The High Schooler’s Guide to Getting into a Top Engineering College
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INTERVIEWS. Take the time to schedule, prepare for and attend interviews for each of
the colleges to which you are applying. Note some interviews may require on-campus
visits or lengthy travel time, so account for that. Interviews may not be mandatory at all
colleges, but are highly recommended if they are offered and time permits.
Besides the application itself, the other items you may want to organize and add to your color-coded
calendar include:
FINANCES. If relevant, create a nancial aid calendar tab noting what nancing you are
applying for and when those applications are due. Block time to ll out the FAFSA and/or
additional nancial aid forms.
CAMPUS VISITS. Depending on your preferred top engineering colleges, these locations
may require substantial travel from your hometown. Block time to book your travel/
schedule the trip, travel, and take the tour. Consider staying overnight with current college
students when that is offered. It’s a great way to gain an insider opinion of the school. If
possible, schedule the admissions interview at this time so you don’t need to take more
than one trip. If physical travel is too difcult to schedule, most schools have virtual
campus visits. The point is: Know about the schools you’re applying to.
CRÈME DE LA CRÈME: MAKING YOURSELF UNIQUE
With all the requirements of the application ready and organized, here are three last pointers that may
help you stand out.
SHOW WHO YOU ARE. From the extracurricular activities you choose, to the recommendations
people write about you and your essays, each component of your application helps paint a picture to
admissions reviewers of who you are and how you are unique.
STAND OUT WITH FORMAT. College admissions counselors usually consider the total package
when reviewing applications. For example, if you are a robotics enthusiast or master coder, what
could you build that shows off these skills? Don’t go overboard, but do consider how you can package
your application to showcase your unique skills and experience.
SHOWCASE SKILLS WITH SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS. If allowed, submit supplemental materials
to support your application and further show who you are and the skills that you will bring to the
school. For example, you might take a multimedia approach and submit links to websites you have
designed, things you have built, videos you have created, or music you perform.
NO SECRET FORMULA
At the end of the day, there is no secret formula to college admissions. There are many paths and
many qualied candidates. Showcase who you are and your skills, strengths and character in each
section of the application. The college application process is certainly a large undertaking, but with
organization, planning and thoughtful consideration you will be able to get ahead of it and be well on
your way to a top engineering college.
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