This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org.
First things first, for whatever college you’re seriously considering: get to know your specific admissions counselor. Don’t know who your counselor is? Look to the admissions section of the school’s website; most colleges and universities will assign certain counselors to specific states, regions or zip codes. Your admissions counselor is a great first contact and can answer all of your questions (or put you in touch with someone who can). The vast majority of admissions counselors are delighted to answer not only questions about the schools we work for, but also general questions you may have about the college application process. Email/Facebook/call/text/tweet at us–we’re here to help!
Now, the advice:
Brag.
Seriously. Don’t be shy to talk about the great things you’re doing in school, as well as for your friends, family and community. Your counselors and teachers may do this in their letters of recommendation, but only you can guarantee that the admissions committee knows what you’re up to.
Interview.
If you have the opportunity to interview, do so! Share pertinent information that sheds light on who you are as a student and a person. An interview is your opportunity to give your application “life”–to put a face to a name. If you can’t visit a school, contact the admissions office or your counselor directly, and inquire about opportunities to interview via Skype or telephone or at an off-campus location with a counselor or alum.
Insider’s tip: I try to ask students, “Is there anything I didn’t ask you about yourself that you’d like to share?” as a means to prompt students to tell me more about themselves. During the questions section of the interview, it’s okay to say, “May I also tell you about my experience doing ______?” You can even wrap it all into a question: “Would you tell me more about the opportunity to get involved with student government? I have been active with Model UN and our school’s student government since 10th grade and was hoping to continue in college.”
Make Lists.
Create a list of questions you want to ask yourself and the schools you are investigating: How will this school support me in the classroom, with extracurricular activities, religiously, personally, financially and for my future? What are my values and how do they match those of the institution? What do I hope to receive from my college experience? Will I be able to pursue the things I am currently passionate about at this school? Do I see myself at this school? Why or why not?
When you list your extracurricular activities, be sure to include everything that you do–and I mean everything. Write down each day of the week and jot down your schedule. Do you take care of your siblings after school? Make dinner a few times a week for your family? Attend your church, temple, synagogue or mosque regularly? Work at the local pet shop? These are all valuable experiences that colleges want to know about because they show responsibility, integrity, dedication and your values.
Send a Note.
Handwritten notes can go a long way. If you interviewed, met a college counselor on the road or visited campus send a quick note saying thank you. (All of the notes I’ve received from students are hanging in my office.)
Visit Campus.
If you’re able to visit a campus, be sure to do it. There’s no better way to get a feel for a school than by visiting. Inquire about fly-in programs (when the college pays for your trip to visit their campus) for first-generation students or students of color, or other opportunities to visit campuses that are not within driving distance.
Get to Know the Lingo.
In order to be successful in the college application process, it’s important to get to know the “lingo” or jargon of admissions and financial aid. Here are just a few examples of words you’ll hear a lot and should become comfortable using: Common App, scholarships and financial aid (NOTE: these are not always the same thing), early action, early decision, rolling admissions, FAFSA, EFC, room and board and need-blind admissions. (Check out this comprehensive list with definitions to learn what these terms mean.)
Ask Questions.
Don’t ever be afraid to ask a question, because the worst that someone can say to you is “no” or “I don’t know the answer.” (And hopefully, if they don’t know the answer, they’ll get back to you promptly.) Ask questions not only concerning issues about which you want answers, but also (particularly in interviews) ask questions that show that you’ve done your homework. For example,
“Your website talks about peace and justice being a cornerstone of this institution. Can you talk to me about why this is true and how you see that implemented at the school?”
This is a good question because it shows me a) that the student has done research about the institution, b) that the student is inquisitive about the values of our school and c) that the student allowed for a richer, deeper, more meaningful conversation.
Complete the Puzzle.
Be sure to share information that gives the fullest picture of your application (include all of the puzzle pieces, to continue the metaphor). If your grades dipped due to health reasons, a divorce or death in the family, for example, it’s helpful to include that information. You can do so in the “Additional Information” section of the Common App or by contacting your individual admissions counselor.
Proofread!
“You’re” doesn’t equal “your”; “its” doesn’t equal “it’s”; “they’re” doesn’t equal “their” or “there.” Don’t simply rely on spellcheck to do your proofreading! Take the time to read your application out loud. You may feel silly, but I can guarantee that you will catch a few errors you didn’t previously notice.
Find a School That Champions Your Individuality.
As a first-generation student, you bring a breadth and depth of experiences and knowledge to the proverbial table. Finding an institution that champions diversity will mean different things to different people, but make sure that you find a place that values you and your gifts and talents.