Incoming College Freshman Looking To Give Advice To Class of 2013

<p>To the class of 2013:</p>

<p>Greetings! I hope all of you are having a great summer and have begun the college application process or continue to add colleges to your list. I was in your shoes last year, and it was one of the more exciting times of my life ( getting into college tops that).</p>

<p>I simply wanted to extend the opportunity for everyone to ask any questions you may have regarding schools or specific parts about the college application process.</p>

<p>A Little Backround: I'm going to be attending Syracuse University and have a dual major of English and Broadcast journalism. Overall, I was not surprised with how my college acceptances/denials turned out. I was accepted into SU, BU, Emerson College, Loyola University Maryland, Fairfield, and Marist College. I got denied from Northwestern, but I realized it was a reach to begin with so I wasn't too optimistic.</p>

<p>How did I get into a college? Interesting question. I would say I was an above average student ( B+ GPA) while taking courses ranging from AP English Literature to Ancient Greek Honors. I displayed to college admission officers that I showed the ability to be a hard worker at a reputable private school, but I could potentially even be a better student in college.</p>

<p>I felt that my application was well rounded as a whole. It might seem surprising to some that I got into schools with an average GPA and average SAT/ACT's, but my college essay, extra curricular activities and my interest in those colleges made a difference.</p>

<p>I can't emphasize this enough: After looking at all your options, and there's one school that sticks out, PLEASE APPLY EARLY! I applied Early Decision to Syracuse and it was the best choice for me. Syracuse was very generous with their package, but please do plenty of research before making this decision. Everyone has a different situation so its important to discuss this with your parents.. Each guidance department is different, but if you do apply early I am thinking you should notify all involved as soon as possible ( latest being mid- October).</p>

<p>I will help with any questions you may have for me. Maybe you are interested in the schools I applied to and want to learn some good tips about improving the process? I will certainly be up for it. Although, there were plenty of schools I didn't apply to that I have knowledge of so I am willing to assist you with any schools you might be interested in.</p>

<p>This may be a stressful next few months, but trust me on this. You will all make the right decisions in the end and land in places that suit you best. Feel free to post questions on this thread, or send me a direct message if you are more comfortable.</p>

<p>In the end, I challenge all of you to focus on finding ways to stand out in your application, and utilize the advice I can offer you and ultimately help you enter the next chapter in your careers.</p>

<p>Enjoy the rest of the summer!</p>

<p>its very kind of you to offer help.
do you have any advice specific to applications, and short anser/personal essays?</p>

<p>i’m struggling to find the right topic to write about</p>

<p>Thank you very much for this! It’s definitely given me a new perspective on the whole college process. I really don’t want to bother you, but can I ask you for your stats? Newhouse is one of my favorites. I’m not really sure how they’ll receive my app though…I’m above Syracuse’s average range, but definitely not ivy material. Also, why did you decide to ED? You mentioned that you were set on Syracuse and all, but it’s so expensive! I wish you the best of luck next year though! :D</p>

<p>I have a question. How do you apply to colleges when you have no extra curricular background from freshman-Junior year?</p>

<p>It’s kind of hard to explain, if you could look through the first thread I put on the forum “college chances” You’ll understand my position and hopefully give me some useful advice.
thanks.</p>

<p>Hello! Marist College is actually my first choice college! Do you think you could chance me there? How good of a chance do you think I have to be accepted?</p>

<p>GPA: 3.59 (UW)</p>

<p>SAT: 1760 (retaking and going for 1800+)-- Math: 530 Writing: 630 Reading: 600</p>

<p>Honors classes: English (9, 10, 12), Science (10, 11, 12)
AP Classes: English (11), Human Geography (12), Psychology (12)</p>

<p>Honor list AND High Honor list (Not sure exactly when/what semesters were which, but I’m trying to find out to separate the two)</p>

<p>Volunteer work:
-Church Choir Member
-Church Sunday School Teacher
-Animal Shelter Volunteer
-Rake and Bake Volunteer
-Will be starting a Horse Rescue Volunteering program soon
(There may be more, I’m trying to remember but this is what I can recall for now)</p>

<p>EC:
-Member of Amnesty International (9,10,11,12)
-Member (Now Vice-President of) Leo’s Club (9,10,11 VP 12)
-Lacrosse player from 2005-2011
-Babysat special needs child and infant
-Work at pharmacy sterilizing clean room, cashiering, office work
-Applied for Medical Internship
(Again, there may be more, but this is what I can remember at the moment.)</p>

<p>MODERATOR’S NOTE
The purpose of College Confidential is to ask and answer these sorts of questions. MiselisM is more than welcome to respond to questions on any thread. A consolidated thread by one poster is unnecessary and unwarranted.</p>