should convince the admissions committee that they should accept you over someone else.

Myth: The best schools scoop up the top test scorers and valedictorians to fill their classes.

Reality: Many of the best schools turn away valedictorians and top test scorers. They want diverse student bodies made up of different kinds of students — athletes, community volunteers, student government leaders, artists, yearbook staffers, band members, debaters, and Future Farmers of America.

While grades and test scores are critical, what you do outside the classroom gives admissions committees a better idea of what you can contribute to the campus community.

Assemble an impressive college application packet


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Open admissions policies

Some schools — such as two-year community or junior colleges — have non-competitive, open admissions policies. This means that their mission is to educate any student willing to sign up for their programs.

When applying to these schools, meeting application deadlines and having the complete paperwork is critical. See if the school has a rolling admissions policy and whether it admits students on a first-come, first-served basis.


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