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HIGHLY SELECTIVE COLLEGES
WHO GETS IN?
You are most competitive if you:
Have a HIGH WEIGHTED GRADE POINT AVERAGE 3.8 -4.6
Have HIGH SAT SCORES (700-800 on each test)
Take ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES (English, Calculus, Physics,
US History and others) High scores on each test: 4 or 5
Letters of Recommendation
Ask two teachers at the end of your junior year if they would be willing to
write you a letter of recommendation. Some teachers may have a quota.
You should ask teachers who taught core courses. (English, math,
science, history or foreign language.)
The letter of recommendation is one of the most important parts of
your application. The letter is confidential. College admissions officers
rely heavily on teacher comments. It is one of the last honest parts of the
application.
Students who get good letters from their teachers participate in class
discussion and show great interest in the class. Some teachers write fifty
or more letters. English 3 (junior year) teachers often write a large
amount of letters. Remember, every student who asks for a letter is not
applying to Harvard. You don't need to be #1 in the class to get a good
letter. You can look at the Common Application www.commonapp.org
for a sample teacher letter of recommendation. The teacher must
respond to a variety of questions about you. Be sure to select a teacher
who will write a supportive letter.
Resume
Students who get into highly selective colleges have a long resume of
interesting activities in and outside school. They tend to have high energy
and accomplish a great deal during high school.
You will have an advantage if you love to learn and students and teachers
respect you. Honesty is very important.
Tips From College Admissions Representatives:
Stanford University looks for intellectual vitality with a love of learning
and interaction with teachers and fellow students. They are looking for
the most compelling students, not the most competitive. 75% of the
students who apply are qualified. They must look elsewhere for more
information. The essay and teacher letters of recommendation are very
important. Respect for others is also important.
Yale is looking for a unique student. Explain your passion and engage in
your classes in high school.
Brown is looking for self-motivated, active thinkers and learners. You
need to have a passion about something. Do you have intellectual
curiosity?
Harvard is looking for well-cultivated interests, specialists and focused
students who are involved.
Princeton is looking for students who challenge themselves and bring a
unique viewpoint to campus. The essay needs to fit with you and show
your true voice.
Dartmouth wants to know what you will bring to the college. Peer
recommendations are important.
University of Chicago is interested in who you are as a thinker.
IT HELPS IF YOU…
Are an outstanding ATHLETE (NCAA Division I or II level)
Have special TALENT (art, music, etc.)
Have a strong commitment to one or two ACTIVITIES:
Sports, pubic speaking/debate, journalism, clubs & organizations,
leadership, job, youth groups, volunteer service or other creative activities.
Have interesting SUMMER EXPERIENCES:
College classes, foreign exchange program, community service, job,
internship or other activities. Pursue your interests
Have good LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from two teachers in
academic courses during the last two years of high school
Write an EXCELLENT ESSAY in your own words. Personalize your essay.
Never let others write your essay. You need to keep the 18 year old in the
essay. It is very easy to spot essays that adults have edited.
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS. If your parents or grandparents attended the
college, you do have an advantage. It is not a guarantee.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
Read Freshman Profiles. You need to ask for this information. High
schools normally receive the profile with the admitted class information.
Prepare an academic resume with your activities, honors and awards.
Some students will submit several pages
(Sample Below)
Read college guides
Attend the college visits at your high school in the fall
Check out the college web site.
Participate in meaningful summer activities. Foreign exchange
programs, community service in another country, create your own
community service project in your community, study on a college campus
in your area of interest or participate in an unpaid internship.
Demonstrate interest in your potential college major.
If you want to be an architect, volunteer at a local architecture firm.
If you wan to be a doctor or nurse, volunteer at a local hospital.
If you want to be an engineer, volunteer at a local engineering firm.
Try to be creative and follow your passion.
Request information from each college
Attend area college visits in your community. If you contact the college
during summer, you will receive an invitation to many night or weekend
programs with admission officers in the fall.
Listen to the college announcements at your high school
Visit your high school college/career center
Attend College Fairs in your community
Talk to other students who are now attending selective colleges. What
did they do that was unique?
Read the college profile to see if you fit the profile
Ask lots of questions
How To Reduce Stress in the College Process:
During summer between the juniors and senior year, you could do the
following:
Write a personal essay for your college applications. Check the essay
topics on the Common Application at: www.commonapp.org
Apply online during summer if the website application is available. Many
applications are available in June or July.
Select one email address for all your college correspondence. Make
sure the email address is appropriate.
Try a college search program and read some college planning guides to
help you narrow down your choices.
Make a list of your activities,sports, work experience, travel experiences,
awards and honors.
Good Books To Read:
The Fiske Guide to Colleges by Edward Fiske
The Best 373 Colleges by Princeton Review
The Insider's Guide to the Colleges by Yale Daily News
Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope
Acceptance by David Marcus
Admissions Matters by Sally P. Springer & Marion R. Franck
The Gatekeepers by J. Steinberg
College Unranked by Lloyd Thacker
The K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities by
Kravetz and Wax
Recommendations on the Colleges by Frederick E. Rugg
Web Sites for Rankings of Colleges:
U.S. News: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college
Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/2009/08/06/best-private-colleges-
opinions-colleges-09-top.html?partner=
College Prowler: http://collegeprowler.com/rankings/
EARLY ACTION/EARLY DECISION
Early Action:
Some colleges offer an opportunity to apply early and receive an answer
early
Normally the student applies in November and would receive a response
in December
With an Early Action plan, the student does not need to reply until May 1.
Early Decision:
With an Early Decision plan, the acceptance is binding and the student
must attend if accepted in December and withdraw all other applications
Often the most competitive students apply Early Action or Early Decision
Who should apply Early Decision?
A student who is happy with his test scores from the junior year
A student who has decided on the number one choice
A student who is happy with his grade point average
A student who is not dependent on financial aid
The student should have visited the college and be knowledgeable about
the college
Positive Aspects of Early Decision
It’s over. The student gets accepted and does not need to fill out any
other applications.
The student is obligated to contact the other colleges and withdraw the
application.
The colleges often take a higher percentage of students early
The student’s application may be deferred to the regular pool of
applications later in the year. (often in April)
Negative Aspects of Early Decision
The student could receive a rejection in December. If the student had
waited, he would have an opportunity to submit the seventh semester
(senior year) grades or new information such as awards or honors
received since the application was filed.
The most competitive students often apply early. Do you fit in that
category?
Not every student knows where he wants to attend college early in the fall.
The student must be organized and get all the paperwork in early.
Freshman Profile
All colleges have a freshman profile. It may be available on the website
or you may need to ask for a copy when you visit. High school counselors
often receive a profile from colleges in the fall. The profile provides
information on admission statistics include SAT and ACT scores, rank in
class, ethnic backgrounds, geographic distribution, sons and daughters
of alumni and other interesting information. The amount of information
colleges share varies.
Stanford University Profile
Fall 2010
Admit rate: 7.3%
High School GPA:
4.0 and above 69% of admitted class
3.7-3.99 26%of admitted class
SAT Critical Reading
800 18% of admitted class
700-799 48%
SAT Math
800 23% of admitted class
700-799 53%
SAT Writing
800 20% of admitted class
700-799 51%
ACT Composite
30-36 86% of admitted class
24-29 13%
Transfer Students Fall 2010
Applicants 1,253
Admits 25
Admit Rate 2%
Matriculants 20 students
SAMPLE ACADEMIC RESUME
Name
Address
Phone Number
E-mail
SCHOLAR
XYZ High School (9-12)
National Merit Semi-Finalist
Life Member Honor Society
Junior Classical League Latin National Exam
Summa Cum Laude (11)
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (10)
American University in Paris (Summer 2007)
Introduction to Art History
AP Scholar based on high AP test scores
ACTIVITIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Student Body Vice President (12)
Youth Educator: Drug & Alcohol (11-12)
Mock Trial Competition (11)
Girls State Representative (11)
Amnesty International Chapter President (11)
CREATIVE WORK & HOBBIES
Lady Macbeth, "Macbeth" (11)
Set Design "Guys and Dolls" (10)
AP Art Drawing Portfolio
ATHLETE
Swimming (11)
Varsity Letter (9-10)
County Champions, Record Holder (11)
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Girl Scout Gold Award (11)
Habitat for Humanity (9)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Math Tutor (10-11-12)
Childcare (9-10)
Lifeguard, Summer (10-11)
WHO GETS IN?
You are most competitive if you:
Have a HIGH WEIGHTED GRADE POINT AVERAGE 3.8 -4.6
Have HIGH SAT SCORES (700-800 on each test)
Take ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES (English, Calculus, Physics,
US History and others) High scores on each test: 4 or 5
Letters of Recommendation
Ask two teachers at the end of your junior year if they would be willing to
write you a letter of recommendation. Some teachers may have a quota.
You should ask teachers who taught core courses. (English, math,
science, history or foreign language.)
The letter of recommendation is one of the most important parts of
your application. The letter is confidential. College admissions officers
rely heavily on teacher comments. It is one of the last honest parts of the
application.
Students who get good letters from their teachers participate in class
discussion and show great interest in the class. Some teachers write fifty
or more letters. English 3 (junior year) teachers often write a large
amount of letters. Remember, every student who asks for a letter is not
applying to Harvard. You don't need to be #1 in the class to get a good
letter. You can look at the Common Application www.commonapp.org
for a sample teacher letter of recommendation. The teacher must
respond to a variety of questions about you. Be sure to select a teacher
who will write a supportive letter.
Resume
Students who get into highly selective colleges have a long resume of
interesting activities in and outside school. They tend to have high energy
and accomplish a great deal during high school.
You will have an advantage if you love to learn and students and teachers
respect you. Honesty is very important.
Tips From College Admissions Representatives:
Stanford University looks for intellectual vitality with a love of learning
and interaction with teachers and fellow students. They are looking for
the most compelling students, not the most competitive. 75% of the
students who apply are qualified. They must look elsewhere for more
information. The essay and teacher letters of recommendation are very
important. Respect for others is also important.
Yale is looking for a unique student. Explain your passion and engage in
your classes in high school.
Brown is looking for self-motivated, active thinkers and learners. You
need to have a passion about something. Do you have intellectual
curiosity?
Harvard is looking for well-cultivated interests, specialists and focused
students who are involved.
Princeton is looking for students who challenge themselves and bring a
unique viewpoint to campus. The essay needs to fit with you and show
your true voice.
Dartmouth wants to know what you will bring to the college. Peer
recommendations are important.
University of Chicago is interested in who you are as a thinker.
IT HELPS IF YOU…
Are an outstanding ATHLETE (NCAA Division I or II level)
Have special TALENT (art, music, etc.)
Have a strong commitment to one or two ACTIVITIES:
Sports, pubic speaking/debate, journalism, clubs & organizations,
leadership, job, youth groups, volunteer service or other creative activities.
Have interesting SUMMER EXPERIENCES:
College classes, foreign exchange program, community service, job,
internship or other activities. Pursue your interests
Have good LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from two teachers in
academic courses during the last two years of high school
Write an EXCELLENT ESSAY in your own words. Personalize your essay.
Never let others write your essay. You need to keep the 18 year old in the
essay. It is very easy to spot essays that adults have edited.
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS. If your parents or grandparents attended the
college, you do have an advantage. It is not a guarantee.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
Read Freshman Profiles. You need to ask for this information. High
schools normally receive the profile with the admitted class information.
Prepare an academic resume with your activities, honors and awards.
Some students will submit several pages
(Sample Below)
Read college guides
Attend the college visits at your high school in the fall
Check out the college web site.
Participate in meaningful summer activities. Foreign exchange
programs, community service in another country, create your own
community service project in your community, study on a college campus
in your area of interest or participate in an unpaid internship.
Demonstrate interest in your potential college major.
If you want to be an architect, volunteer at a local architecture firm.
If you wan to be a doctor or nurse, volunteer at a local hospital.
If you want to be an engineer, volunteer at a local engineering firm.
Try to be creative and follow your passion.
Request information from each college
Attend area college visits in your community. If you contact the college
during summer, you will receive an invitation to many night or weekend
programs with admission officers in the fall.
Listen to the college announcements at your high school
Visit your high school college/career center
Attend College Fairs in your community
Talk to other students who are now attending selective colleges. What
did they do that was unique?
Read the college profile to see if you fit the profile
Ask lots of questions
How To Reduce Stress in the College Process:
During summer between the juniors and senior year, you could do the
following:
Write a personal essay for your college applications. Check the essay
topics on the Common Application at: www.commonapp.org
Apply online during summer if the website application is available. Many
applications are available in June or July.
Select one email address for all your college correspondence. Make
sure the email address is appropriate.
Try a college search program and read some college planning guides to
help you narrow down your choices.
Make a list of your activities,sports, work experience, travel experiences,
awards and honors.
Good Books To Read:
The Fiske Guide to Colleges by Edward Fiske
The Best 373 Colleges by Princeton Review
The Insider's Guide to the Colleges by Yale Daily News
Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope
Acceptance by David Marcus
Admissions Matters by Sally P. Springer & Marion R. Franck
The Gatekeepers by J. Steinberg
College Unranked by Lloyd Thacker
The K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities by
Kravetz and Wax
Recommendations on the Colleges by Frederick E. Rugg
Web Sites for Rankings of Colleges:
U.S. News: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college
Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/2009/08/06/best-private-colleges-
opinions-colleges-09-top.html?partner=
College Prowler: http://collegeprowler.com/rankings/
EARLY ACTION/EARLY DECISION
Early Action:
Some colleges offer an opportunity to apply early and receive an answer
early
Normally the student applies in November and would receive a response
in December
With an Early Action plan, the student does not need to reply until May 1.
Early Decision:
With an Early Decision plan, the acceptance is binding and the student
must attend if accepted in December and withdraw all other applications
Often the most competitive students apply Early Action or Early Decision
Who should apply Early Decision?
A student who is happy with his test scores from the junior year
A student who has decided on the number one choice
A student who is happy with his grade point average
A student who is not dependent on financial aid
The student should have visited the college and be knowledgeable about
the college
Positive Aspects of Early Decision
It’s over. The student gets accepted and does not need to fill out any
other applications.
The student is obligated to contact the other colleges and withdraw the
application.
The colleges often take a higher percentage of students early
The student’s application may be deferred to the regular pool of
applications later in the year. (often in April)
Negative Aspects of Early Decision
The student could receive a rejection in December. If the student had
waited, he would have an opportunity to submit the seventh semester
(senior year) grades or new information such as awards or honors
received since the application was filed.
The most competitive students often apply early. Do you fit in that
category?
Not every student knows where he wants to attend college early in the fall.
The student must be organized and get all the paperwork in early.
Freshman Profile
All colleges have a freshman profile. It may be available on the website
or you may need to ask for a copy when you visit. High school counselors
often receive a profile from colleges in the fall. The profile provides
information on admission statistics include SAT and ACT scores, rank in
class, ethnic backgrounds, geographic distribution, sons and daughters
of alumni and other interesting information. The amount of information
colleges share varies.
Stanford University Profile
Fall 2010
Admit rate: 7.3%
High School GPA:
4.0 and above 69% of admitted class
3.7-3.99 26%of admitted class
SAT Critical Reading
800 18% of admitted class
700-799 48%
SAT Math
800 23% of admitted class
700-799 53%
SAT Writing
800 20% of admitted class
700-799 51%
ACT Composite
30-36 86% of admitted class
24-29 13%
Transfer Students Fall 2010
Applicants 1,253
Admits 25
Admit Rate 2%
Matriculants 20 students
SAMPLE ACADEMIC RESUME
Name
Address
Phone Number
SCHOLAR
XYZ High School (9-12)
National Merit Semi-Finalist
Life Member Honor Society
Junior Classical League Latin National Exam
Summa Cum Laude (11)
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (10)
American University in Paris (Summer 2007)
Introduction to Art History
AP Scholar based on high AP test scores
ACTIVITIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Student Body Vice President (12)
Youth Educator: Drug & Alcohol (11-12)
Mock Trial Competition (11)
Girls State Representative (11)
Amnesty International Chapter President (11)
CREATIVE WORK & HOBBIES
Lady Macbeth, "Macbeth" (11)
Set Design "Guys and Dolls" (10)
AP Art Drawing Portfolio
ATHLETE
Swimming (11)
Varsity Letter (9-10)
County Champions, Record Holder (11)
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Girl Scout Gold Award (11)
Habitat for Humanity (9)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Math Tutor (10-11-12)
Childcare (9-10)
Lifeguard, Summer (10-11)
Tips on Getting into a Highly Selective College
