Expert: Bruce - 2/14/2011

Question
QUESTION: Assuming that at the end of senior year (i'm currently a sophomore) I'll have a GPA between 3.5 and 4, 1-2 leadership positions, good grades in a the AP classes that I do take (I plan on taking as many as I can handle), 150-200 hours of community/volunteer service, and a job (working 6 hours a week at the library), where does that place me on the spectrum of college bound students? What kind of opportunities will I have?

ANSWER: Lynn,

It sounds like you will be well-positioned for admission to some very good schools.

Of course, your SAT and ACT (do take both) will matter, too. I recommend that you take the tests shortly after picking up an AP or college math class.

Do you have a college near you that offers summer or evening classes? If so, you may want to see about getting a class there instead of an AP.

Be sure to build yourself a long list of schools that meet your criteria. Admission to the so-called top schools is hyper competitive these days, but recent research has confirmed that grads of the elites do not end up with better professionally over the long haul.

Are you looking to study a particular subject area or in a particular region?

Bruce

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Kind of... I think I want to do something with philosophy, psychology or art. Essentially, I'm undecided.

Ah, that's a relief. It seems students that get into the really elite schools are superhuman!

ANSWER: I have a son who is a senior in high school this year and I have seen first hand how schools try to position themselves as high end or elite. It's actually pretty discouraging. Lots of games are played, statistics are tweaked, etc.

There are many, many good schools in this country that can prepare you very well for work and grad school. Look at a variety of factors when you consider colleges. Too many students go to the most selctive schools they can get iin to; fit is much more important for college happiness.

Best wishes.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ah, thanks for clearing that for me!

What would be a good way to narrow down the schools that seem to fit best? Also, what schools do you think would be within my reach?

Answer
If you can consider how far from home you'd like to be, that's a good start. Then, visit schools of different types - small liberal arts, large state school, mid size college (3000-5000) and settings, rural, big city and in-between. Once you have an idea of size and setting, you can begin to look at schools that offer what you'd like to study.  As you begin to get some idea of these things get back in touch via this web site and I'll suggest some schools.

BC