Are Good Grades the Only Key to College Admissions?

If you were asked how best to prepare your child for

college, you might say that a well-rounded high school

curriculum would be a good start. It may be true that

your child needs to be a good student to compete for

admission to a college or university. Today, however,

getting into college and graduating are two distinct

challenges.

Admissions: Increasing the Odds

Each college and university has admission guidelines

that are followed when applications are reviewed.

Naturally, the first items most likely to be examined are

your child’s high school academic record and SAT or

ACT scores. However, academics are not the only

items that catch the eye of an admissions officer.

Sometimes acceptance to a school depends on the

applicant’s participation in extracurricular activities and

his or her civic involvement. Many admissions

committees are as interested in grades as they are in

the quality and character of individuals who may attend

their college or university. Therefore, it is important for

your child to include a résumé of achievements,

interests, and volunteer efforts with his or her

application.

Any of the following may enhance your child’s

college application:

• Awards demonstrate formal recognition of an

applicant’s ability to excel in a particular area.

• Sports participation demonstrates an applicant’s

competitive spirit and winning attitude, along with

the ability to be a team player.

• Extracurricular activities highlight an applicant’s

enthusiasm, leadership qualities, and specific

interests.

• Volunteering or religious involvement can often

indicate that an applicant is active in the

community and possesses moral character and

integrity.

• Political activity can demonstrate an applicant’s

strong leadership skills and awareness of current

events.

• Work experience may indicate motivation,

responsibility, and a strong work ethic.

• Hobbies and special interests can provide a better

understanding of who the applicant is, in addition

to highlighting areas of knowledge.

• Building the Foundation for Long-Term Success

Many children today are exposed to an array of social

pressures that may be unfamiliar to most adults. So

parents and other role models may need to work

harder to set positive examples and instill good values,

in addition to teaching respect for others and

emphasizing overall common sense.

Besides making the grade academically, a candidate

for college needs to demonstrate a good attitude.

Parents can help children recognize the value of

learning and how education is often linked to future

success. Learning to make sound choices is equally

important. Being an individual rather than a follower

isn’t always easy, however, and your college-age

children need ongoing encouragement to continually

examine themselves and strive to reach their goals.

Although you hope your child will use sound judgment

while navigating the maze of activities associated with

college life, remember that maturing is a process, and

there may be mistakes made along the way. The key is

to encourage your child to learn from those mistakes,

rather than keep repeating them. If you, as parents,

and other role models can provide emotional support,

encouragement, and guidance during these difficult

years, the chances of your child transitioning smoothly

to adulthood will be greatly enhanced.