Q: I'm a junior at a small Christian high school, and I like my school. But recently, I've started to feel like I'm at a disadvantage when it comes to college admissions. Students at larger schools get the chance to take AP courses—something my school doesn't offer. Sometimes they even have information about summer programs and other stuff that looks good on a college application. They've also got bigger guidance departments and more scholarship information. I'm wondering: do I really stand a chance against students from large high schools? How can I make sure I present myself well on college applications?
A: To be honest with you, I wouldn't be overly concerned about how to impress college admissions officers. There's something more important: becoming a person of good character. That's the kind of person admissions officers want to have on campus.
Enjoy the benefits your school offers, and be creative, resourceful and bold in looking for other opportunities that are available to you.
Focus on being honest and hardworking. Be responsible and kind to others. Participate in activities that interest you—don't do things just because you think they'll look good on your college applications.
Now, I don't want to imply that a strong application isn't important. It is important to present yourself well. So as you're focusing on becoming a person of good character, it's a good idea to think of things that you might be interested in doing. For example, talk to your youth pastor about service opportunities like missions trips, volunteering at a nursing home or helping teach Vacation Bible School. Is there a career you'd like to explore? Then look into internship opportunities with people who work at jobs that interest you. See if you can spend a day or a week in their office, observing them in action and learning about their particular career. And the benefit of these opportunities: You can add them all to your list of achievements and activities.
When it comes to summer programs and scholarships, get online to find out what opportunities are available. For example, check out websites like scholarships.com, scholarshipcoach.com, or fastweb.com for scholarship information. Make an appointment with a guidance counselor at your local public school to ask about opportunities you might not be aware of. Not only could you get some great information that will help you, but you can be a "resource person" for your classmates.
If you're interested in taking advanced coursework, talk to your guidance counselor. Maybe it would be possible for you to take courses for college credit at a local college or com-munity college. Also ask about taking SAT II, Advanced Placement (AP) or College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, which allow you to earn college credits or demonstrate an academic strength.
Don't waste time thinking about what you're missing. Instead, enjoy the benefits your school offers, and be creative, resourceful and bold in looking for other opportunities that are available to you.
Written by Judy Moseman
