Schools
PTHS Guidance Office Offers College Application Tips for Students
High school staff members, Ellie Pigman, Judy Alexander and Gloria Laux, provide helpful tips for outgoing and incoming seniors.
As seniors prepare for the next step, college admission offices are carefully combing through candidates’ applications to select promising freshmen classes.
Ellie Pigman of the high school Career Resource Center, advises students to perceive college as a business.
Colleges recruit students who indicate a high rate of success in order to maintain high standings in college ranks, Pigman said.
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“Schools are running a business and they want it to be successful," said Pigman. "Part of that business is accepting kids.”
According to Pigman, approximately 85 percent of Peters' seniors entered college in 2008, with last year's estimation showing little-to-no variation.
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“When [admissions] are looking at a student’s statistics, grades, scores and activities, they are trying to evaluate the student’s potential for success at the college,” said Pigman.
College acceptance does not solely rely on grades, but also on the particular circumstances under which the grades were achieved -- a critical component, carrying nearly as much weight as SAT scores, according to Pigman.
“If [the students] are successful where they are, they’re more likely to be successful at the school,” she said.
To maintain a steady influx of students, many schools analyze a student’s intentions, when applying, in order to predict the likelihood of their attendance if accepted, according to Pigman.
“Colleges try to evaluate if a student is really interested in coming to a program, or if they are just applying everywhere," she said. “Students should have [admissions] be very aware that they will go if accepted.”
After students narrow their focus and determine where they’ll apply, it is critical for them to immediately begin preparing for the application process.
High school gifted coordinator and school-to-career coordinator, Judy Alexander, urges applicants to highlight their achievements and abilities when applying.
“[Admissions] are looking for well-rounded students who are academically-challenged with rigorous coursework,” said Alexander.
Here are of Alexander's tips:
- Show participation in a balanced set of extra-curricular activities.
- Build resumes with ample service work, showing leadership skills.
- Express areas of passion and goals for future.
- Display solid records of achievement and behavior.
High school guidance counselor and co-facilitator, Gloria Laux, believes that a student can also increase their chances of acceptance through campus visits and interaction with students and faculty.
“A student should at least make one or two campus visits," said Laux. "One when classes are in session, and another to meet the professors of their major.”
Laux said a student’s assertiveness during college interviews is also a vital characteristic highly regarded by interviewers.
“Face to face interaction is very important,” said Laux.
She advises students to check out available living arrangements prior to making a final decision.
“Living circumstances are very important,” she said. “If the student isn’t happy when living there, the grades will show it.”
Students should also consider a college’s retention rates in order to properly assess their potential for success at the school.
According to Pigman, some colleges have a 40 percent drop-out rate after the first year, while more successful colleges show 95 percent of students returning after their first year.
“It’s a statistic I would advise future collegiates to take a look at,” said Pigman.
Although taking the next step can be meticulous and stressful, it is best to get a head start on the application process to allow time for an informed decision, as well as to increase chances of acceptance.
“Students should begin applying at the beginning of their senior year,” said Pigman. “Being an early bird when applying is a very good idea.”
Visit the school's Counseling Services website for helpful tips and info.