Starting in kindergarten, children are constantly told to do their homework and study hard for high grades. Parents and teachers have always stressed that achieving high marks in classes is the primary factor in the ability to go to college.
While GPA, test scores and schoolwork are certainly important, just submitting an application with these isn't enough to get you over the fence and into the college of your dreams. Most colleges these days look for more than just intelligent students. They want diverse leaders to make their college stand above the rest. They not only look at GPA and entrance exam scores, but also at athletics, clubs, activities and community service.
I talked to Carol Rubatt, who recently had two sons accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, one still in high school.
"When we first contacted Madison, they said that you needed to be in the top 10 percent of your class, score a 26 or better on the ACT and show leadership and volunteer in the community," she says. "Both my sons played sports and were captains of their respective teams, participated in FBLA and Honor Society and volunteered for many hours in the community just helping with things. However, I was surprised when my second son was accepted to Madison. He was only in the top 13 percent of his class and got a 24 on his ACT. But, he was still good in school, played three sports and had so much extra volunteer time and things that showed his leadership, that he was accepted."
Jeff Waggoner, a guidance counselor at Menomonee Falls High School, says that he's glad to see colleges looking at more than just the GPA and one test, the ACT.
"Good students who help the community and are actively involved in their school might not do the best on the ACT or might have a slightly lower GPA than others, but would be great additions to a college because of all the other things they do."
He also says that certain colleges have been harder to get into because of the increase of people applying.
Not all schools take extracurricular activity into account. Milwaukee School of Engineering's (MSOE) Dean of Enrollment Management Timothy Valley says that MSOE accepts applicants on merit alone.
"We found that extracurricular activities weren't predictive measures for success in students. Besides, how do you choose which activities are more important?"
Another factor that contributes to who gets accepted is much more controversial. Recently, the Board of Regents said that UW campuses would begin to take race into account for admission. This means that applications will be scrutinized regarding race and may or may not be accepted because of that. While it is obviously good to diversify campuses, some view this as racism.
So, with all this information out about how colleges are looking for more than just smarts, what are high school students doing these days to prepare for applications?
Caitlin, 16, says that she is taking accelerated courses, trying to get good grades and participating in sports and as many clubs as she can. She had this to say about colleges looking at extra-curriculars, "I understand that they want well-rounded people who will help their community, but it's hard to keep high grades along with doing extracurricular activities. I think that grades should be the biggest reason people are accepted."
When asked about the race factor Caitlin, who is white, says, "I understand why colleges take race into account, it's for more diversity. However, I think that the best PERSON should be accepted regardless of race."
Luke, 16, says that to prepare for college he is taking ACT prep courses, trying to get good grades in accelerated courses, and playing basketball to try and get a scholarship. "I think that it's cool that they are looking at extra-curricular activities because it gives people who aren't as smart a chance to go to college."
When asked about colleges taking race into account for admission, Luke, who is African-American, said, "I think that it's unfair. Color shouldn't matter. The best people should get in, the ones with the best application."
As a sophomore in high school, I'm beginning to look at where I want to go to college. At the same time, I'm juggling school, work, sports, church, extra activities, family and friends. I understand why colleges look at extracurricular and volunteer activities, but they need to realize that teenagers making the solid effort to reach that higher academic level don't have that much time. I believe that colleges should make extracurricular activities only a miniscule aspect of the application process. I concur with Caitlin and Luke that the race factor should be nonexistent, too. Whoever accomplishes the most, with the best grades should be accepted regardless of ethnicity or gender for that matter.
Do parents and teachers need to change their tune? Get out and shovel the neighborhood instead of finishing your homework? Is it better to have more interactive, socially adept students than brainiacs? We'll find out in the next 10-20 years as this and the next (my) generation begin to take over all the jobs. Will companies be run into the ground or turn double-digit profits? Only time will tell...
