With summer right around the corner, it seems like school is not a huge worry for some students. Yet many, especially those who are not graduating this year, seem to stress the most during the last nine weeks of school. Whether it’s by studying early for PSATs, preparing for rigorous classes, or rushing for an internship, almost every student has their academics in mind this spring.
For underclassmen, what matters most is building a strong portfolio during their remaining high school years. Every student wants to impress colleges rather than overwhelm them, and underclassmen easily get caught up in overloading their schedules with what seems most outstanding without taking into account the difficulty. Sometimes, the key to planning how to be successful academically is listening to advice from those who have already gone through the same experience.
“Many colleges want a well-rounded student, in my opinion,” says senior Phoebe Miller, who will be attending Columbia University next year. “Students who pursue a passion and achieve a measurable impact, I think, are the ones who succeed in the college application process.”
Miller shares the basis of what makes a student strong on a college resume, highlighting the importance of having drive and enthusiasm. Miller states that students who maintain cohesiveness in academics and extracurriculars and have defining interests that they pursue and display excitement in often have more success when it comes to applying to college.
“There are many benefits to having a high score on your SAT,” says senior Everson Smith. “Some of which are honors placement in college classes based on perceived knowledge, not having to fear taking it again or taking it for higher standards (self-fulfillment or college-specific requirement).”
For students who are first trying to achieve academic success, deciding what to major in or what general career path to pursue is often the least of their concerns. However, finding an interest and sticking with it early on can open new doors for internships and overall show consistency in a student’s application.
“For my major, I applied for neuroscience,” says senior Kenny Sabisch, who will be attending Brown University next year. “I had an internship at We Are Blood, a local nonprofit where I worked on boosting high school involvement in blood donation and volunteering.”
When it comes to building a strong college resume, there are many factors that a student should take into consideration. Being involved in multiple extracurriculars or climbing to leadership status in just one has its benefits. Often, what interests colleges the most is the impression students have left on the community around them.
“Colleges want good, genuine people,” says Phoebe Miller, “Students who are excited to make a difference in the world and have made a positive impact on their community show colleges that they want to make a difference in what they care about.”
