Versed Editors's blog

By Lloyd Nimetz of The Spike Lab

This year, college admissions was a tough game, especially for well-rounded students. The increase in applications to top-tier schools—sparked in part by the lifting of testing requirements—led to a significant decrease in the percentage of admitted students. Harvard admitted a mere 3.4 percent of applicants, Yale a paltry 4.6 percent, and Princeton a measly 3.98 percent. Other elite colleges had similar stats. Even high achieving, well-rounded students with stellar academic records and extracurriculars didn’t get admissions offers at their desired Ivies and other top schools

The trend reveals a harsh truth: When admissions counselors are comparing well-rounded students with equally stunning transcripts, equally impressive resumes, and equally articulate, well-crafted essays, they need to look to other criteria in considering what makes prospective students stand out. And in a crowded field of applicants with similarly compelling achievements and academic records, a Spike is like catnip for admissions committees.

 

The Growing Competitiveness of College Admissions

The value, and indeed the imperative of the Spike doesn’t come out of thin air. It reflects an ongoing evolution in the criteria and rigor of college admissions. Once upon a time, students could get into a school like Harvard with nothing more than an understanding of classical languages. (To be fully transparent, the standards of the time also required that students were white, male, and financially well-off.) Nowadays, of course, the college admissions criteria are more comprehensive academically, more inclusive, and less esoteric. These changes occurred over time: as the number and quality of applicants increased, admissions considerations changed in tandem.

In an earlier era of college admissions, schools accepted everyone who applied. In the 1920s, colleges instituted what is now commonly known as “selective admissions,” a fancy-sounding term that essentially means not everyone who applied was accepted. Over the decades, schools became increasingly selective, admitting a smaller and smaller percentage of applicants, even as the population of student hopefuls grew.  Certain schools, of course, were known as being more selective than others.

 

The Highly Selective College

Reflecting on this trend as evidenced in recent decades, college counselor and former admissions officer Jim Jump considers the altered landscape for highly selective schools the ones that accept less than one-third of applicants—in a piece for Inside Higher Ed.

In 1992 there were 20 colleges that admitted fewer than one-third of applicants, according to data provided in that year’s U.S. News & World Report “America’s Best Colleges” guide; today there are 75 to 80. [In 1992] there were two colleges that admitted fewer than 20 percent, and today that number is closer to 40.

Jump’s summary of the trend provides helpful perspective not only for rising seniors but for the parents of seniors in the upcoming admissions cycle. Colleges nowadays are much more selective than when parents were applying to schools in their teens. The strategy of being a generally well-rounded student that worked for them often no longer makes the cut (see more on the well-rounded student below).

 

Go Beyond Being A Well-Rounded Student

So how do today’s high school seniors successfully hurdle the barriers to admission at selective schools? And do so while remaining authentic to their identities and aspirations as individuals? In the modern college admissions context, those who separate themselves from the pack of well-rounded students are those high schoolers who’ve shown their accomplishment and self-starting ethos with a Spike.

Education writer Jeff Selingo alludes to the value of that “extra something” in his book Who Gets In and Why, writing, “After a while many of the other numbers and key identifiers that accompany the applications begin to look the same. Everyone wants to major in biology, psychology, or business. They all scored a 1390 on the SAT and have a 3.7 [rebalanced] GPA… So again, the readers look for something that’s different."

That’s why we at The Spike Lab are devoted to guiding high schoolers to go beyond being a well-rounded student. Our students complete projects that capture their passion and spotlight their creative, scientific, altruistic, social, or entrepreneurial wherewithal. We feel these projects are one of the best ways for students to stand out and show colleges the qualities that they want in their undergrads: smarts, practicality, grit, maturity, focus, determination, follow-through, organization, leadership. Our stats this year prove the value of our innovative “Spikey” approach over that of the well-rounded student in college admissions. Even in an unprecedented year of limited acceptances, 94% of our students received offers from at least one of their reach schools.

 

The Evolution of College Admissions

When we survey the history of college admissions, we see that as admissions have become more competitive, applicants have always needed to surmount an increasingly higher bar to differentiate themselves from other students. There have been milestone shifts in this process, like when colleges decided that well-rounded students needed to have studied Math to be admitted, or have a high school diploma, or take a standardized test, or yield to other measures of an applicant’s knowledge and potential.

For higher education history buffs, this Insider article, this detailed chapter by higher ed historian John Thelin, and this timeline overview by Dr. Yvonne Romero da Silva, EdD, for the NACAC, provide informative highlights of college admissions history that can serve as jumping off points for further exploration. From the collage of these portraits, we can sift out a few archetypal student profiles that reflect the increasingly elevated watermarks for student achievement:

 

Academics: An Afterthought (Or: White, Male, Wealthy, and Well-Connected)

After its founding in 1636, Harvard’s main admissions considerations were that applicants knew classical languages and were white men. (For more on the black experience at Harvard, read this piece and this overview; for more on women at Harvard check out this essay). The implicit rule was that you were also from an upper class, well-to-do family. Once prep schools were established, elite colleges built their classes from students at “feeder” schools for the well-to-do, like Phillips Exeter Academy (founded 1781) and Andover (founded 1778). Colleges tended to be affiliated with religious denominations, and applicants self-selected to find their match. Over time, college admissions standards became more stringent. In the 1800s, schools reviewed courses that prospective students had studied and even subjected them to exams.

 

Standardized Testers

In the early 20th century, standardized tests became an educational norm and something of a cultural fad, riding the wave of enthusiasm of measuring “intelligence” sparked by the introduction of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale in 1916. Colleges throughout the US embraced the numbers tsunami, using standardized tests to evaluate potential students; in the 1920s and 30s, elite colleges began to be more open in accepting students from non-feeder schools who placed well on standardized tests, giving students incentives to catch the eyes of admissions through stellar scores. Even while critics have lambasted standardized tests for being unfair, biased, and not an accurate predictor of success in college academics, colleges then and now have used them to “take the measure” of students, and test scores have become benchmarks that students seek to meet, or top.

 

The Well-Rounded Student

The history of post-World War II higher ed is one of a growing pool of qualified applicants, resulting from a combination of legislation, government policy, breakthrough legal precedents, admissions incentives, and financial assistance programs, ranging from the GI Bill to Pell Grants and diversity initiatives. As competition for spots at top schools became more fierce, colleges began to look at a more “holistic” portrait of prospects that took into consideration a student’s character, challenges, and distinctive abilities. In this way, colleges gained a more nuanced understanding of applicants and the qualities they would bring to the school community and academics.

In the 1980s and 1990s, high schoolers who fit the well-rounded student profile emerged into the admissions taxonomy as the ideal prospects. To prove that they fit into the category, high schoolers began participating in a comprehensive range of extracurriculars—with the requisite investment from families—to show up more distinctly in the eyes of admissions officers. Simultaneously, these well-rounded students also began applying to multiple colleges to improve their chances at admittance.

 

The Spike Generation

With the well-rounded student phase over (some call it “well-lopsided”), the Era of the Spike has begun. Considering the perpetual magnification of scrutiny that college admissions officers direct towards students, the Spike is essential to successfully navigate the gauntlet of elite school admissions, because the competition for the coveted spots at top-ranked colleges has only grown more ferocious, as demonstrated in this year’s skyrocketing admissions numbers. Indeed, ever since the 1990s, the qualified applicant pool has grown in parallel with the growing US population, larger numbers of international applicants, the widespread adoption of a hyper achieving mentality, and heightened emphasis on diversity. Additionally, as the cost of higher ed has ballooned, families feel they get the most value from a smaller subset of top colleges.

In college admissions circa 2021, we are past the point where the well-rounded student is the ideal applicant. The Spike is both inevitable and valuable. So as you begin your college search, the question you must answer is: What’s yours?

 

About Lloyd Nimetz and The Spike Lab

Lloyd is the founder of The Spike Lab. He is a serial entrepreneur and startup investor who has been a founder of five for-profits and nonprofits in the US, Taiwan, Argentina and India. Previously he directed 4.0 Schools’ education startup accelerator and before that was the co-founder of Dev Bootcamp NYC (parent company was acquired by Kaplan Inc in 2014). Lloyd went to Stanford University for his MBA, majored in Economics during his undergraduate studies at Williams College and was a Fulbright Scholar.

The Spike Lab is dedicated to helping students across the world find their passions and build a “Spike,” a project that has real-world impact and is uniquely impressive.Our coaches are top college graduates and world-class experts at teaching entrepreneurship. Students work 1-1 with a coach to develop skills to succeed in the modern world, through high school, college, and their careers after.

 

 

Schedule a Call with us to learn more

If you are interested in connecting with the Spike Lab, or would like to speak to us about helping your child find an area of interest to pursue, please sign up for a call with us.

 

For addition insights, read:

10 Habits Of Highly Successful College Applicants

6 Steps to Better Grades

Entrepreneurship Opportunities for High School Students

 

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Receive inside track information on college admissions process, high school and middle school planning, general pre-college guidance, and be the first to know about our events and announcements.

 

 

Middle school is a time when students’ interests and abilities slowly start to pave the way for what classes they take in high school, what activities they engage in, and ultimately what future studies and career paths lie ahead for them. This is a great time for exploration and discovery, where students can dabble in many different things without any expectation. While grades do become more important at this stage compared to elementary school, they ultimately do not matter too much. College applications will only ask for high school grades, not those from middle school. Hence, while taking on academically challenging courses and making school a priority, middle schoolers should also use this time to discover their interests and try new things. 

 

What are some things they can do in this exploration and discovery phase? 

 

Try many things and start focusing on areas of strength

Middle schoolers should look at taking classes in a diverse range of subjects, and learn to approach these with an open mind.  At this stage, they will begin seeing what classes interest them and which ones don't. Middle school students should begin focusing on the classes that interest them and devote more of their time and energy to these classes. This will allow them to move on to take more advanced classes in this subject both in middle school and high school, paving the way for higher studies. Understanding educational interests at a young age sets the stage for early preparation for your child’s future, allowing you to work backward and strengthen their skills and exposure to the discipline. Ultimately, students will love the subject more when they are good at it, and enjoy it. In the future, they will be happier having invested in their area of strength.

 

Don’t give up on areas of weakness, but don’t harp on it too much either

While focusing on subjects of interest to them, this does not mean that students must neglect their lesser liked subjects as well. Students should look into why a subject might not interest them and try working on this. For example, students often come to dislike classes if they perform poorly on it. Not understanding a subject can hinder an interest in a subject that your child might actually really enjoy! Students should work on trying to improve their understanding in these courses, either through reaching out to teachers, working alongside peers, or trying out tutoring services. Improving their overall understanding and performance in the subject could help them see the discipline in a new light and they may come to enjoy it! Even if they still dislike the subject, this becomes an opportunity for them to understand how to navigate through subjects and experiences that they might dislike, understanding that they will encounter many more such experiences in the future. But that being said, they do not need to pursue the most rigorous path in these areas.

 

If classes are not available at school, pursue them outside of school

Along with exploring the classes offered in school, middle school years provide students with enough time and opportunity to take up classes outside of the classroom. If your student is interested in subjects that are not offered in school, such as Latin, classics, environmental science, and computer science, , they can look into taking online classes. Especially nowadays, there are many easy to access and inexpensive options that are readily available to students. In our Summer 2021 for Academically Motivated Middle Schoolers blog, we have listed a variety of online classes students can consider partaking in over this summer. Many of the points hold true not just for the summer, but during the school year as well. 

 

Take advantage of after school clubs, sports, arts and music

Middle schoolers should approach extracurricular activities in a similar manner, taking up diverse activities including ones they have been exposed to before as well as possibly new ventures. Many middle schools offer a lot of different clubs, athletic teams, and art/music classes  for students to join. They should take full advantage of  these opportunities and try to stick with these activities for at least a semester if not a full year. This will give them the appropriate exposure to understand the activity they are undertaking and figure out whether it is something they would like to stick with into their high school years. Some popular clubs and organizations available to middle school students include school band, dance ensemble, robotics club, or simply sitting at the French language table at lunch. Getting involved in sports is always  a great option as it  helps with understanding competition, teamwork, commitment, and hard work. 

 

Explore activities outside of schools as well

If there are no clubs, organizations, or sports teams for your child to join at school, they should consider getting involved in activities outside of school. There are a plethora of online classes and groups in every field, ranging from art to languages to math to Model UN and so much more. Alternatively, they can begin their own club with friends, or take time to improve their reading habits, or take up a sport outside of school. Check out Summer 2021 for Academically Motivated Middle Schoolers and 12 Things Middle Schoolers Can Do This Summer for ideas. If your child is against trying new things, try enlisting the support of a peer. Having children get involved in activities or classes with friends will make it easier for them to try new things. Get a group of like minded friends together and work toward making it into a regular activity or formal club! That way, children are both working with peers and working on activities they're interested in. 

 

For addition insights on supporting your child during middle school years, read:

5 Important Skills Middle Schoolers Should Develop Before High School

What You Need to know About Academic Tracking in Middle School

Summer 2021 for Academically Motivated Middle Schoolers

10 Habits Of Highly Successful College Applicants

 

Be sure to download The Versed Middle School Guide below for insights into how to help your child get the most out of middle school years.

 

As every child and every school is unique, if you would like to speak to one of our advisors about helping your child with academic and extracurricular planning, summer options, and high school choices, please schedule a free consultation with us.

 

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The college admissions process is an essential part of a student’s life and requires a significant amount of thought and research. However, in a frenzy to get ahead of the admissions game and do things the right way, students often give in to certain myths regarding the process. What is the essay supposed to be like? What makes a good application? While it is good to turn to others for help and scour the internet for resources, students can often be peppered by misinformation and myths that may do more harm than good. We have compiled a list of the most common myths associated with the college admissions process so that you have the correct information to guide you through this critical time. 

 

1. The college admissions process begins only senior year 

True, the college application is due for most students in their senior year of high school. However, the preparation and planning for college admissions start years before. College planning begins even as early as middle school where the foundations are laid for academic excellence, and extracurricular interests are nurtured. But more realistically, planning should start freshman/sophomore year of high school, when students decide on the type of classes they take, choose what activities to engage in, and have the time to make commitments over several years to pursue interests in meaningful ways. For example, doing any last-minute internships or activities right before senior year may not add much value to their application. Colleges want to see a student’s genuine interests developed over time through demonstrated track record over the student’s high school career.  The college application itself, choosing colleges to apply to, and finding teachers for recommendation, all takes time and should not be rushed during senior year. Ideally, students should get a start on the application itself in the spring of Junior year.   

 

2. Grades matter more than advanced classes

While it is important to have an impressive GPA, colleges also pay attention to the type of classes the student has taken and where they have earned these grades. Many students fear that taking more advanced courses might compromise their chances of higher grades, which they could easily earn in a less challenging course. However, colleges want to see students challenge themselves. For highly selective colleges, it is critical that the student takes the most rigorous course load available to them at their high school.

 

3. Increased number of extracurricular activities adds more value to the application 

There is the common misconception that adding more activities to the application will make the applicant look more attractive. Students often list anything and everything they have done, hoping this will make their resume and application look more impressive. However, colleges are looking for meaningful engagements rather than mere participation. They are looking for impact and leadership. What has the student done to make a difference in the club or the team that they were part of? What has the student led? What did he learn and how did she grow from that experience? These activities need to say something about the student’s interests, dedication, and highlight any notable achievements. The opposite advice – only list activities that are meaningful, would apply here.

 

4. The college application essay is an elaborate resume 

The application essay is a crucial part of the admissions process. The essay is not an elaborate list of all of the student's achievements. Activities and achievements are already covered in a different section of the application. The college essay should tell something about the student that is not highlighted anywhere else on the application. The essay should convey who the student is, tell a story about the student, and does not need to focus on achievements. For more tips on effectively writing the essay, please read our blog on Demystifying the College Essay.

 

5. Test-optional means test-blind

Many colleges follow a test-optional policy with regards to standardized testing such as the SATs and ACTs. During the pandemic, almost all colleges have adopted this policy. However, while colleges make it optional for students to turn in these scores, it does not mean that they are not considering them. On the contrary, the vast majority of students that gain acceptances at highly selective colleges do submit scores, and high test scores will strengthen a student’s application. 

 

6. Optional college interviews should be skipped

Many colleges offer optional interviews as a part of their admissions process. Students often believe that if the interview is optional, they should avoid doing it as it might do more harm than good. What if the interview goes poorly? What if they are unable to answer a question? These are valid concerns, but interviews rarely affect an applicant negatively. In fact, interviews only work to enhance a student’s application further. Interviews allow students to ask questions and show the interviewer that you are keen on attending the institution. Colleges pay attention to whether students do the interview or not.

 

7. Colleges don't check the student’s social media 

While it is easy to assume that colleges don't check students' social media, do not be fooled! Colleges do from time to time look into student's social media accounts, and students have been denied entrance based on inappropriate activities. So, make sure to keep all your social media accounts clean and friendly. Also students need to make sure that they are communicating with colleges with an email address that is appropriate. If you have an email address, with a goofy name, or even possibly offensive name, be sure to create a new account, or use an appropriate account issued by your high school. 

 

8. Asking for financial aid compromises the student’s chance of admission

Many students fear that if they apply for financial aid as a part of their admissions process, it may lower their chance of getting in. This is not true. Most colleges follow a “need-blind” policy. This means to say that the student’s financial aid application is processed separately and has no bearing on the student’s overall chance of acceptance to the institution. That said, there are colleges that do not strictly follow this policy. Students should check to see what process each individual college follows. Even in instances where the college is “need-aware”, the schools still have enough room in the class for students needing financial aid. Students who need aid should not let this prevent them from applying for aid. College tuition is expensive. It is not worth foregoing the savings for the slim chance that the student will be accepted because they are full paying students.

 

9. Private colleges are unaffordable 

Generally speaking, private colleges tend to have higher costs of attendance compared to public colleges. However, this should not stop students from applying to private colleges altogether. Private colleges give out significant amounts of grants and scholarships and many students have found that the total cost of attendance is the same or lower in private colleges than public ones. Students and parents should do the research on each individual college to see what their financial aid/grant package may be.

 

10. The pandemic has made it easier for students to get into college 

The pandemic has made parts of the application process easier for high schoolers this past year. For example, many colleges now follow a test-optional policy regarding standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. Also, many students could not engage in extracurricular activities that were cancelled. Some students assume that if extracurricular activities are cancelled, they do not have to do anything outside of school. This is not the case as many students have found meaningful activities to engage in throughout the pandemic. Also test optional policies resulted in increased applicants at many of the selective colleges, resulting in lower admissions rate. Hence the pandemic has not made it easier for students to get into college. In fact, college applications have only become more competitive. 

 

For additional insights:

Summer Checklist for Rising High School Seniors 2022

10 Habits Of Highly Successful College Applicants

Who Gets In And Why - Book Highlights

What You Need to know About Academic Tracking in Middle School

 

 

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As students enter the middle school years, there is an increased emphasis on students' academic performance - how they do now will pave the way for their high school years. It is important that they need to begin cultivating habits and skills to engage with their academics effectively.  Hence, it is paramount that they lay a strong foundation on which to build their academic careers. Middle schoolers should make school a priority and build good academic skills and healthy work habits. Below, we have curated some of the essential skills that are helpful for middle schoolers to cultivate.  

 

1. Create a healthy study environment 

First, it is essential to create an environment that allows middle schoolers to study effectively. When they sit down to study, the atmosphere around the student can significantly influence how they engage with their work. 

• Create a routine: Students should pick a regular time to sit down and do their school work. They should over time determine how much time they need to get the school work done and plan a study block, factoring in adding breaks to their study routine. Parents should monitor this time in the beginning to make sure that they are spending appropriate amounts of time - too much or too little can both be problematic.
• Create a dedicated workspace: students should find a spot to sit and work without any major distractions. It is helpful to have a dedicated workspace with all their needed stationery, books, and other requirements handy. Some other things to consider are whether there is sufficient light for them to study. Are the noise levels manageable? 
• Eradicate distractions: try to steer clear of anything/ anyone that may interfere or come in the way of your studying. A major distraction for most children is gadgets. Students should put away any devices they do not need for their studies. Even on devices they use for their academics, students should disable unnecessary apps or tabs while working and turn off notifications for social media. Additionally, students often believe that turning on some music helps them study. This is not the case - most music distracts from studies.

 

2. Stay organized and fight procrastination

While studying, it is easy for everyone to give in to procrastination and fall behind on their work. From a young age, students should learn to develop organizational skills that help with time management and staying on top of all academic work. This also reduces stress and allows students to engage with their material in a more constructive manner. Some tricks that help includes:

• Have a weekly/monthly planner with every hour accounted for with activities, homework, and study time, as well as downtime scheduled in. Students can even print and put this up in their rooms or somewhere easily visible. 
• Create a prioritized To-Do List. Students can use either paper and notepads or even electronic versions to make a list of the work they have. Usually, it helps to create a list with the biggest and most challenging tasks coming first followed by tasks the student might find easier. Another way of prioritizing, of course, is by deadline. 
• Commit to doing one task at a time in small increments to stay focused and avoid distractions. Students should tackle one thing on their list at a time. Once they have ticked off a task from their list, they can move on to the next. 
• Read How to Help Your Teens Manage Their Time for additional tips and tools.

 

3. Develop a strong study habit

Many students do not have any plans for studying and start by just reading textbooks or notes and sometimes attempting to memorize these contents directly for their exams. And in class, they often have the habit of simply copying down notes word for word based on what the teacher is saying. Passive studying will not help students learn or retain the information well, and active learning is critical. Here are some ways to implement this:

• Pay attention during class. Instead of merely copying down notes, students should listen to what is being taught and discussed actively. They should also make attempts to participate and speak up in class discussions. 
• Take class notes. Along with participating in class, students should take down some notes. However, they should make sure not to copy down what the teacher is saying monotonously and instead take notes in their own words.
• Study efficiently at home. Effective ways of studying at home involve not merely reading the textbook. Students should gather all their materials - class handouts, notes, homework assignments, previous quizzes and tests, and books. Identify what is most important and create a study guide that includes important topics, terms, and concepts. Turn this list into a set of questions that will force them to remember each item. Read more about study strategies at 6 Steps to Better Grades. 

 

4. Communication and Self advocacy

As middle schoolers enter this stage of their education, they must learn to establish self-advocacy, become more independent with their academic work and interactions, and learn to communicate this new independence. This sets the stage for their interpersonal skills and confidence in the long run. So what can they do? 

• Make decisions on their own. At this stage, students need to start making their own decisions. While still essential for them to communicate and discuss this with the adults around them, they should begin having a say in the type of classes, activities, or clubs they would like to be involved in. 
• Communication. Children need to begin approaching teachers, counselors, and other school staff members on their own. For example, if they have difficulties in a particular subject, they should learn to approach and communicate this with a teacher. Even if they do not have problems in class, it is good to communicate and form a relationship with a teacher on their own. The same goes for other school staff, such as coaches, administrators, or counselors. Students should extend this independence in communication with friends outside of the school setting as well. For example, they should start making plans with friends on their own (of course checking with you to make sure that it is OK).  
• Resolve conflict independently. Allow children to solve conflicts on their own and without intervention as much as possible. For instance, if they have a rift with a peer, allow them to talk to the peer on their own or discuss the issue with teachers or relevant adults before jumping in to help them out. They might be able to find a solution on their own. You can always troubleshoot the problems at home with your child and discuss ways to overcome the conflict at hand, and then allow them to tackle the issue independently. 

 

5. Learn to take risks 

As middle schoolers, children should learn to take risks and explore new possibilities. They need to know how to speak up, combat their fears, and understand that it is OK to encounter failures as well. What are some things they should do? 

• Take classes they may not be good at. This is an opportunity for students to try a subject they may have previously performed poorly on. This will allow them to tackle challenges, accept failure if they encounter it, and build resilience in approaching a subject. 
• Join new clubs. Along with taking up different classes, students should get involved in new activities - school clubs, volunteer work, community sports, etc. If they dislike the activity, they can always quit later. However, this is the time to try out new ventures - there is little consequence at the middle school stage for trying out things the student may develop a distaste for or end up not pursuing. 
• Speak up. Students should learn to participate and ask questions during class—remember, no question is a dumb question, so there is no need to be embarrassed! To help them combat shyness, students can even take up public speaking and join debate clubs. These clubs will help make children speak up with a sense of confidence, clarity, and poise. 
• Make new connections. Taking these risks to do things out of their comfort zone also provides students an opportunity to connect with peers and meet new people. Once again, without letting inhibition take over, students should make the best of their new connections and expand their network, building on the interpersonal skills previously mentioned in the blog. 

For additional insights on middle school years, read:

 

7 Things Every Middle School Parents Should Know

What You Need to know About Academic Tracking in Middle School

Summer 2021 for Academically Motivated Middle Schoolers

Guide to Gifted and Talented Programs and Are They Worth It?

 

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Receive inside track information on college admissions process, high school and middle school planning, general pre-college guidance, and be the first to know about our events and announcements.

 

 

 

 

As the summer break of 2021 rolls around, rising seniors in high schools across the country have an exciting and important deadline fast approaching them in a few months — their college applications for fall 2022 will be due. Rising seniors can use this summer to get a head start on all of their application materials. We have listed below some of the things that students can aim to check off this summer break to make life easier in the fall. 

 

1. Creating a College List

This is the time for the student to put together a comprehensive list of all of the schools they would consider applying to. It is OK to start with a big list, and narrow it down over time. It is also OK to start small and continue adding to the list. Is there any school to which they would like to apply ED/EA? Use the Finding Your College Questionnaire | Versed to prioritize what is important for the student. Students can learn a lot about schools and eliminate many schools just through online research that they can do right from their homes. Additionally, they can reach out to students who are currently attending these universities to get information directly from the source. They can reach out to these students by tapping into the high school alumni base, friends, neighbors, or friends of parents who attend or attended the colleges of interest. These students can provide insights about the college that is not on the college’s website. 

 

2. Visiting Colleges

If it is possible, students should try and visit the different colleges that they plan on applying to. Check if the college is allowing campus visits and whether it is possible for them to get a college tour. This will give students a sense of what the student life at this college might be like. This may help them decide if they really do want to apply to a particular college, or vice versa, whether they should remove it from their list.

If students are unable to visit the campus, know that many colleges are offering virtual tours in light of the pandemic and social distancing measures. This will help save time and money for families. Read Coronavirus and Campus Visits to learn more about virtual visits.

 

3. Listing Activities 

Students should make a list of every single activity that they have engaged in over their school years. This will help in providing a holistic overview of everything they have done so far that will help build their application. This also becomes instrumental in building up the story of their application essays. Additionally, many colleges give students the option of submitting a resume as a part of the application. Listing all work and activities can help become an informal resume that students can edit and downsize to their liking later. This can also be used to fill out the extra curricular activities section of the application. 

 

4. Starting the Application 

An easy step would be to fill out parts of the application, if and when possible. Most of the sections are relatively quick to fill out, so why not get a head start? This may also include the activity section, and the previous list in step 3 will help. The activities section is the section students should spend time on, as it not only states the extracurriculars that students were involved in, but explains the importance and role it plays in the students’ high school career. Although some information may have to be changed as senior year progresses, getting a head start will give students less to worry about as college application deadlines come closer. Read this Guide to the Common App to learn more about what students have to prepare for the Common App. While most colleges use Common App, there are a few that may have their own application processes. For example, the University of California schools have a separate UC Application system. Similarly, so does MIT. However, the type of questions asked in these applications are fairly similar to the Common App.

 

5. Writing Application Essays

Summer is not too early to get started on college essays. This includes not only the personal Common App Essay, but also any supplemental essays that colleges will require of students. The prompts for the Common App Essay are already out and colleges are starting to (or may already have) announce their 2020-2021 Supplemental Essay prompts. 5 Simple Tips to Writing a Great College Application Essay is a good starting point on brainstorming and getting a plan in place for tackling essays. Additionally, consult our blog on Demystifying the College Admissions Essay for tips on how to write an effective essay for the college application and stand out. 

 

6. Checking Financial Aid

While important for students to be mindful of, this step is directed more toward parents. Parents need to get informed about the financial aid process and start looking at what is required in filling out the FAFSA and CSS forms for financial aid in the United States. This will require you to start getting your documents in order, such as income tax return forms. Learn more by getting started with Financial Aid 101. Also refer to How to Create a Financially Balanced College List prior to finalizing college list.

 

7. Having a Game Plan for Standardized Tests

If the student has not taken the SATs, ACTs, or other standardized tests that may be applicable, check the dates for upcoming exams to see if they are able to get a slot for one of these tests — do not miss the deadline. For example, the last date to take the SAT or ACT would be October in order to make the EA/ED deadline. It would still be possible to take the test in December for the January regular decision deadline followed by many colleges. Also, take note that most colleges are following a test optional policy in light of the pandemic. Therefore, in case the test does not go too well, students need not fret! They can always choose not to send their test scores in as a part of the application. 

 

8. Asking for Recommendations 

Ideally, this is something that is already done at this point. If not, students should get to asking teachers and counselors for recommendations as soon as possible. Most colleges require recommendation letters from a guidance counselor and at least 2 teachers. Students should ask for recommendation letters from teachers who can tell colleges more about them than being an A+ student. Getting good grades from a teacher doesn’t necessarily mean that the teacher knows the student very well. Students should choose teachers that they’ve sat down and had conversations with because teachers will be able to write a more personal recommendation that really shows the student in a positive light. Students have to ask ahead of time for teacher recommendations because chances are, teachers are incredibly busy with their own schedules and other recommendation letter requests. The sooner the student asks, it is more likely that teachers will have time to write the letter, and also be able to write a thoughtful letter that is not rushed.

 

9. Further Strengthening Application 

Along with getting a head start on the actual application, this summer is a chance to explore other meaningful and productive ventures. Despite the pandemic, colleges still want to see how students used their time during the summer. Here are some things that students can consider doing over the summer: 

• Internships. Consult our blog on internship resources to learn more on finding internships online and learning how to network with family, friends and local businesses to find meaningful opportunities. 
• Consider taking an online class. Students can learn a new language, take courses in their subject of interest, or explore new fields through taking an online course over the summer. These are easier and more cost effective than other options, especially during the pandemic. 
• Extra curricular activities. Students can engage in an extracurricular activity that further develops activities they have been engaging in the past to take it to the next level. Artists and writers can use the time to build an art or writing portfolio. STEM focused students can focus on research. Students interested in social sciences can consider advocacy/volunteer work for organizations they care about or work on an independent project to further a cause. 
• Volunteer work. Students can also volunteer at local organizations, shelters, businesses, or other ventures over the summer to use their time productively. 

 

10. Relax and enjoy some time off!

Once fall semester starts, it will be a busy time for seniors. College applications will begin to pile on along with schoolwork. Students should take some time off to relax and enjoy the summer.

 

 

For additional information and insights, read:

 

Download our Comprehensive Guide: College Application Process

Last Minute Internship Searches

Virtual Internships for High School Students

Which Colleges Give Out the Most Merit Aid?

 

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Receive inside track information on college admissions process, high school and middle school planning, general pre-college guidance, and be the first to know about our events and announcements.

 

 

 

 

Although most students pursue internships during the summer, there are many great opportunities for students to intern during the school year. Internships are an opportunity for motivated students to explore their interests and career opportunities prior to college. These opportunities give students a leg up on determining what college majors to apply to, help students get a better sense for the types of careers they should focus on, and help in the college admissions process by demonstrating true interest in the major, field and program that they are applying for.

Several well-renowned institutions within the United States offer internship programs to high school students in various disciplines ranging from nonprofit to politics to science, to name a few. Listed here are internships for fall 2021 with deadlines right around the corner. Rising seniors looking to enhance their upcoming college applications, in particular, can make the most of these opportunities. Also, due to COVID, many internships are still run virtually, thus making it possible for students to apply to programs outside of their state. Hurry and apply to them before they fill up!

 

Internships with Cultural Institutions

 

Smithsonian Internships

About the Institution: The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. Originally founded in 1846, it houses 19 museums and the National Zoo. The prestigious Smithsonian museums help educate and share resources with the general public while preserving certain heritages and histories.

About the Internship: The Smithsonian offers a variety of internships ranging from interning with the Natural History Museum to the Smithsonian Libraries to the American Art Museum and so forth. Each application is managed and processed separately by its own unit. We have provided examples of some Smithsonian internships with approaching deadlines below. To look at their complete list of offerings, visit the official Smithsonian page on Smithsonian Internships: Mentor-Based Learning Opportunities. However, while browsing these options, keep in mind that they are not opportunities limited to highschool students, but offered to undergraduate and graduate students as well. Make sure to check the eligibility requirements.

 

Richard Louie Memorial Internship for High School Students

https://asia.si.edu/research/fellowships-internships/richardlouie/

Dates: Fall Semester

Application Deadline: 15 August 2021

The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery is the Smithsonian’s museum of Asian art. High schoolers who intern here are introduced to Asian art. Interns undertake independent projects within a departmental area of interest. In addition, interns will be included in other museum activities.

 

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internship

https://smithsonianapa.org/internships/

Dates: Fall 2021 (September to December)

Application Deadline: 18 June 2021

This internship will run virtually for the fall of 2021. The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center is a migratory museum bringing Asian Pacific American history, art and culture to you through innovative museum experiences online and throughout the United States. The internship program will allow students to learn through direct exchanges with  artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners.  

 

National Museum of the American Indian Internship 

https://americanindian.si.edu/connect/internships

Dates: Fall; Starting September

Application Deadline: 6 July 2021

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Internship provides educational opportunities for students interested in the museum profession and related fields. Students learn about the museum's collections, exhibitions, programs, and methodologies, and to meet professionals in the museum field. There may be limited virtual internships available in the fall of 2020. 

 

 

Washington Performing Arts Institution Internship 

About the Institution: Washington Performing Arts provides a platform to connect artists, audiences, students, and civic life. The institution’s achievements have been recognized with a National Medal of Arts and with three Mayor’s Arts Awards from the DC Government.

About the Internship: Washington Performing Arts offers motivated and creative highschool students hands-on exposure to all aspects of art management. The internship is personally tailored around each intern, allowing them to each explore art management, artists, and portfolio work in different ways.

Dates: Fall; August/ September to December: specific start and end dates determined individually 

Application Deadline: 27 June 2021

 

Internships in Science

 

NASA High School Internship Program

About the Institution: NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)  is the United States’

 independent agency for space exploration. Established in 1958, succeeding the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. NASA studies Earth, the climate, the sun, our solar system, and beyond. We conduct research, testing, and development to advance aeronautics, including electric propulsion and supersonic flight. We develop and fund space technologies that will enable future exploration and benefit life on Earth.

About the Internship: NASA provides internship opportunities to students from high school to the graduate level.The programs provide students’ with research and experiential learning under a mentor in NASA, enhancing their learnings in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Students are made a part of authentic projects, and are not required to have prior knowledge before applying to the internship (though it is always a bonus). 

Dates: Fall; Late August/early September, mid-December, 16 weeks

Application Deadline: 9 July 2021 

 

For more information on STEM related opportunities for your high schooler, make use of our STEM Research for High School Students Guide which lists over 1,000 internships, summer and school year programs, and research opportunities. 

 

Internships with the Government 

 

U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program

About the Institution: The United States Department of State, or State Department, is an executive departpartment of the U.S. federal government that takes care of the country’s foreign policy and international relations

About the Internship: The U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Programs include the  Internship Experience Program (IEP)  and the  Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). Both programs provide students with opportunities to explore Federal careers. The IEP is a non temporary program wherein the internship lasts the length of the academic program for which the intern is enrolled. The ITEP is a temporary program wherein interns work during seasonal and holiday breaks in academic programs as well as year-round. Interns in this program are appointed to temporary appointments, not to exceed one year or their projected graduation date (whichever is shorter) and extensions may be made in one year increments. The positions to which the interns are appointed have no promotion potential, therefore, students must apply through USAJOBS to be considered for higher-graded positions. ITEP participants are not eligible for any other benefits until after conversion into the competitive service. To find out more about whether you met eligibility requirements and to see different dates to apply for, please contact Pathways@state.gov and visit https://careers.state.gov/work/pathways/internship-programs/. Dates and deadlines are flexible. 

 

 

Student Volunteer Trainee Program at Department of Education 

About the Institution: The United States Department of Education is responsible for providing educational resources and equal opportunities within the country to help promote student achievement. 

About the Internship: The volunteer program provides students with an opportunity to work with and contribute to education policy and administration. The opportunity allows students to strengthen skills in Human Resources Management, Training and Development, Data Analytics, Project Management, Education Policies, Grants Management, Communications, and Information Technology. 

Dates: Fall 2021

Application Deadline: 3 cut-off dates of June 11th, July 12th, and August 11th.

 

 

Internships with Nonprofit Organizations

 

United Planet Virtual Internship and VolunteerQuests

About the Institution: United Planet is a nonprofit organization located in Boston, Massachusetts that aims to create a global community. It connects volunteers with communities across the world to make a difference and engage with different cultures.  

About the Internship: The virtual internship program allows students to help connect with global communities through assisting the daily operations of the communities that they are working with. The tasks are tailored to the current needs of the organization and the skills of the volunteers. Tasks can surround areas related to health services, environmental sustainability, children and education, or community development. Application dates and deadlines are flexible. 

 

For additional insights, read:

Do High School Students Need a Focus?

Most Prestigious Summer Programs

Why Summer Jobs and Work Experience Matter When High School Students Apply to College

Meaningful Summer Activities that Enhance College Application

 

 

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“Tracking" is a process in middle school wherein students are set on trajectories based on their grades and perceived abilities. Traditionally, students are broken into two or three different tracks. The tracking system is meant to provide students with a curriculum that matches their needs as a student. 

However, it can also cause a student to be slowed down due to a misconception in middle school. For example, a student may perform poorly in a math examination because they're used to the slower pace of learning in elementary school, not because they fundamentally struggle or don't understand the material. Regardless, their poor grade may set them on a path that steers them away from the more challenging math courses simply because of an assumption made about that initial performance.

Since there are only so many assessments in a school year and a large number of kids, it's easy to understand how these assumptions can be made. However, tracking causes students with long-term goals, such as AP courses and standardized tests in mind to suffer. Parents and students alike must be proactive about placement and advocating for the curriculum your students need to succeed.

There are some things that you can do to help your middle schooler be placed on the right track. Middle schoolers should make school a priority at this point as the practices they establish here will affect what kind of student they become in high school and later in college. It is paramount that parents help students lay a strong foundation on which to build their academic careers.

 

What can you encourage in your child to make sure  they are placed on the right “track”? 

 

Regular Attendance

The first and most important way to be on top of grades in middle school is regular attendance. Missing classes will cause your student to fall behind on work, miss out on crucial concepts and discussions in class, and not be able to effectively engage with the academic material. Regular attendance, while causing them to stay in touch with the material and class, is also crucial in reminding your child the importance of education and how they need to make it their priority.

Additionally, attendance should not be perceived as merely being present in the class, but making active efforts to pay attention and participate in the classes. Too many students zone out in class, and spend unnecessary time learning the materials on their own to do homework or to study for exams. What can students do to pay attention in class?

• Sit in the front of the class (if this is an option). If class is taking place virtually, make sure that their camera remains on.
• Come to class prepared - do any pre-assigned reading.
• Take notes.
• Speak up and participate - for those that have difficulty with this, make it a goal to speak up at least once a class, and doing it early in the class before other answers/questions have been given is less stressful.

 

Building Rapport with Teachers

Cultivating a healthy relationship with their teachers is a great way for students to ensure that they are effectively engaging with their material, receive constructive feedback, and know where they stand academically. Additionally, this may help your school see your actual skills and potential, and that you may not have been put on the right “track,” to facilitate your move to one that is more challenging. How do you establish a good rapport with your teacher?

• Establish communication early - you do not want the first communication with your teacher to be about grades. Participate in class and show your interest in the subject.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about things you don’t know - If you don’t understand something, chances are, other students are in the same boat. 
• Take advantage of office hours - this is free tutoring.
• Address poor grades early on, do not wait until half of the semester is over - If you are doing poorly in assignments and tests, meet with the teacher to understand how you can do better next time. 

Read more about how to help students succeed academically in 6 Steps to Better Grades.

 

Tutoring

If you feel your child is finding it difficult to grapple with certain concepts but is keen on pushing themselves to get into a higher track, you can consider outside tutoring services to help them hone their academic skills. Learn more about tutoring options for your child at our Versed Guide to Tutoring Services. Also read Free and Inexpensive Tutoring to look at some great free and low-cost options that every student can take advantage of. Keep in mind that for some students, it may be worth it to retain a more expensive tutor with expertise in very high-level subject matters or with experience working with students with learning differences or test anxiety. 

 

Summer School & Other Options

If you feel that your child is not at the “right” level and want to have them skip ahead in a subject, for example moving from pre-algebra to algebra , students can also consider summer school. Some school districts and private schools give students the option to skip a grade ahead, especially in math, through summer school.  This gives students an opportunity to move up a level if you feel that your student is on the wrong track or get a head start on more advanced classes at an earlier age if you feel that your student is not adequately challenged. Get in touch with your child’s school and explore the possibility of their doing summer school. In case your child’s school does not offer this option of summer school, look at other ways that they might be able to skip ahead. Ask the school whether your child would be able to skip ahead by taking an exam. In this scenario, your child will have to prepare on their own outside of school. Get the syllabus for the subject ahead of time along with the appropriate textbooks and materials they will need in order to prepare for the class and study for the exam. You can enlist a tutor to help with their studies or even your student’s current teachers for help in any capacity!

If getting ahead during middle school is not an option, consider studying ahead outside of school, as there will certainly be opportunities to test into higher level courses in High School. This is often done in subjects such as foreign language, math, and science. 

 

Be sure to download The Versed Middle School Guide below for insights into how to help your child get the most out of middle school years.

 

As every child and every school is unique, if you would like to speak to one of our advisors about helping your child with academic and extracurricular planning, summer options, and high school choices, please schedule a free consultation with us.

 

For additional insights, check out our blog posts:

 

Guide to Gifted and Talented Programs and Are They Worth It?

7 Things Every Middle School Parents Should Know 

Parenting Advice: How to Help Guide Your Child to Find an Interest

 

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Students that are still looking for internship opportunities this summer, it is not too late to secure or create a meaningful opportunity. Given the shift to virtual platforms this year, students can certainly entertain more opportunities across the country and even across the world and do them from the comforts of their homes. However, finding an internship at the high school level can be challenging as recruiters look for more expertise and prefer hiring undergraduate students. But there still are places and ways to find internships as a high schooler. Below, we have provided a rundown of some resources you and your high school student can turn to to find an enriching summer internship for them, even at the last minute!

 

Online 

Checking online platforms and job posting sites is a quick and easy way to find different companies looking to hire high school interns and which companies might still have open job postings. Below are some of the most common and widely used platforms for internship searches. 

• Google

The easiest search option for internships is simply a google search. Go to your google search tab and put in "internship opportunities for high schoolers" or any other keyphrase that you would like. Google will put together a list of possible internships close to your location that might interest you. You can add filters and refine your search to further narrow down what opportunities you and your child are looking at. For example, this can be an industry preference, a location, or a role type.

• Linkedin 

Linkedin is one of the leading professional networking platforms today. Consider having your high school student create a Linkedin profile for themselves. This is an excellent way for them to begin building their professional network and finding opportunities. After creating their profile, students can go to the "jobs" tab on Linkedin and put "internships" in the search tab. Add additional filters such as 'high school' or 'remote' to find an opportunity better suited for you. If you come across an internship that interests you, go ahead and send in your application!

• Chegg 

Chegg is an educational company providing different services to students. This platform also provides a rundown of various internships that high schoolers can partake in. Find the right internship for your child by putting in the right keywords and your desired location if applicable. 

• Indeed

Indeed is an employment website used widely in the United States. Students can use this to find job listings even at the high school level. Similar to the previous sites, use keywords and filters to customize your search.

• Angel.co

This is a very large community of startup companies. There are a ton of internship postings here, primarily for working age professionals and college students, but a confident high school student can consider applying for some of the internships meant for college students - especially those that are non-paying. Students can filter by type of company, industry, job position, type of work, etc. to view opportunities that are available.

 

While the above options are some of the most popular platforms to search for high school internships, there are definitely others that you may come across. Feel free to explore opportunities on these sites as well, but be wary and check to make sure that it is a legitimate company/opportunity before proceeding. 

 

 

Close Circles

The most effective strategy for securing an internship for your child at the high school level would be to reach out to family members and close friends and express that your child is looking to engage in an internship over the summer. Given that family and friends are already familiar with your child and their academic standings, it might increase their chances of being willing to help. Similarly, your child might reach out to their teacher and counselors at school. Once again, these are people very familiar with your child, their interests, and their skill sets. 

 

In addition, if they cannot hire your child, you can always request these close contacts to pass the word along that your academically motivated high schooler is looking to do an internship over the summer. If you are put in touch with someone, don't immediately jump at asking them to hire your child. Instead, ask if they would be willing to talk to your child about the work they do. If the conversation goes well, then your child can then find out if they would be willing to hire a high school student for a summer internship. 

 

At the high school level, internships are a way for students to get a taste for different professions, see how they work, and decide if these are areas that interest them. In this light, high schoolers don't necessarily have to look for formal and intense internships. In your request to family and friends, you can ask whether it would be possible for your high schooler to job shadow. For example, if your child's aunt works at a hospital, you can ask if it would be possible for them to go to the hospital and closely watch the type of work that they do there. This might even be easier to do given our switch to increased virtual platforms. For example, if your neighbor runs a business, you can ask if your child can sit in on some virtual meetings to learn about the work they do and get a sense of the work environment. These types of internships are easy to do while simultaneously rewarding in giving your child an understanding of these different occupations. Even in job shadowing, the employer might decide to give your high schooler different tasks, depending on the need.

 

 

Local Businesses

High school students should reach out to local businesses to see whether they can work part-time with them. Students can directly contact businesses via email or phone to see if the company would need an intern over the summer. However, with this route, be sure that the student has already formulated an internship plan before reaching out to the organization. High school students are not always seen as a priority for existing positions, and they may not be viewed as particularly useful. Therefore, it is important that the student does proper research and planning before reaching out and be able to make a clear case as to how they can help the business. For example, students skilled in art and design can offer to make posters and banners for the business. Students with coding and technical skills can offer to help in IT. Every business is looking to implement digital marketing, and students that are familiar with social media can make a strong case. Students should make their value proposition clear, so that the internship is not just about helping a high school student gain experience, but it is about the business getting valuable work done. 

If you would like to speak to one of our advisors about summer planning, book a time with us here to learn about how Versed can help.

 

Other options to consider for summer 2021:

Entrepreneurship Opportunities for High School Students

Virtual Internships for High School Students

Best of Online Learning - University Classes

 

 

 

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By: Alan Gelb

In all my years of essay coaching, working one-on-one with more than a thousand students on the 650-word personal statement that is required on the Common Application, one question has been asked of me more than any other: “What do I write about?” The other question I am routinely asked is: “How can I make my essay one of a kind?”  Those two questions, taken together, suggest that there is a pervasive sense of mystery and confusion surrounding this all-important assignment. Eliminating some of that mystery will get us to the core of this challenging task.

 

What Should I Write About?

 

The personal statement needs to be…well, personal. That may seem obvious, but that obvious truth escapes a great many students who are being asked to review their life and come up with a story that captures the essence of who they are and presents them in their very best light. The personal statement should not be viewed as an opportunity to promote oneself. Self-promotion—i.e. bragging about one’s achievements—is one of the very worst mistakes a student can make on this assignment. 

I counsel students to imagine themselves at a party, sitting next to someone they do not know. The task is to make some kind of connection. Do you do that by talking about your achievements? Do you tell that stranger about your perfect tennis season, your successful installation of vending machines as Student Council president, or how you were named Volunteer of the Year by Habitat for Humanity? No. Touting your achievements gets you nowhere. It is far better to examine those areas of activity—tennis, student government, community service—and pull out a story, also known as a narrative, that will allow you to talk about the internal and deeply personal nature of those activities. 

You might write, for instance, about how you learned to work with a difficult person, or how you overcame someone else’s preconceptions about you, or how you overcame your own preconceptions about someone else. The emphasis should not be on what you did as much as it is on who you are. There are endless facets to examine around any activity, and you want to pull out and examine the aspects of your experience that reflect on your personal development.

 

What Does My Essay Need to Do?

 

The best way to begin to answer that all-important question—What do I write about?—is to develop a better understanding of what the Common App personal statement is intended to do. To my mind, this assignment is designed to meet three main goals and perhaps one collateral goal.

 

1. Persuade the Admissions Committee to Invite You into Their College Community.

The job of the admissions counselor is to assemble a college community that will work for both the institution and the people who populate that institution. To that end, they are looking for individuals with the right academic credentials. Next, they want to recruit those with special skills and talents (bassoonists, lacrosse players, debaters, and so on). And—very importantly—they want to make sure that everyone they are inviting into their community has the right human qualities. 

They are hoping that the people they accept will arrive on campus with no bad habits, like making trouble for their roommates or spending the day in bed, and they will be poring over these essays for any red flags that might suggest problems. In a very real sense, the personal statement serves as a kind of diagnostic, and students want to make sure that when the admissions counselors read their essays, they will find human qualities that reflect well on them. Think in terms of empathy, self-reflection, self-awareness, kindness, curiosity, dedication, and a sense of humor.

 

2. Tell the Reader a Good Deal About Yourself

Back in the old days, college applicants were required to visit campus—or some other off-campus site, like the offices of alumni—to have an interview. The point was for the interviewer to assess the interviewee. That tradition has gone the way of the full-service fill-up at the gas station. These days, if you do have an interview on campus, chances are that it will be with a grad student or an upper-level undergraduate, and it will be primarily an informational interview, geared to answering your questions, not the interviewer’s. Therefore, in a very real sense, the college admissions essay has become your “interview.” 

Some years ago, a study by the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) determined that the essay was the fourth most important determinant when it came to college admissions, with the grade-point average, standardized test scores, and the breadth of a student’s curriculum (i.e. how many A.P. courses he or she has taken) being the most important determinants. That has all shifted now, as many colleges and universities, in the wake of the pandemic, have deemphasized standardized test scores, allowing the essay to take on even more importance. 

In fact, the essay is the only place in which students can significantly differentiate themselves from other applicants who might look a lot like them on paper. And so, students will want to seize this opportunity to tell their readers quite a lot about who they are. If a student plans to write about her lifelong love of chess, that might be fine—but at the same time she will want the reader to know that her Lithuanian grandfather taught her chess and she, in turn, taught chess to kids in inner city schools and the thinking she uses in chess parallels the thinking she uses in the lab or whatever. In other words, the essay should provide a well-rounded picture of who the student is.

 

3. Show the Reader That You Can Write.

This goal seems obvious, but the point here is that students must be scrupulous about bringing their writing to as high a level as possible. That means developing a strong narrative structure, using fresh and unstilted language, avoiding jargon, proofreading again and again, and giving out one’s work for critical feedback. Perfection is not a human quality—not even for Tiger Woods or Yo-Yo Ma—but the quest for perfection has a legitimate place in writing. We must never settle for second best. Writing requires diligence and commitment, and good writing does not come easily to anyone.

 

4. Write Something That Will Help You Stand Out From the Pack. 

This is the collateral goal that we can strive to achieve. For many students, the holy grail is an essay the likes of which the world has never seen before. That’s why students often ask me how to develop a “quirky” essay about peanut butter or cupcakes or tiddlywinks. They are under the impression that something eccentric will naturally seem entirely fresh and new and unprecedented, when, in fact, something eccentric can just as easily seem tired and come across like it’s trying too hard. Rather than directing students toward unprecedented originality, I counsel them to stand out from the pack by achieving a depth of emotion, authenticity, truth, and self-insight that will imprint them in the minds and memories of their readers. Capturing reality is a great way to make yourself memorable.

I also tell students that instead of aiming to write something that the world has never seen before, they should expect to write within a genre. That is to say, they will most likely be writing about their family (the family story genre), or friends (the friend genre), or work or hobbies or travel or service or any of the other genres that students typically write in. The challenge is to bring freshness and conviction and writing skill to the genre you choose.

 

There is a great deal at stake when it comes to writing the college admissions essay. Students are being asked to write about something that is deeply personal and to do so in a way that will be meaningful to others. They must strive to achieve a level of excellence in their writing that might very well stretch them beyond their recognizable limits. They must do all of that within a framework of pressure: school demands bearing down on them; parental anxieties bearing down on them; their own “imposter syndrome” making them doubt themselves. And no writer—lay or professional—can feel relaxed about writing 650 words of prose under such conditions. Hopefully, the demystification of the college admissions essay will help alleviate some anxiety and allow students to access the deep well of emotion that will enable them to complete this work successfully.

 

If you would like to get in touch with Alan Gelb, or would like to speak to us about helping your student with college essays, please schedule a call with us HERE.

 

For additional insights, read:

How to choose colleges to apply to

5 Simple Tips to Writing a Great College Application Essay

5 Ways Parents Can Better Support Their Children During the College Admissions Process

Definitive Guide to Writing Help

 

About Alan Gelb:

A widely published writer of fiction and nonfiction, Alan Gelb first began to explore the college admissions essay when his own sons were going through the application process. As a marketing communications consultant for higher education, Alan had a long history of writing recruitment and development materials for top colleges and universities across the country, and so had a sense of what the schools were looking for. Putting that together with his understanding of the narrative form, he came up with a unique approach to the personal statement. As he continued to work with college applicants, Alan collected his theories in his book Conquering the College Admissions Essay in 10 Steps. Each year, Alan and his team work with students all over the world, helping them to uncover very special stories that admissions counselors remember. http://www.conquerthecollegeessay.com/

 

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Join the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair This Week from May 16-21

Join Regeneron ISEF to meet the next generation of scientists and engineers! Listen in on panels with top scientists and innovators. Visit the STEM Career Hall and College Fair, featuring nearly 90 colleges and universities. Visit the STEM Experiential Hall to engage in immersive STEM experiences.

Today, Public Exhibition of Projects open up. Head to the Finalist Hall from the Lobby and browse the extraordinary research done by the Regeneron ISEF finalists. This is a great opportunity for students to see the cutting edge research high school students are engaging in.

11:30 AM EST Women in STEM Panel, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. Meet the Panel.

1:00 PM EST Social Innovation Panel, sponsored by Rise, an Initiative of Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust. Meet the Panel.

 

Register and attend HERE. 

 

Check out these can't-miss events and view the full schedule for this week.

 

 

STEM Research Guide for High School Students

This is the Bible of STEM research for High School students. In one comprehensive document, we provide students with detailed guidance on why, when, and how to conduct research. Includes over 1,000 listings of Research, Internship, Pre-College, Summer, School Year, Enrichment, and Volunteer Programs. Designed for High School and Middle School students looking ahead, this guide includes top programs in every category including Biology & Health Science, Computer Science, Engineering & Robotics, Physics & Astronomy, Math and more.

 

Learn More and Purchase this Guide

 

 

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Receive inside track information on college admissions process, high school and middle school planning, general pre-college guidance, and be the first to know about our events and announcements.