By Gabriela Verde
ROGERS – As the season for applying to college comes and goes, students may need guidance from counselors and teachers when preparing their application materials. Mallory Scherrey, Haas Hall Academy’s guidance counselor for the Rogers Campus, offers the following tips for applying to colleges:
- Finding your fit: refer to what your main interest is and keep in mind the environment you tend to do best in. Pick a college that fits who you are-taking account of your own interests, values, and goals.
- Showing interest in the college: when there’s a chance, visit colleges in person or virtually. By doing so, you are able to learn more about its community and values. Showing genuine interest makes a big difference.
- Having a connection with admission counselors: build relationships with admission representatives. Not only can they provide great insight but they can answer questions and remember your interest when reviewing applications.
- Being well informed about deadlines: keep deadlines sorted out-creating a timeline of applications, essays, and scholarships can help keep you organized. The earlier you submit, the more dedication it shows, which may ease pressure.
- Strong test scores: good test scores can go a long way in scholarship applications. They strengthen your college applications as well, even for schools that are test-optional.
- Maintaining involvement in activities: showing involvement in activities that interest you looks amazing on your application. Colleges not only look at test scores and grades, but at who you are. According to Scherrey, “Colleges look for authenticity-what you care about and how you choose to spend your time says a lot about you.”
- Personal essays: displaying your voice in personal essays shows admissions officers the truth about you. It shows who you are, what matters to you, and establishes your unique qualities.
- Recommendation essays: try to pick someone who knows you outside of your grades. Choose someone who watched you grow, who will describe your character, involvement, and growth in beautiful detail. As Scherrey said, “A strong, personal recommendation goes a long way.”
- Being aware of financial aid and scholarships: do as much research as you can by attending sessions for information, utilizing net price calculators, and by applying to any scholarships you can. According to Scherrey, “Funding can vary widely, so every application counts.”
- Asking for support: Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Whether it’s a teacher, counselor, or even your peers, another set of eyes can help you strengthen your essays and applications.
Any follow up questions can be taken up with Scherrey, either via email, malloryscherrey@haashall.org, or in-person.
