<p>Hello! If you're reading this, thank you so much, I really appreciate it! So, I've decided that it'll be a good idea so start really paying attention to what I do in high school because it can make or break me. Although, I am only a sophomore in high school; I already have my very top choice of where I want to go to school. That is Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. I did quite a bit of research last summer before I started high school, and I found out that it's a pretty tough school to get into! I was wondering if anyone could help me out and give me some tips on how to be a better student, and what are the best things I can do to make me look really good on my application. I really messed myself up my freshman year. I didn't really care about anything at all, and I really shouldn't have passed two of my classes but my teachers really liked me so I got lucky. I'm really scared that my poor job of my freshman year will affect my GPA when I'm a senior. I took all the possible Pre-AP classes available at my school, and with my poor grades my GPA came out to 3.29. Is that good or bad? I just really need some advice on how to be better student and what I can do to look better when I apply for Vassar and other colleges. Thank you!</p>
<p>I’m glad that you realized this a year before I did. </p>
<p>So these aspects are what Vassar College look for in applicants (In order):</p>
<p>Very Important-
Rigor of secondary school record</p>
<p>Important-
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Character/Personal Qualities
Class Rank
Extracurricular Activities
Recommendations
Standardized Test Scores
Talent/Ability</p>
<p>Considered-
Alumni Relation
First generation college student
Geographical Residence
Interview
Racial/Ethnic Status
Volunteer Work
Work Experience</p>
<p>So my advice, respectively, would be to take the most challenging courses available to you. Then, get good grades in those courses. Haha. Your GPA is just an average. If you focus on keeping up all A’s, your GPA will rise in no time. </p>
<p>Extra curriculars: Get involved! It’s quality, not quantity. So my advice is to find something that you’re passionate about and base your activities around it. Also, find leadership positions. Colleges want leaders and dedicated, well-rounded students.
Try volunteering. Stand up for a cause or just give a helping hand.</p>
<p>Standardized tests: Ugh, my least favorite. Research now and see if you’d prefer the SAT or ACT. All I can say is study, study, study, and execute. </p>
<p>Have you visited Vassar? Colleges love knowing that they’re your #1. Who wouldn’t? Email them. Ask questions. Research, visit, and apply Early Decision if you are 100% sure. :-)</p>
<p>Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m going to print this out and hang it on my wall to remind me! I have not visited Vassar, but I really want to because I am 100% sure that it’s my first choice. I live in Texas so it’s kind of hard for me to go visit, but I was in NY for Christmas and begged my mom to go, but she said no. I really appreciate your response, this will really help me out! Thank you so much! One more quick question, do you have any tips on being a better student? That’s one thing I really need to work on if I’m going to make it into Vassar.</p>
<p>Well what is your definition of a good student?</p>
<p>I suppose good students are involved. They are passionate about their education. They ask questions and make sure they understand given materials. They help others who are struggling.</p>
<p>Good students are self-disciplined. They can study on their own and they don’t need to be reminded of things such as test dates and deadlines.
Good students are hardworking and they strive to be the best they can be.</p>
<p>I’d say stay organized, focused, and engaged. Your future is in front of you.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I will keep this in mind. I really do appreciate all of the information you have just given me! I may just get into college because of you, haha! :)</p>
<p>Bahaha. Let’s hope I can get myself in!! …Kidding. 
Take care.</p>