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"Eighty or 90 percent of the colleges around the country are relatively easy to get into" -Michele Hernandez, a college admissions consultant. |
Getting into college tops the list of stress factors for high school students.
Worries about getting into college often lead to overwhelming schedules, parental stress and student angst. Understanding the process, say some experts, can help. Although many students load up of extracurriculars, creating an overwhelming scedule doomed to stress them out, experts say that scenario isn't necessary. Michele Hernandez, a college admissions consultant and author of several books, including "A Is for Admission," says that being a standout in a few activities that are truly enjoyed is a better strategy for impressing top colleges. "They hate resume stuffers who just do a million things."
"It does help to have an amazing specialty," she said. "A top debater, a top fencer -- whatever their talent is."
Hernandez also says that good recommendations are key. She notes that good grades, although important, aren't necessarily a guarantee of admission to a top university. Those schools know that some grades can be inflated.
Students often put pressure on themselves, or experience parental pressure, to strive for a big name school, often overlooking many other great colleges that may be a perfect fit. While, as Hernandez notes, top colleges give students the chance to interact with brilliant people, they aren't a guarantee for success.
"Eighty or 90 percent of the colleges around the country are relatively easy to get into," Hernandez said, and parents should think about where the student will best fit rather than focusing on prestige.
From San Francisco Chronicle.
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