Tips from a College Admissions Professional

When I'm not writing Hubpages, I work as an admissions officer at a major U.S. university. We process tens of thousands of applications each year, so I've definitely seen my share of what to do and what not to do. Here are some tips to help navigate the college admissions process:

• Get good grades (seriously): No matter what size school you want to attend or how individual the application process is, you will still need to have a solid foundation of high school courses. Pay close attention to how your school weights grades — is it really worth taking that AP class if you're going to get C in it? Which would be better for your overall GPA? These are just a few questions to keep in mind when planning the all-important junior and senior year schedules.
• Don't forget about your guidance counselor: It's easier than ever to find information about schools on sites like College Confidential, but information there is not always accurate because it often does not come from an admissions office. College admissions officers spend a lot of time building relationships with guidance counselors, and they can be a great source of accurate and reliable information. They can also help submit transcripts and ensure that you stay on top of deadlines.
• Know a school's application policies: There's nothing worse than being denied from your dream school because you got something in too late or missed a requirement somewhere in the application process. Read the brochures and websites (we put a lot of work into them!) and familiarize yourself with each school's application procedures. For example, some schools require SAT scores to be sent directly from the College Board, while others can take them from a high school transcript. This is an important distinction to make, and one that could cost you if overlooked.
• Visit, visit, visit: I can't stress this one enough. Visiting a school is the best way to tell whether or not it will be a good fit. Although colleges invest a lot of time and money in brochures, websites, and virtual tours, they still can't compare to the experience of actually being there. Many schools offer separate visit programs for prospective students and accepted students, or those who have received offers of admission.
• Remember whose name is on the application: I regularly spend more time talking with parents than students and am constantly amazed by the level of involvement I see — parents filling out applications on behalf of students, scheduling classes for them, even choosing where their student will live on campus. I'm all for the application process being a family affair and I know calling an admissions office can be intimidating for a 17 year old, but remember that, at the end of the day, decisions and responsibility lie with the student. The application process can be a great first step toward the independence that will come when a student moves away to start college.

What advice did you find helpful when applying to college?