How to Make Colleges Want You!
Some viable options include dual enrollment courses,completing online virtual school classes, interning/working at a local job and night school.
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By Aura Altamiranda
As a high school sophomore, I’ve heard it all. "Make sure you have a high GPA" "prepare for the SAT and ACT"; and "try to join all the extracurriculars you can." I’ve been getting the same sorry speech from my counselor for two years straight, and, honestly, I’m tired of it.
At this point, it is SO redundant. I get it: Colleges mostly base admission on standardized test scores and performance in school (including extracurricular activities). The only problem is that lately colleges have become increasingly selective in the admissions departments, leaving many of us with very few options. By the time graduation rolls around, they will only be choosing geniuses and savants; but don’t fret- there is still a glimmer of hope.
Counselors can be incredibly helpful if you know how to ask the right questions. Instead of asking what you can do to improve yourself (which will get you the same programmed, monotonous response; believe me, I’ve been there), be specific and ask what you can do to make yourself more appealing to colleges.
Some viable options include dual enrollment courses, completing online virtual school classes, interning/working at a local job and night school. Not only will it raise your GPA, but it will also give you extra activities to add to your admissions applications. Universities need to see that you are a dedicated student before they can take you seriously.
Personally, I’m working on three out of four (no night school for me). It requires a great deal of commitment and effort, which can sometimes overwhelm a person if they don’t know how to properly manage their time.
At the dual enrollment program, I’ve been exposed to the kind of atmosphere that isn’t attainable at the high school level – the kind of opportunity most people don’t realize is available. The classes at Miami Dade College are conducted in a more mature environment and are truly enriching. If you’re interested, talk to your counselor about initiating the application process.
Certain requirements must be met and different forms must be completed, which are available on the college’s Web site. First and foremost, you are required to have a 3.0 unweighted GPA to be eligible. Once you have that, you need to gain counselor, principal, and parent permission, along with proof of citizenship. The final step is to pass the College Placement Test to determine what courses you will be allowed to request.
However, if you plan on taking these courses, understand that it is strenuous and that you need to take it seriously. Also, dual enrollment courses are offered at both Miami Dade and Florida International University, but if I were you, I would opt for the latter of the two. Most universities frown upon community colleges, and I am planning on transferring.
Taking dual enrollment courses also opened the door for me in terms of job experience. I just began writing for The Catalyst, a student publication on the Kendall campus. I honestly believe I will gain much more experience if I’m active in the field I plan to major in, and this job will certainly provide me with the tools I need.
Shortly after, when I began my Florida VirtualSchool (FLVS) courses, I thought the workload would be unbearable. On the contrary, it is extremely flexible because you can work at your own pace without penalty. The only catch is that you need to check in with your assigned teacher periodically.
To sign up for classes, visit www.flvs.net to apply and request courses. Although the application process is less intricate, for this, you also need a 3.0 unweighted GPA and parent and counselor permission.
The only way colleges will notice you is if you make the effort to be noticed; in simpler terms, be proactive. I know that someday I will look back and be so thankful I took every opportunity I possibly could. I know it is very cliché, but when people say it’s never too late to try, they aren’t just saying that. I’ve always been dedicated to school, but in my sophomore year it became clear to me that I could be doing so much more.
For more information, visit your school counselors. You can also e-mail me with questions or other tips at:outloud@outloud.com.