Teaching Your Kids

Most students and their parents worry about getting into college, and worry more about getting into a good college. Many people have their own idea as to what colleges look for in potential students and how college admissions decide on who gets to attend their school. Of course, what type of student you are will influence what worries you most about getting into college.

And, while this is true, college admissions look at many factors before making a decision and about 35 to 50% of that decision is influenced by your high school records.

And yes, they do look at whether or not you took difficult courses and how well you handled them, they will check to see if your grades improved during high school, as well as whether or not you let your grades slide a little during your senior year.

But around 25 to 40% of their admissions decision is based on how well you did in tests. Both the ACT and SAT test are used to judge applicants because they demonstrate skills like problem solving, reading and other basic skills.

This is one reason why SAT test preparation is vital if you want to do well and improve your SAT test score. If you have been active in community services or activities, then be sure to include that information when applying.

Approximately 5 to 20% of a college's decision may be based on your activities and accomplishments while in high school, believing that if you were a leader in high school, then you are likely to continue to be so in college.

College admissions also base anywhere from 5 to 20% of their decision on essays and recommendations. They want to know what you are like as a person, something that SATS tests cannot tell them. They want to know what is important to you, what type of personality you have and to determine your greatest strengths and weaknesses.

Of course, to get into any college you need good marks and taking SAT preparation classes, along with practice SATs tests improves your chances of making a much higher grade. College admissions tell us that high GPA's and good SAT scores will get a lot more attention than the average scores. Taking AP (advanced placement) courses shows them that you are serious about your education and that warrants extra attention.