"The Top 10 Strengths
and Experiences Universities & Colleges Look For In A High School
Student"
Educational specialist and financial
planner, Bob Rempel, CFP, advises families and students who are looking ahead
to university over the next 1-4 years, and looking for the best opportunities,
to plan early and to get as much information as they can from knowledgeable
sources.
“The more you know, and the better
the quality of advice you get, the less you pay, is a guiding motto I have used
in my work with families and students", said Rempel who has 8 years of
experience as a university consultant. University tuition costs keep increasing
everywhere and specialized programs in the U.S. or Canada are generally very
expensive.
"Early planning by parents and
students, working with school officials and professionals, in course selection
and extra-curricular activities is important. This can help students make the
most of their high school years and increase their opportunities at the best
universities in an increasingly competitive environment amongst universities. For
the best students who have prepared this competitive environment can work to
the student’s advantage.
Parents and students should read
"The Top 10 Strengths and Experiences Universities & Colleges Look For
In A High School Student" below
for some excellent advice.
________________________________________________________
The
Top 10 Strengths and Experiences Universities & Colleges Look For In A High
School Student.
1. A high school curriculum that
challenges the student. Academically successful students should include several
Honours and Advanced Placement (AP) classes if possible.
2. Grades that represent strong
effort and an upward trend. Grades should show an upward trend over the years,
however, slightly less grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A's in
less challenging course work.
3. Solid scores on standardized test
across the province or on the SAT and ACT. These should be consistent with high
school performance. Even if students are not considering U.S. universities the
PSAT test will tell them where they stand academically at that point against
others across North America and the world.
4. Passionate involvement in a few
activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of
experience is most important.
5. Community service showing
evidence of being a "contributor". Activities should demonstrate
concern for other people and a global view.
6. Work or out-of-school experiences
(including summer activities) that illustrate responsibility, dedication and
development of areas of interest. Work or other meaningful use of free time can
demonstrate maturity.
7. A well-written essay that
provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values and goals. The
application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should
demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing. (Note: the essay generally
applies to U.S. universities. Examples of a student’s work/achievements at
school or outside of school will be beneficial as well)
8. Letters of recommendation from
teachers, coaches and guidance counselor that give evidence of integrity,
special skill and positive character traits. Students should request
recommendations from teachers who respect their work in an academic discipline.
9. Supplementary recommendations by
adults who have had significant direct contact with the student. Letters from
coaches or supervisors in long-term work or volunteer activities are valuable;
however, recommendations from casual acquaintances or family friends, even if
they are well known, are rarely given much weight.
10. Anything special that makes the
student stand out from the rest of the applicants! Include honors, awards,
evidence of unusual talents or experiences, or anything else that makes the
student unique. Overall, colleges are seeking students who will be active
contributing members of the student body.
Readers may want to suggest others
or comment on the list above. Please send us a note via e-mail or phone us at 1-800-665-5604,
(204) 256-5008, Rempel Group Financial & Educational Consultants.
We also have free reports or
information services available for parents and students upon request via e-mail or phone 1-800-665-5604:
1) "Tips and Tricks
I've Learned About How To Get Athletic Scholarships",
2) "6 Great Ways to
Fund the High Cost of University in Canada or U.S",
3) "Secrets of Getting
Into Harvard, Queens Or The University Of Your Choice and
Obtaining the Best University Opportunities",
4) "Improving Your SAT
Scores"-tips and resources via e-mail
Students living outside the U.S. who
want to assess the level of interest from college coaches and recruiters in
them for a possible athletic scholarship and financial aid should review the new
minimum cost online service we have established for preliminary athletic scholarship
opportunity searches (http://www.rempelgroup.com/athleticscholarshipsearch.html).
Click the previous link to take you
there.
About
Bob Rempel, CFP, specializes in
university searches, athletic scholarships and sports, academic and other
scholarships for families at all income levels as part of his work for clients
through the Rempel Group. Plans are
developed and implemented in conjunction with the family. He has provided the College Prospects program since 1992 in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and has
helped numerous families obtain quality university opportunities in Canada or
the United States in that time.
International (non U.S.resident)
students can contact him at his office via phone (1-800-665-5604) or e-mail for an initial no obligation
consultation.
“HELPING FAMILIES TO FIND
QUALITY UNIVERSITY OPPORTUNITIES AND TO FUND THEM!”
