Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Subscribe to the MPR News with Kerri Miller podcast

 that in the fall of 2016 about 20.4 million students will attend a post-secondary institution.

But before students can register for classes or declare a major, they have to be accepted first. 

, the dean of admissions at Marlboro College in Vermont, and

, the director of college counseling at the Dunn School in California, about their tips for prospective students.

Most schools have a page on their website that talks about the make-up of their student body. Take note of the average test scores, GPA and backgrounds of their students. For more specific questions about a school's priorities, don't be afraid to... 

Schools list their admissions office's phone numbers for a reason. Call and ask a counselor how they prioritize their candidates. 

Tuition is one reason many prospective students limit their search to public universities near home, but it doesn't have to be.

Struckmeyer said that strong out-of-state candidates are often offered a "preferential package" for financial aid to help increase a school's geographic diversity. 

Test scores and GPAs are confined to a limited range, making it difficult for even high-scoring students to stand out. Experiences add depth to an application. 

A resume that includes work and volunteering can help contextualize why a student might have lower grades, and enhance the prospects of a student who might fall in the middle of the pack for other parameters. 

The essay portion of an application is meant to give you a chance to show your personality. Struckmeyer said you should use this space to show how you think, instead of reiterating your achievements.  

When an application is overloaded with Advanced Placement classes, extracurricular activities and awards, it can look inauthentic. Lawler said that when she is looking at potential candidates, she tries to distinguish whether a student is truly engaged or if they are just checking off boxes.

Education News

Shows

Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller

Kerri Miller Feature

Marcheta Fornoff

Author

There's no magic key for the college admissions process, but there are some simple tips every applicant should consider.

MPR News host Kerri Miller discussed how colleges decide who gets in and who doesn't with Brigid Lawler, the dean of admissions at Marlboro College, and Matt Struckmeyer, the director of college counseling at the Dunn School. 1/27/16

College admissions: 6 tips on getting in

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox