The college applications process...

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book_noodles
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02 Apr 2010, 8:58 pm

I understand fairly well how the application system for post-secondary education works... Unfortunately, my grade point average (3.2) is only slightly above average. It is not a representation of my intelligence (at the very least I have the scholastic aptitude test to prove that to some degree) and I do not have any extra-curricular activities to speak of beyond my special interest (reading.) I want to major and eventually earn a doctorate in Psychology, and I have a few universities in mind. However, these places typically require/prefer extra-curricular activities and a high grade point. Both of which, as I mentioned, I lack.
I want my application essay to explain something along the lines of "I know I look stupid, but please let me show you what I can do with my brain :) I have value.." ..... in a more appropriate and articulate way of course. I don't want my letter to be an opportunity to make excuses for my shortcomings, but I think that a savvy university might see the value in neurodiversity on campus. Has anyone accomplished expressing his or her difficulties in a college essay? :wink:



astaut
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03 Apr 2010, 12:14 am

Have you taken your ACT/SAT yet? Cause those can count for a lot. I had a high GPA (three point eight), not many extracurriculars but many volunteer activities, and only slightly above average ACT. (Now I have a 27 which is good, but when I originally applied to colleges it was lower...and I was accepted with my lower score.) I got diagnosed with a chronic illness during my senior year of high school, so in my personal statements I wrote about that. By writing about it I was then asked about it during the admissions process. I chose that topic because I wanted to explain that even though I had done well in high school, I probably would have done even better/more stuff if I hadn't been dealing with this undiagnosed medical problem. And when I visited colleges/filled out apps I expressed interest in anything I might want to be involved in, even if it's just a small chance. I don't like bragging, but in case it makes you not so worried...I was accepted to everywhere I applied 8O (I was rejected from the honors program at one school, but not the school itself.)

You might find these helpful. The first one, you make a profile, select schools you're interested in, and it shows little graphs and such to give you an idea of your chances at that school. The second, do a search or view the discussion boards and there are a lot of 'chance me' topics at each school.
http://www.cappex.com/
http://www.collegeconfidential.com/



book_noodles
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03 Apr 2010, 10:00 am

astaut wrote:
Have you taken your ACT/SAT yet? Cause those can count for a lot. I had a high GPA (three point eight), not many extracurriculars but many volunteer activities, and only slightly above average ACT. (Now I have a 27 which is good, but when I originally applied to colleges it was lower...and I was accepted with my lower score.) I got diagnosed with a chronic illness during my senior year of high school, so in my personal statements I wrote about that. By writing about it I was then asked about it during the admissions process. I chose that topic because I wanted to explain that even though I had done well in high school, I probably would have done even better/more stuff if I hadn't been dealing with this undiagnosed medical problem. And when I visited colleges/filled out apps I expressed interest in anything I might want to be involved in, even if it's just a small chance. I don't like bragging, but in case it makes you not so worried...I was accepted to everywhere I applied 8O (I was rejected from the honors program at one school, but not the school itself.)

Yes, I did take the SAT. I volunteered in my earlier years of high school (freshman and sophomore.) I'm only applying in state or at the very least on the west coast (I live in California) so the ACT isn't necessary. I may take it anyway just so the applications folk have another reference point. I think I'm going to need help organizing my thoughts in my essays. (I'm writing them this summer.)



astaut
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04 Apr 2010, 9:54 pm

You might look at sample questions for the ACT in a practice book (sometimes they're at the library, if not then the bookstore). Usually people do better on one test than the other. My counselor thought I would do better on the SAT, but I never tried it...maybe you would do better on the ACT. Oh, I nearly forgot this: I got accommodations for taking my ACT when I got my highest score. I would speak with your counselor and see if you can get accommodations, I bet you can because of AS. You may have to push for it, but I bet you can do it. You may have to go ahead and apply to colleges and turn in your SAT/ACT at a later date (if you take it again with accommodations). Also, there are usually local SAT/ACT classes that are free or don't cost much if you could find one of those. They are offered at local high schools and colleges. They are a Saturday thing, not a everyday class.

I actually wrote my essay really quickly, but it didn't have to be long. Some people like lists for their thoughts, though I prefer making bubble charts. I would try both and see which works best for you. There are all kinds of sample essays/personal statements online and guides for writing them, so check into those. I bet there are a lot of English majors out there that would love to help organize your essay or proof read it. If you ask your English teacher before school is out for summer, I bet he/she can refer you to someone to help you with essays during the summer. If you want a college student, there are usually fliers at the college for tutoring.

This summer will also be a time that you can do more volunteer/community service/part time job/whatever kind of stuff to add to a resume if you're up for it. I wasn't big on extracurriculars either, but I found a lot of more volunteer type stuff that was one person or small-groups of people. I did a lot of things with kids with disabilities, kids with communication disorders, and some stuff with animals. All of those were a lot of fun, things I was interested in and totally non-threatening/non anxiety provoking.



book_noodles
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07 Apr 2010, 2:26 pm

astaut wrote:
You might look at sample questions for the ACT in a practice book (sometimes they're at the library, if not then the bookstore). Usually people do better on one test than the other. My counselor thought I would do better on the SAT, but I never tried it...maybe you would do better on the ACT. Oh, I nearly forgot this: I got accommodations for taking my ACT when I got my highest score. I would speak with your counselor and see if you can get accommodations, I bet you can because of AS. You may have to push for it, but I bet you can do it. You may have to go ahead and apply to colleges and turn in your SAT/ACT at a later date (if you take it again with accommodations). Also, there are usually local SAT/ACT classes that are free or don't cost much if you could find one of those. They are offered at local high schools and colleges. They are a Saturday thing, not a everyday class.

I actually wrote my essay really quickly, but it didn't have to be long. Some people like lists for their thoughts, though I prefer making bubble charts. I would try both and see which works best for you. There are all kinds of sample essays/personal statements online and guides for writing them, so check into those. I bet there are a lot of English majors out there that would love to help organize your essay or proof read it. If you ask your English teacher before school is out for summer, I bet he/she can refer you to someone to help you with essays during the summer. If you want a college student, there are usually fliers at the college for tutoring.

This summer will also be a time that you can do more volunteer/community service/part time job/whatever kind of stuff to add to a resume if you're up for it. I wasn't big on extracurriculars either, but I found a lot of more volunteer type stuff that was one person or small-groups of people. I did a lot of things with kids with disabilities, kids with communication disorders, and some stuff with animals. All of those were a lot of fun, things I was interested in and totally non-threatening/non anxiety provoking.

I actually did get accomodations; I got 50% extra time. I'll probably volunteer at the library this summer :)