Elements of the College

Application

Common Components of a College Application

• Application form (online or by

hand)

• High school transcript (grades and

classes)

• Standardized test scores (ACT or

SAT)

• Essay(s) and/or short answer

responses

• Letters of recommendation

• List of extracurricular activities,

jobs held, and awards

• For an analysis of to what extent these different components are considered in the college admissions process, visit:

• http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/articles/Pages/Factors-in-the-Admission-Decision.aspx

Grades and Curriculum

• Cumulative GPA on transcript (9th-11th grades) may be recomputed by a college admissions office.

• Pattern of grade improvement may be considered.

• The quality of curriculum is important.

• Number of academic courses over 4 years

• Strength of senior year courses

• Strength of the educational environment (school profile)

Standardized Admissions Tests

• Current SAT, new SAT, or ACT are all fine.

• You may possibly need to take SAT II tests, depending on the colleges to which you’re applying.

• Plan now when to take the tests and start testing junior year.

• Prepare and practice ahead of time!

• Colleges usually take highest composite score, so it doesn’t hurt to take the test more than once. Some will “superscore”.

Other Factors Considered:

• Essay or Personal Statement• Help admissions counselors get to know you.

• Edit carefully!

• Counselor and Teacher Recommendations• Ask early.

• Write a thank you note.

• Extracurricular Activities, Service, and Leadership• Quality and depth of involvement are more important than number of

activities.

• Include work experience.

• Keep track of awards and honors (athletic, artistic, musical, civic) and service hours.

2015-16 Common Application Essay Prompts• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so

meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

• The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

• Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Action Items for Junior Year and Summer 2016

• Grades• Get the best grades you can.

• Carefully plan courses for next year.

• Tests• Decide whether to take the current SAT (through January 2016),

new SAT (beginning in March 2016), or ACT.

• Make a plan when to take the test(s).

• Study and practice.

• Essays, Recommendations, and the Rest• Begin writing essays using sample prompts.

• Consider which teacher(s) you might ask for a letter of recommendation.

• Keep track of all awards, honors, activities, and service hours.

Application deadlines

Regular Notification

Rolling: Students are accepted on an ongoing basis

Early Action: non-binding

Early Decision: binding

“Do not have any anxiety about the future. Leave everything in God’s hands

for He will take care of you.” 

– St. John the Baptist de La Salle