대학 입학을 앞두고 있는 자녀들이 꼭 알아야할 5가지 가이드라인을 영문으로 소개합니다. 애틀랜타를 대표하는 대표적인 입시명문 학원으로 자리잡은 JJ 에듀케이션((원장 임지혜, 제시카 유)이 제공한 자료입니다. 밝은 미래를 꿈꾸며 대학 입학을 준비하는 한인 자녀들과 함께 읽으시기 바랍니다. /편집자주
The content of our seminar includes 5 key elements that students should focus on to present the best version of themselves on college applications.
◇ First is setting your course rigor.
For top 20 colleges, students should expect to take at least 9 AP classes. Taking AP courses shows admission officers that you have successfully completed a college level course, which is why they are regarded highly during the admissions process. To get to at least 9 by senior year, you probably want to have taken at least 5 by junior year and then 4 more during your senior year.
The added benefit of taking these AP courses is the distinction Collegeboard provides for receiving high scores on their exams. There are not too many academic awards that you can receive throughout your high school career, so this is one you should definitely work hard for.
Now you are probably wondering which AP courses you should take. Students should select AP according to their strengths but also keep in mind the GPA. Don’t overdo it that it will damage your class ranking or GPA. We suggest saving notoriously difficult AP courses for senior year (AP Music Theory, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus BC etc.) since it can show admissions officers that you are challenging yourself in your final year of high school, but the grades for these courses are not considered during the admissions selection.
◇ Second is test scores.
Though SAT/ACT test scores have become optional for the upcoming seniors, this in no way means that you no longer have to worry about these exams. Start tutoring early especially if you know yourself to be weak at reading comprehension or math. The best way to be ready to score high on these exams is building familiarity with the material and questions. You should NOT push SAT/ACT prep to the summer before your senior year. The summer before your senior year should be saved for notable summer camps.
◇ Third is extracurriculars.
All high-level students have experience in community service; however, you need more than just volunteering to stand out such as research and entrepreneurship. Experience in these areas will make you stand out more. To build experience in these areas, take a look at the clubs offered at your school such as DECA and FBLA for entrepreneurship or Key Club and Beta Club for volunteering. JJ Education runs a volunteer club in partnership with over 10 different organizations throughout the Northern Atlanta area.
Now there may be extracurriculars that have been built up over the past years such as music, arts, or sports, which are all great extracurriculars. However, as students enter high school, schedules get more rigorous and busier so keeping up with these sorts of extracurriculars become difficult. Consider how much time will be dedicated to certain extracurriculars very carefully before continuing to pursue them in high school.For a more personalized analysis of your extracurricular activities, please contact JJ Education for a consultation as these can be difficult choices to make for both students and parents.
◇ Fourth key is now to illustrate your achievements.
Start building your academic resume to keep track of what you have accomplished and what you need to amplify your image. Students often don’t realize that one very important element of college applications is recommendations. Most colleges require at least 2 teacher recommendations (from a core class usually math or language arts) and a counselor recommendation. Both teachers and counselors are asked to rate the student on various traits. Most can feel confident that their teachers will provide good feedback, but the counselor is often disregarded. Get to know your counselors, visit them often, and leave a good impression on them whenever possible.
◇Lastly is the personal statement
.This is your opportunity to speak directly to those considering your college application. If you wait until your senior year to begin your college applications, you will already be behind. These essays take a lot of time to prepare, so we recommend that students start early, perhaps at the start of the year or at least the summer before. Utilize as many resources as possible to receive feedback on your writing whether it be your language arts teacher at school or another adult with strong writing abilities. Remember the purpose of your essay is to showcase yourself as a writer and to make yourself stand out to the reader. Admissions officers will read through thousands of essays, so think of an idea that is unique to you.
Feel free to email(office@jjedc.com) us with any additional questions or concerns.
J J E D U C A T I O N
678.900.9123 | 3580 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd. 101 Suwanee GA 30024
