Guidance for College Applications
The college application process can be daunting, but understanding the information available can make it less overwhelming. One such resource is the Common Data Set (CDS), a document where schools publish answers to standard questions about their admissions statistics.
The CDS includes basic information like test scores and demographics, as well as more detailed information about the criteria schools assign the most importance to. Specifically, Section C7 of the CDS outlines how colleges evaluate applicants and which factors they prioritize, allowing prospective students to tailor their applications to schools where their strengths align with the institution’s admission preferences.
For example, if a college values demonstrated interest highly, applicants can focus on showing strong enthusiasm for that school. This could involve attending open days, engaging with the school's online community, or even reaching out to current students or staff.
Using CDS data reduces uncertainty in the college search by providing reliable, standardized information directly from the institutions, enabling easier comparison across schools and helping students build balanced application lists based on realistic chances, financial considerations, and academic fit.
When creating a school list, it's essential to consider factors such as acceptance rates, average GPA of admitted students, middle 50% for ACT/SAT test scores, size, location, and CDS information. Remember, every school may have its own supplemental essays in addition to the main essay, so be prepared to put in the extra effort.
Approaching applications with a feeling of excitement can make the process less daunting. Don't forget to ask recommenders for a letter that goes beyond the generic 'great kid' letter. Providing them with a resume-like document can be helpful. Most schools want at least one teacher and one other recommender for letters of recommendation.
In addition to the Common Application's 650-word essay that is submitted to all schools applied to under it, some schools may require additional essays. A great resource for essay advice is "The College Essay Guy" on YouTube.
When deciding which schools to attend, cost and available majors are important factors, but students should also consider how the school will help them grow and learn in new ways. For instance, a school with a strong emphasis on research opportunities might be ideal for a student interested in conducting their own research projects.
Lastly, it's worth noting that Early Decision is a binding application that requires the student to attend the college if accepted, while Early Action is not a binding agreement to attend the school and requires a response at the normal decision deadline of May 1. Restrictive Early Action (REA) restricts applicants to applying to only one school early, but the admissions offer can be rejected with no penalty. Applying Early Decision allows for an earlier response time and can minimize application costs.
By utilising the Common Data Set and approaching the application process with a clear understanding of your strengths and what you're looking for in a college, you'll be well on your way to making informed decisions about your future.
[1] Common Data Set (CDS) Overview: https://www.commondataset.org/about [2] Understanding the Common Data Set: https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2017/09/20/how-use-common-data-set-help-students-choose-right-college [3] How to Show Your Enthusiasm for a College: https://www.collegexpress.com/college-planning/applying/articles/how-show-enthusiasm-college/ [4] Common Data Set Section C7: https://www.commondata.org/cds/docs/2020-2021/C7.pdf [5] Understanding the Common Data Set: https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2017/09/20/how-use-common-data-set-help-students-choose-right-college
The Common Data Set (CDS) provides detailed information about the factors schools prioritize when evaluating applicants, allowing students to tailor their applications to colleges where their strengths align with the institution's admission preferences. Online education, learning, and self-development can be enhanced by utilizing resources such as "The College Essay Guy" on YouTube to gain advice for essay writing.
