Application Process


Apply to College: Common App, Common Black College App, & Apply Texas

Students will want to create an account for the Common Application their 10th grade year to get a head start. Historically Black Colleges also have a common app as well. Applications can roll over from year to year. 

College Board

It is also a good idea to have an account with College Board, so that you have access to your PSAT/SAT scores as well. 

Unit 4: College Applications: What Do Colleges Consider?

January - February

CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING

Students can state and understand what the college applications require and start preparing ways to organize this information to make navigating applications easier.


KEY CONCEPT

Communication is the exchange or transfer of signals, facts, ideas and symbols. It requires a sender, a message and an intended receiver. Communication involves the activity of conveying information or meaning. Effective communication requires a common 'language' (which may be written, spoken or non-verbal).

Students will COMMUNICATE their beliefs and values and experience through the college application process, specifically with their college essay and their resume. 

RELATED CONCEPTS

PERSPECTIVE is the position from which we observe situations, objects, facts, ideas and opinions. Perspective may be associated with individuals, groups, cultures or disciplines. Different perspectives often lead to multiple representations and interpretations

FORM is the shape and underlying structure of an entity or piece of work, including its organization, essential nature and external appearance.

Students will reflect on their experiences, values, and beliefs to share their PERSPECTIVE and consider the FORM of their written requirements such as the college essay and resume. 


SUBJECT-SPECIFIC CONCEPTS

Application types and examples, resources, organization, essays, letter of recommendations, activity summary, resume

GLOBAL CONTEXT

GLOBAL CONTEXT:Identities and Relationships

 

Global Exploration: beliefs and values

 

Students will depict their beliefs and values through their college essay and resume. 




STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

Communicating our beliefs and values reveals our perspectives of our identity. 

INQUIRY QUESTIONS  

Factual 

What beliefs and values do you hold?


Conceptual 

How might we use language to demonstrate our beliefs and values?


Debatable 

To what extent do our beliefs and values communicate our perspective?

See more detail at https://www.mrsmacfarland.com/college/application-process


Components of the Application Process

Main components of the college application process include ...

Mrs. MacFarland’s Top Ten Things  Colleges Look for in Students

After some research especially from National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) as well as Collegedata.com and National Society of High School Scholars, here is a top ten list of important aspects universities are looking for in their applicants.


#1 Grades in college prep courses indicate that students are ready and able to handle college. 

Taking IB courses that are rigorous meets this requirement as well as community college courses or AP courses. College admissions value a difficult course load and grades that represent upward trending scores. 


#2 Numbers show if you are ready for college. 

The importance of SAT and ACT Scores are debatable. Since the Coronavirus pandemic, some universities are shifting to a no-test option (see article); however, the future is uncertain how much of this trend will continue. In the past, schools relied heavily on SAT and ACT scores although many students have other data to indicate they are ready for college such as AP scores and IB scores. All in all, colleges have traditionally valued solid scores on the SAT or ACT as well as consistent high school grades and your overall GPA. Overall, IB applicants tend to have a higher acceptance rate than non-IB students at universities. 


#3 The college essay is your personal statement of who you are.

 A well-written essay offers insight into your values, work ethic, and goals; therefore, it is important to make it engaging and thoughtful with a strong narrative voice. 


#4 Colleges want to understand your learner traits. 

 Important learner traits may include curiosity, persistence, risk taking, collaboration, open-mindedness and creativity. Highlight key aspects of your personality and what learner profile traits you really have developed as a student at Meridian. Review the IB Learner Profile traits for ideas. 

#5 Extracurriculars show your interests. 

Colleges want students who are going to make a difference and who are passionate about a variety of subjects. Colleges look for more depth than breadth. You don’t have to feel like you have to do it all, but you do want to show colleges that you have focused passions with a sense of commitment and purpose. Your resume will record many of the activities to highlight key areas.

#6 Letters of recommendation provide another perspective.

Teachers, counselors, and administrators can reveal aspects of your intellectual curiosity, your approaches to learning, and your character.

#7 A demonstrated interest in the college reveals your commitment. 

Colleges like to see initiative and how much you really want to attend the college. Visiting colleges and talking to admission officers show an interest as well as an interview if required. Applying for early decision also shows your strong interest.


#8 Your impact in your community shows your caring nature.

Colleges like to see that their applicants are involved in their  community. Engaging in meaningful community service that gives you joy and purpose will highlight your caring involvement.


#9 Writing samples can show your ability to communicate.

Some colleges will ask for writing samples of work you have done while in high school. You will want to include writing that shows a well focused response to an inquiry question,  analytical thinking, coherent thought, and a solid command of language. Internal assessments or tasks are always good. 


#10  Your class rank is one measure, but not the end all be all.

 Less than half of colleges track class rank and many high schools such as Meridian are non-ranking. While some state schools  look for the top 7% or 8%, each university is different in their approach to admission.