How to Pick Classes in High School

It's that time of year again. You know what I'm talking about...picking classes to take next year with your high school counselor. Depending on what grade you are in, you may have different questions. Let's tackle some common scenarios I see from my students at my process to help you as you pick a schedule you can thrive in and enjoy.

I should take easier level courses because it will help me maintain a higher GPA.

While it is definitely important to maintain a high GPA, it is equally, if not more important in some cases to take courses that challenge you. If you are getting A's in a class and it is fairly easy for you, you may want to consider taking a class that is a level up. It could be an honors or AP class depending on what you are currently taking now. Not only will you hopefully be more engaged and interested in learning more challenging material, but colleges will also recognize your efforts. In fact, colleges may wonder why you didn't take a more challenging level if you were getting really great classes in it. I often advise that if you can get away with a B+ or higher in a more advanced class, then take it.

I have C's and D's in my current classes, but I want to take honors and AP because everyone else is doing it.

We also need to discuss the flipside. While it is "cool" to take challenging classes, know your limits, which can also mean time management and organization limits. If you are not doing well in a class, especially if it is a more challenging level, you should talk with your guidance counselor about what the options are to take a less demanding or challenging class for the following year. College admissions would much rather see you thrive in classes that are suitable for you than get C's and D's in classes that are too hard for you.

Is it better to take math, science, English, social studies, and foreign language every year or double up on areas I’m interested in pursuing in college?

This is one of my favorite questions and it can be difficult to answer as it depends on the student. In most situations, it is better to make sure you at least satisfy 4 years of those basic classes. Some students consider dropping a foreign language, but many colleges will consider students that have taken 4 years of a foreign language to be more competitive than those who do not. Similarly, try to pick electives that enable you to explore your academic and personal interests. For example, if you are considering pre-med in the future, it might make more sense for you to double up on science and take anatomy (if offered), rather than take a history class, once you’ve already satisfied the requirements. To learn more about the required and recommended classes and the years you should take, you can check out the Applying section for the college’s CollegeBoard profile.

I don’t have enough room in my schedule to take everything I want. What should I do?

I always recommend that students understand the requirements for graduating from their high school. Oftentimes, required classes can be taken online or over the summer. You can check with your high school guidance counselor on the different options to try and optimize the schedule you want. If you are unable to get a class you really wanted and you are a senior, consider leveraging the additional information section to explain that you had tried to also fit in the additional class but that it conflicted with your schedule. Lastly, consider taking the class elsewhere if that is an option.

Were these the types of questions you had? Did this help? Let me know in the comments.

4 Summer Activities to Help You Stand Out on Your College Applications

Its junior year of high school and you’re trying to figure out what to do for that pivotal summer before senior year. You know it’s important. After all, it’s a common question for supplemental essays you’ll encounter on your college applications this Fall, so what do you do?

Here are four ideas for activities that will help you stand out for college admissions:

1. Get a Job - Working a paid job over the summer demonstrates responsibility, persistence, and diligence and if you can find a job that demonstrates humility, that’s even better! Given the push for diversity lately, if you can find a job in which you get to interact with those that are different from you, it may also provide inspiration for future essays you write.

Given that college students usually look for jobs upon returning home from school in May, try to get a head start, by applying for jobs in April. Try looking for work in your local neighborhood - it can be at the local grocery store, mall, or restaurant. The best way to find something is to get in there and ask the manager if they are hiring. It will also give you an opportunity to practice your communication and interviewing skills.

2. Volunteer – Similar to getting a job, volunteering in your local community demonstrates all of the above, but on top of it, it also gives admissions glimpse into your character and what you care about. Given last year’s new focus on “niceness,” participating in volunteer activities that relate to your interests and demonstrate your time commitment and level of involvement are all great ways to show admissions your concern for others.

Many students ask if they need to go abroad to volunteer and the truth is, it is better to volunteer and give back locally. If there is an organization that you’re particularly fond of, reach out to them and see how you can get involved. Volunteer opportunities also fill up fast, so try to reach out to different organizations as soon as possible.

3. Start Something – Colleges love students who take initiative! Maybe you can’t find an organization that does what you would love to do? Well, that’s the perfect reason to start one! Whether it be starting your own business, non-profit, or other activity, starting your own thing provides you with instant leadership and demonstrates your entrepreneurial spirit.

If you’re apprehensive about start something on your own, think about starting something with a friend of yours who shares your interest. It doesn’t have to be fancy. For example, you could start a chess club at your local library where you not only host times for people to play together, but perhaps you offer coaching sessions to little kids to introduce them to chess too. It can be anything – just start something – the sooner the better!

4. Dive into Your Passions – The main theme for your activities should be related to what you are passionate about – academically, personally, and professionally. The summer is a great time to either continue to further deepen your involvement in these areas or to further explore them. For example, if you are interested in studying business, but your school doesn’t offer any business classes, consider participating in summer programs or activities that would enable you to explore that interest further, whether it be a weeklong educational program or an opportunity to shadow someone in an industry you are interested in going into. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money either. And remember, if you are interested in attending a summer program at a college or university, do it because you genuinely like the program and not because you think it will improve your chances of getting accepted by the school – because it doesn’t.

Can you find the common theme between these four activities? Whatever you do, it should be about YOUR interests and YOUR growth as a person! They are also all opportunities that will hopefully inspire stories for you to share on your supplemental essays. Now is a great time to get started as deadlines for summer programs, jobs, and volunteer opportunities come up soon! What did you end up doing for the summer? Would love to hear from you in the comments below!

I Didn't Get In. What Do I Do Now?

This is often a time of either great joy or sometimes disappointment for college bound students.

I'm guessing you're reading this now, because you have either been waitlisted or rejected by your first choice.

First of all, don't take it personally. I know some students may think that they weren't good enough or perhaps they met the qualifications, but are still confused as to why they weren't accepted.

Unfortunately, college admissions isn't as clear cut as we'd like it to be. Just meeting the average GPA, rank or SAT/ACT score isn't quite enough to guarantee you will be accepted by the school. In truth, there are no guarantees.

The one thing I do want to get across to you today is - that its not necessarily you. Similar to a breakup, where the cliche line is "It's not you, it's me," this is kind of the opposite, especially if you are a very competitive candidate for that college or university.

Accept that you can only be in control of your own application and as long as you have submitted the best application possible, then there's nothing more you can do. The application results are based on what you submit, BUT also based on what other applicants submit and you can't control your competition.

In some cases, there are students that may get admitted that you may think are less qualified than you are and that's another example of when you don't actually know what the school was looking for to round out their class or if there was something special about that applicant, outside of their academics.

If you were waitlisted, you can still write a letter of interest to the school that waitlisted you sharing why you love that school and how you would definitely attend if accepted. Your passion has to get across! Also consider including specific examples of what makes you and that school such a great fit.

If you were rejected, its time to accept that you did a great job and put out some great applications. Then review the schools that accepted you and decide which is the best one for you. I mean...wouldn't you want to go to a school that is "into you?" I'd like to think so :)

Lastly, if you are still dead set on attending your number one choice for college/university, you can always apply the following year as a transfer student.

Now, go and enjoy the rest of your senior year!

What does it mean when a college says that their early action isn't restricting?

With so many types of ways to apply, it can be confusing. 

Early action is when you can apply early and find out your results early. If you are accepted early action, then you are accepted, but are not committed to attending that university, like early decision.

Restricted early action means what I said above, but you can only apply to other early action programs. You are not allowed to apply to any early decision programs, since they are binding (require you to attend if admitted). Georgetown University is an example of a restricted early action.

Unrestricted early action means that you can apply for other schools early action and early decision. They are not limiting you from applying to other schools early.

Do colleges and universities consider the difficulty of your courses taken in high school?

Yes, absolutely. Schools prefer students who challenge themselves. I have students who sometimes ask if its better to stay in regular classes vs. moving up to honors or AP, because they know they can maintain a better GPA. The truth is, many schools consider the difficulty of your courses just as much, if not more than your GPA. That being said, if you are getting C's and D's in an honors or AP class, you should either get a tutor or talk with your guidance counselor about whether those classes are too difficult for you.

How many years of world languages should I take in high school?

Do I have to take another year of Latin? How many years of a foreign language do I have to take? 
These are questions that I often get asked when it is time to select classes for the following year, especially if it is a junior picking out their senior year classes.

The answer, unsurprisingly, is it depends. It depends what kind of school you want to apply for and what you want to study. If you are applying to elite schools, top 20 to 30 in America, then yes, you should take four years of a foreign language. Most schools require at last two to three years of a foreign language and recommend three to four years. Some schools even have a foreign language proficiency requirement you need to meet in order to graduate college.

Overall, if you are trying to be the most competitive applicant, then I recommend four years. However, if you are learning a language that you are not particularly interested in, but there is the option to take a class that is related to your intended major, then that might be worth swapping out.

To truly understand a school's requirement as it related to foreign languages, you can check the school's website, or check out the Applying section, then Academics & GPA on College Board's school profile. They'll show you how many years are requested and required.

Q&A: What can students do to prepare to apply at an elite university?

Elite Advantage Prep College Admissions Consulting knows that many people have many questions and we will start to tackle the questions we receive in our blog so that the answers can be shared. You can also find us on Quora.

As a college admissions consultant who helps students navigate the stress of college admissions, I can tell you  its not one specific activity that gets you into a prestigious school. Most people think schools are looking for well-rounded students. I used to be an interviewer for Georgetown University and when asked what sets them apart from other applicants, many candidates answered "I'm well-rounded. I am involved in...." The truth is, schools are looking for a well rounded student body, not student. Therefore, they are looking for students who have passion in commitment in their interests. Students don't need to be involved in 10 different activities, but rather pick a few and really excel at those. For example, if a student liked music, they could be in the school band, participate in the state orchestra, and create and lead a volunteer organization that teaches music to students whose families can't afford traditional music lessons. It's really about the quality of your involvement and not the quantity.

That being said, I would say pick activities that you enjoy and can stick with for all four years of high school. Typically, if you start as a freshman, you should have a decent chance of obtaining a leadership position by the time you are a senior. Perhaps it is because I ended up attending a Jesuit school, but I think volunteer activities are really important as well as activities that can demonstrate teamwork.  Don't pick an activity, just because you think it'll look good on a resume. In addition to activities at school, make sure you do something during the summer. It could be volunteer work, a job, internship, classes in the field you are interested in, etc.

Aside from activities, if you are really genuinely interested in a school, make sure you do your homework and research the school. Visit the school and connect with alumni if you can. A common question on the college application these days asks about your exposure to the school. It shows demonstrated interest and a school wants to know that you'd really go to that school if you were accepted. Sign up for their mailing list as soon as you can. After visiting, contact your admissions officer for the college and introduce yourself. It's networking and its a life skill, so you might as well start sooner rather than later.

In addition to networking with the school, be sure to network with your teachers and guidance counselor in high school. They will one day write your letters of recommendation. Make sure they really know who you are, especially if you attend a large school.

Lastly, you are asking how to get into a highly rated university. Don't pick a school purely based on rating. Rather, pick a school based on the academic and professional opportunities available to you as well as your own preferences. You'll be a lot happier in college if you weigh other factors. :)