<p>Now that I'm finished with the college application process, I'd like to state a few observations:</p>
<ol>
<li>Honesty: To me, completing the application honestly was part of my trust in the system and maintaining integrity. I have no regrets - but will say that the system is flawed and that honesty does not pay off. From what I know, even the most prestigious colleges (HYP) failed to verify the most basic false claims. Among the big ones I've encountered: large community service projects, varsity sports, leadership of nonexistent extra-curricular activities, AP scores, and fake inventions. The small ones: exaggerations, using score-choice in non score choice schools, etc.<br></li>
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<p>I know that a school cannot afford to check the validity of all claims - but should the most basic questions be asked? IE: You invented something, did you get a patent?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Essays: Meaning first, not design or creativity. It seems to me that most people admitted have the typical safe essays. Standard design, the how I have evolved tale of general bull crap, and a personal anecdote to back it up. Dont feel too inclined to brag about achievements here; its boring, keep them on your common app. </p></li>
<li><p>Suspensions: According to the reports here, admissions officers want you to be honest about any suspensions. Duh! But after all the results have come back, I really wonder if they have been honest to us, especially in regards to the top tier schools. My personal experience: I was suspended for a very minor incident that did not involve drugs, academic dishonesty, or disruptive behavior in a classroom environment. I was cited for nothing less than a "zero tolerance" policy in an extracurricular activity for the use of foul language. The incident was minor enough that it did not appear on my transcript. However, following the trend of integrity, I reported it and asked for sympathetic counselor explanation. This was the weak spot of my application, and the results are surprisingly consistent: my safety (which I have guaranteed admission) put my decision on hold, my mid-range schools (Rank 15-30) all accepted me, the UCs (which do not ask for suspension) all accepted me, my matches/low-reaches waitlisted me, and the top tiers rejected me. I am 100% certain that my suspension bumped my qualifications down a full tier from where I should stand.</p></li>
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<p>Most recently, a student got his ED decision rescinded after reporting a suspension he received after acceptance! They judge you and punish you more than you think! </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Be aggressive! It might seem rude to call or approach your local admin officer; it might seem annoying to suck up; it might not be your personality but if you really, really care do it. </p></li>
<li><p>Back to the point above: I really didnt know my guidance counselor well. I suspect that many people out there have a similar relationship. Their recommendation is far more important that you can imagine, and in my opinion, more important that the teacher recs!</p></li>
<li><p>The scholarships fly-by fast. Your search should starch in August, not January! It might be too late then. </p></li>
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<p>And a last personal remark: where you like it or not, legacy and race play a huge part in your chances. Sorry for the wall of text. </p>
<p>Here are my stats if anyones curious:
Top quartile of ACT scores by Harvard standards. Middle of pack SAT and SAT II scores.
Top 5% GPA: 4.5+W in a competitive school
Most challenge course load (10+ AP)
Varsity and State-level Sports, All-State music, National-level science competitions (and president), general spiel of ECs (NHS, S&D, etc)</p>