Finding Your Niche
This week we want to focus on finding your niche. This is one of
the best pieces of advice we give students who ask us how they
can set themselves apart in the college admissions process. Do
you have an interest that is on the unusual side? Pursue it! We
help our students develop their interests and find their academic
niche for their own growth, but also because colleges are seeking
a diverse, well-rounded class. One of the ways to demonstrate a
passion for something is to dedicate your summer to delving
further into it. Use our summer guide to lead you in the right
direction!
FIND YOUR NICHE
You may have heard that colleges don’t look for “well-rounded”
students, but rather a well-rounded class. That is true at all
competitive colleges. When top colleges look at similar
applicants, they often ask themselves, “What is the student’s
prospective major?” Obviously if they admitted all government
majors or English majors, the campus would be pretty dull. So
they are always on the lookout for mathematicians, classicists,
chemists, linguists, etc…, rather than the same group of
“pre-med” or biology majors. So if you have more than one
interest, lead with the one that will give you an edge in the
process. If you’re a girl and you’ve always liked math, full
steam ahead! That is a more appealing applicant than yet another
political science major as far as colleges are concerned. Do your
homework and compare departments in all the schools to which
you’re applying. Take the time to visit particular departments,
talk to professors, speak with research librarians about their
collections, etc…. The more focused, and serious you are, the
better. You’ll find this makes a big difference, especially for
applicants who might otherwise be “on the fence.” But, follow
your OWN deepest interests, rather than change yourself just to
appear unusual. We always work with our students, beginning their
freshman year, to help them identify what it is that makes their
hearts sing. Then, we support them as they take that interest to
a higher level.
CONTESTS AND AWARDS
Another way to hone your niche is to participate in contests in
that area. We have compiled a guide with the best and most
prestigious contests and awards available to high school
students. Click here to get yours today!
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Congratulations Everyone!
Michele’s students had record breaking acceptances in the early round of college admissions results for the Class of 2014.
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Ivy League Admissions Statistics
Our exclusive data on the Class of 2014 Ivy League Admissions statistics, now updated for Early Action and Early Admissions for the class entering 2010. See exactly how many students applied and how many were accepted to different schools.
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Michele Talks About College Admissions on Good Morning America
View Michele's appearance on Good Morning America with George Stephanopolous and read the ABC News article, Battle College Acceptance Anxiety With These Tips, that features advice from Michele.
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[...] talk about extracurricular activities. You may remember our newsletter from a few weeks ago about finding your niche. Let this guide your extracurricular activities as well. Schools won’t care if you are a member [...]