How to make yourself a good Admissions/Scholarship
candidate
Do you think it is only the ‘smartest’ students who get scholarships and get into the
colleges/universities of their choice? This is not true! Below is a list of things that you
can do to make yourself a good candidate for admission to college/universities and for
any scholarship too.
Take challenging courses like AP (Advanced Placement), CP (College Preparatory), or concurrent
enrollment – most institutions will look at a “B” in an Advanced Placement or College Placement course
more favorably than an “A” in a regular, non-AP or CP course. This sends admissions officials the message
that you are willing to challenge yourself academically. Concurrent enrollment means that you are
actually taking college classes for college credit at a college (like FLC, or Southwest CO Community College)
while you are still in high school, usually during your senior year. Talk to me to find out how to do this if
you are interested.
Take as many core classes as you can – a great G.P.A. does not mean as much if you have only taken the
required amount of core classes to graduate high school and taken a lot of electives instead. Avoid the
temptation to fill your schedule with extra, unnecessary elective classes (like yoga walking, badminton,
underwater basket weaving, etc.) even if you have met all of your graduation requirements. Also, you will
be more prepared for rigorous college courses the more core classes you take in high school.
Take 4 years of math (at least!) – Ok, so math may not be your favorite subject, but you have to be
proficient at a college level anyway, so you might as well get it done in high school. If you do not show
proficiency at a college level, you will have to take remedial math in college (and pay for it!), which is not
something anyone wants to have to do.
Extracurricular Activities – become active in something other than just school and sports. Extracurricular
activities show that you live a balanced life, you have varied interests, and are a well rounded, motivated
individual. The club or organization does not necessarily have to be associated with your high school at all
– some examples of organizations outside school could be: your church, the local girl/boy scouting
organizations, hobbies (biking, snowboarding, quilting, ect.). Some examples of school clubs/organizations
within your school that you could get involved in are: National Honor Society (NHS), Future Career and
Community Leaders of America (FCCLS), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Student Council
(government), Drama club, American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
Community Service – get out and give back!! This is a biggie. Giving back to your community is
extremely important. To make it fun, try to find volunteer opportunities that are related to things you like
to do. For example, if you like to mountain bike, you could volunteer with Trails 2000. Or if you enjoy
sports, you could coach a youth recreation team. If you enjoy art, you could teach an art class at the local
senior center or Boys and Girls club. If you love animals, you could volunteer at the local Humane Society
or animal shelter. The possibilities are endless! 