Getting accepted to your dream college can be a competitive process. College Fair Circuit Coordinator and Director of College Planning at Westminster Academy, Donna Payner offers the following tips to help students stand out in the college application process.
Activities
When doing the resume or activities part of the application, talk about what your role was in the club, not what the purpose of the club. What did you personally contribute to the club?
Look for opportunities to highlight leadership roles, especially if there’s been a progression from being a member to committee chairman then elected president. Not everyone will be president of a club, but leadership can still be demonstrated through participation on committees.
Volunteer in an area you’re passionate about. Colleges want to see you demonstrate that passion, and a long-term commitment is more important than a lot of scattered experiences all over.
Essays
When it comes to essay topics, Christian colleges often want to hear your testimony and how you live out your faith. Secular colleges tend to look for a student to show who they were, how they’ve encountered an obstacle, how they’ve grown throughout high school and why they’re ready for college. Demonstrate resiliency, maturity and problem solving.
Testing
Prepare early for standardized testing. Those SATs and ACTs should really be taken spring of the junior year or the summer between junior and senior year and should be wrapping up by October or November of the senior year.
Florida public universities continue to require test scores, but many colleges across the US remain test optional. Colleges that are test optional typically say test scores are just another piece of the puzzle, but they can be a piece that helps them make a decision.
Apply early
The most important tip Payner offers is to apply early and complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form early so you will be first in line for acceptance and financial aid. Learn more at studentaid.gov.
Read the entire CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE 2024 on pages 21 to 44 at https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2024/september/21/