Christian Counselors: Experience Is Key to Winning Over College Admissions Counselors

by teamstickergiant

Good grades and competitive test scores may not be enough to gain admission to the most selective of colleges any more.  To impress admissions counselors who are spending all day reviewing the transcripts of the world’s smartest and most active high school students, applicants who want to stand out from the crowd will need to demonstrate experience, leadership, and service related to their academic interests.

As college enrollment lists fill up with more and more students, admissions counselors are being forced in many cases to consider applications beyond the standard and predictable metrics like GPA, SAT, and ACT.  While these measures of academic ability may seem objective and immune from biases, they aren’t always the best indicators of long term success.  While some students may have a knack for memorizing facts or crafting a strong expository essay, this doesn’t necessarily demonstrate the level of a student’s motivation and commitment to their field.  Tests and grades also suggest a very abstract understanding of the subject matter – a written exam is quite different than experience putting these concepts into practice.

The best way students can stay competitive for admissions, scholarships, and merit-based financial aid is to get some real world involvement with the subject or major they intend to pursue.  Spending time working or volunteering shows ambition and passion – and it even means the student will be ready to deal with more complicated and subtle issues that pop up in their academic studies. 

To maximize the effect of experience on an admissions and other college-related applications, students should seek out leadership roles within school clubs, community groups, and societies they are active with.

 It is one thing to spend some time on a project: It is something much greater to take an active role in leading the progress.  Such leadership roles do not have to be overwhelming, they can range anywhere from public relations to administration & paperwork.  If you’ve volunteered with a particular group before, you will probably be able to help train or recruit new volunteers.

With college and employment more competitive than ever, young people need every advantage they can get.  So remember, experience in the forms of service and leadership can go a long way toward moving your application to the top of the list!

Relationship with God is key to a peaceful mind – http://whomebealeader.com::Relationship with God is key to a peaceful mind We are continuing with the Biblical Counseling series that Ronnie Roque is taking …