FAQ
Q: When should I really start thinking about college admissions?
A: The most common misconception is that college planning begins junior year. In reality, the foundational work should start as early as freshman year. This doesn't mean you need everything figured out immediately. Rather, it's about exploring your interests through coursework and extracurriculars early on. The courses you take and activities you pursue starting in 9th grade all become part of your application narrative. Students who begin thinking strategically about their academic journey early have more time to develop genuine interests and demonstrate meaningful growth over time.
Q: Don't colleges just care about my GPA and test scores?
A: This is one of the biggest myths in college admissions. Most institutions now use holistic review. Colleges assess applications based on a range of factors including course rigor, extracurricular involvement, essays, recommendations, and demonstrated interest. Even more surprising: contextualized high school GPA has a stronger relationship with college success than contextualized standardized test scores. What matters is the complete picture of who you are and your potential to contribute to campus life.
Q: Isn't it better to join as many activities as possible?
A: No. Quality absolutely trumps quantity. Admissions officers value commitment and leadership in a few well-chosen activities over a lengthy list of superficial engagements. Colleges look for depth of involvement and tangible impact rather than resume padding. Developing a meaningful "spike", an area where you demonstrate exceptional commitment and achievement, typically requires years of sustained focus. This is why starting early and building progressively matters more than cramming activities into your junior and senior years.
Q: If I get one B, will it ruin my chances at selective colleges?
A: Not at all. What's more important is demonstrating that you've challenged yourself academically. Students who take rigorous courses but get a few B's are viewed more favorably than those who take easy courses to maintain a 4.0. Context matters, and understanding how to build a challenging yet manageable course trajectory across four years requires strategic planning.
Q: What exactly does "holistic admissions" mean?
A: Holistic admissions means colleges seek to understand how you, as a whole person, would grow and contribute at their institution. Beyond academics, they consider your personal qualities, life context, and potential fit with the school's values. Interestingly, approximately 75% of students admitted to top universities meet some institutional priority that applicants may not even know about, including considerations like geographic diversity, intended major balance, and yield rate management. This complexity is exactly why strategic guidance throughout high school helps you position yourself effectively.
Q: Should I pick an unusual major to increase my chances?
A: This strategy often backfires. When colleges evaluate applicants, they look to see how students have demonstrated interest in their chosen field through activities or academic classes. Selecting a random major without a compelling connection to your profile can actually reduce your chances, as it appears inauthentic. Building a coherent narrative between your interests, activities, coursework, and intended major takes time, ideally developing naturally over several years rather than being "manufactured" during senior year.
Q: Can I really compete if I don't attend expensive summer programs?
A: Yes. In fact, strategic selectivity matters more than cost. Paid programs that are not highly selective won't impress colleges much. What colleges value is genuine intellectual curiosity and meaningful engagement. Whether that's through a part-time job, independent research, volunteer work, or a selective program, what matters is demonstrating initiative and depth. Identifying the right opportunities for your specific profile and goals requires careful thought and often benefits from experienced guidance.
Q: How much do recommendation letters really matter?
A: More than many students realize. Recommendations show your character and how you contribute to your community. But here's what's not widely known: building the relationships with teachers and mentors who can write compelling letters takes time and consistent effort. You can't manufacture these relationships senior year. Students who understand the importance of academic engagement and relationship-building from early in high school are at a significant advantage.
Q: Is there a "formula" for getting into college?
A: No, and this is actually good news. Holistic review validates the importance of your entire high school experience. However, this also means you need a cohesive strategy that develops over time. The students who are most successful aren't following a formula. They're crafting an authentic narrative that shows intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and readiness to contribute. This kind of strategic authenticity is difficult to achieve in a rushed timeframe but emerges naturally when students receive guidance throughout their high school journey.
Q: How important is "demonstrated interest"?
A: Demonstrated interest is often a deciding final factor between students with similar profiles. This includes campus visits, engagement with admissions representatives, thoughtful supplemental essays, and meaningful interactions with the college over time. Building genuine interest and knowledge about schools requires time for research, visits, and reflection, and is another reason why compressed, last-minute planning puts students at a disadvantage.