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Be a
Triple Threat: Combine Academics, Activities and Community
Service
“How can
I improve my chances of getting into the college of my choice?”
That’s
a question that college admissions officers hear frequently. It’s
a good question
since competition toughens each year as the number of college
applications continue
to climb. Admissions officers consider many factors when
selecting members of each
new freshman class. Good grades will get a student’s foot in
the door, but a strong mix
of athletics, extracurricular activities and community service
will help them get through
the doorway. Colleges want students who can succeed in and out
of the classroom.
With this
in mind, many high school educators are focusing on
communicating how
important it is to become a well-rounded student who shows a
passion for the triple “S” --
scholarship, sports and service. In some cases, administrators
are partnering with
organizations and companies that promote extracurricular
activities and reward
students for their efforts via national recognition programs. In
fact, a growing number
of scholarships are given to students based on their overall
achievements rather than
strictly on academics or sports.
According
to ACT (American College Testing) chief executive officer,
Richard L.
Ferguson, the Wendy’s High School Heisman (WHSH) award
exemplifies an honor
that specifically recognizes a senior male and female each year
who both excel not
only in the classroom and in the field of play, but also in
their community. By answering
the questions on the WHSH application, students gain a sense of
what college admissions
officers look for.
“When
teachers get involved right away, students begin the process of
cultivating
relationships with faculty and other students,” says Ferguson.
“In doing this, students
gain fundamental skills such as leadership and the importance of
giving back to the
community. This is why many high schools now require some form
of service learning
to graduate.”
In the 10
years the Wendy’s award has been given, high school principals
around the
country have nominated nearly 100,000 seniors for this
prestigious honor. Besides
excelling in academics and athletics, Wendy’s High School
Heisman nominees have
also held other notable positions including class president,
editor-in-chief of the school
newspaper, and led community drug-awareness programs.
Taking
these factors into consideration, WHSH and ACT have partnered to
provide
advice to parents and students on how to score an A+ with
admissions officers. Here’s
a plan for success:
Grades and
Test Scores Matter. Grade point averages make it very easy for
admissions
officers to set standard requirements, so focus on study skills
and the classroom. But
remember to incorporate more challenging advanced placement or
honors classes into
the schedule because colleges like to see students stretching
themselves. This way,
they will demonstrate academic strengths and, possibly even
receive college credit.
Also, make summer breaks count. Suggest that students study a
second language in
depth, volunteer, or get an internship.
Beyond the
Books. Universities are looking for students who exhibit a
passion for more
than just schoolwork, but they prefer quality to quantity. What
matters most is the
commitment shown in extracurricular activities, not how many
joined.
Give back.
Community service has become an essential part of a student’s
overall
portfolio. It demonstrates that they are active and responsible
citizens, and may also
lead to a rewarding career path. Through volunteer work,
students are exposed to other
individuals from different backgrounds with the same interests
as well as various
organizations within their community. Volunteering also provides
a great platform for
students to hone networking skills.
Cultivate
Relationships. Since recommendations are highly regarded by
admissions
officers, urge students to develop relationships with high
school faculty who can provide
colleges with genuine insight on who they are. What a school
says about its students
speaks volumes. After applying to a college, students should
show they’re truly
interested in it by keeping in contact with admissions
counselors. Let them know of
recent achievements or seek information that is not available in
the school’s brochures.
Even contact a professor to inquire about their upcoming
curriculum.
For more
information on the Wendy’s High School Heisman program,
go to www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com,
or call (800) 244-5161 to request a nomination
packet to be sent to the school administrator. [Courtesy of ARA
Content]
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