<p>Hey guys, it's summer and many of you are starting to think about college admissions. I went through all of that recently. Now I'm just enjoying my summer before I head to Dartmouth in the fall. In this past year I've developed from experience an intuitive feel as to what college admins' "holistic" method actually entails. Those officers aren't lying when they say that they view each applicant for the applicant's own strengths and weaknesses, not for comparison to others. In this sense, the admission process is highly individualized and no combination of anything can guarantee acceptance into the best colleges. </p>
<p>I don't have insider details nor do I think I'm like a consultant, but if anyone wants a fresh perspective on how to present his case to improve his chance, or just another person's opinion on any aspect of the application, send me an email message!</p>
<p>I think the CC forum is a great resource , but one-on-one conversations could be even more helpful. This especially goes out to ORMs!</p>
<p>Yeah, I got three questions - thanks.</p>
<p>1.) Is it wise to apply to a school based on what you’ve learned from it on websites or viewbooks instead of visiting/talking to students to get a “feel” for the school?</p>
<p>2.) I don’t see any of my safeties right now that I would actually be happy to attend. Vague question, but any suggestions?</p>
<p>3.) My ACT score breakdown is 36-36-34-30. Will the 30 be looked at very poorly?</p>
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<li><p>Visiting campus would be ideal but there are plenty of other ways to check out a college. You can start by browsing the school’s website. Pay special attention to the information presented by the college’s career service. Are there enough resources? Does it seem like a useful tool? The career service will play a significant role in your college life. Also you might want to check out their curriculum in the subject you are interested in. Many teachers post assignments and lecture slides online. Looking at them might give you a feel of the rigor of the course. To check out student life, an aspect I think is the most important, go to college prow ler (without the space; forum security). All colleges have youtube pages with some useful information. </p></li>
<li><p>That’s understandable, really. I don’t know if I’d be happy at my safety. I think to approach this issue, you have to be frank with yourself in assessing your credentials. Are you confidently more competitive than your safeties? If yes, then don’t worry too much. Put as much effort as you can into making yourself look presentable to colleges. Of course, don’t only apply to the ivies. Try to find a school that’s a mild reach but also one that you’d like. If no, ask yourself what about the college that you dislike, see if those are just ego preferences or actual reasons that would hold you back from getting a good education. There are many colleges in america. Every some safeties might meet your requirements. At the same time, still go for reaches, you never know. </p></li>
<li><p>Honestly I didn’t take the ACT so I don’t know what those scores mean. Are those 4 separate test scores? Scores in reality matter little. The number of time taking an exam is quite trivial. Sorry I can’t say more.</p></li>
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