Tips for Applying to College: Insights from a Columbia University Student
Published on: by SupertutorTV
- Introduction
- Introduction to Matthew's experience applying to college and getting into Columbia
- Matthew's extracurricular activities and achievements in high school
- Matthew's approach to crafting his application and essays
- Final notes on the college admissions process and advice for applicants
- Highlights
- FAQ
- See Also
Introduction
In this article, Matthew shares his experience applying and getting accepted into Columbia University. He provides valuable insights and tips for prospective college applicants.
Introduction to Matthew's experience applying to college and getting into Columbia
Matthew grew up in Southern California near the beach in the city of Santa Monica. He attended public schools his entire life, including a large public high school, Santa Monica High School. Despite the benefits of standing out in a large school, he faced challenges in winning scholarships and awards due to the competitive environment. Matthew always valued doing well in school and prioritized working hard in order to achieve success.
Throughout high school, Matthew maintained straight A's, took a total of 10 AP classes, and participated in community college courses. He focused on courses relevant to his intended major in engineering, such as math-heavy subjects like physics and chemistry. Time management played a crucial role in his academic success, allowing him to efficiently study for tests and manage his workload. Matthew's dedication to his studies ultimately paid off, as he excelled academically and earned recognition for his achievements.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Matthew was actively involved in extracurricular activities that he was passionate about. He played varsity tennis, participated in the school orchestra playing the cello, and worked towards achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. His involvement in these activities not only showcased his diverse interests but also demonstrated his commitment to personal growth and community service. As he delved into the field of engineering, Matthew embarked on independent projects to showcase his passion for the subject, such as building machines and entering competitions. Overall, Matthew's well-rounded profile highlighted his academic prowess, dedication to extracurricular activities, and genuine passion for engineering.
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Try it nowMatthew's extracurricular activities and achievements in high school
Matthew grew up in Southern California near the beach in Santa Monica and attended public schools his whole life. He attended a large public high school, Santa Monica High School, where he excelled academically. With straight A's, 10 AP classes, and involvement in community college and online courses, Matthew stood out as a valedictorian candidate among his peers. He focused on math-heavy courses relevant to his intended major in engineering, showcasing his dedication to his academic pursuits.
In addition to his academic achievements, Matthew participated in various extracurricular activities throughout high school. He played varsity tennis, cello in the school orchestra, and worked towards achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. He engaged in numerous community service projects and demonstrated his passion for activities he truly enjoyed. Matthew's well-rounded participation in different activities highlighted his commitment to personal growth and development outside of the classroom.
Moreover, Matthew's dedication to engineering extended beyond his academic coursework. He undertook independent projects such as building a subwoofer, a racing drone, and an electric longboard, showcasing his hands-on skills and innovative mindset. By engaging in an engineering club and participating in competitions, Matthew further demonstrated his passion and commitment to his future major. Overall, Matthew's extracurricular activities and achievements in high school not only reflected his academic excellence but also showcased his creativity, leadership, and passion for engineering.
Matthew's approach to crafting his application and essays
When it came to crafting his college application and essays, Matthew focused on highlighting his genuine passion for engineering and showcasing his unique experiences. He emphasized the importance of choosing activities and projects that he was truly interested in rather than solely focusing on what would look good on his application. By participating in activities that he was genuinely passionate about, Matthew was able to convey his authentic self and standout to admissions committees.
Matthew's approach to his essays involved delving into personal anecdotes and experiences that shaped his identity and aspirations. He explored his cultural background and the influence of his upbringing on his worldview, highlighting the diversity within his own household. By sharing specific stories and insights, Matthew aimed to provide admissions officers with a deeper understanding of who he was as a student and individual.
Furthermore, Matthew tailored his essays to align with the specific prompts of the colleges he applied to, such as Columbia University. He strategically connected his engineering interests to the core curriculum and research initiatives at the school, emphasizing his fit for the program. By showcasing his hands-on experiences and dedication to his major, Matthew effectively communicated his readiness to contribute to the academic community at Columbia and beyond.
Final notes on the college admissions process and advice for applicants
In sharing his final thoughts on the college admissions process, Matthew emphasized the unpredictable nature of the application journey. Despite his impressive academic and extracurricular achievements, Matthew acknowledged that acceptance decisions can be influenced by factors beyond one's control. He advised applicants to apply to a variety of schools and pursue activities they are genuinely interested in to increase their chances of success.
Matthew also highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. By demonstrating a passion for their interests and showcasing a well-rounded set of experiences, applicants can present a compelling narrative to admissions officers. Matthew encouraged aspiring college students to focus on pursuing activities that resonate with them and to approach the application process with authenticity and enthusiasm.
In conclusion, Matthew's journey to college acceptance serves as a reminder of the value of dedication, passion, and initiative in the admissions process. By showcasing his academic prowess, involvement in extracurricular activities, and genuine interest in engineering, Matthew exemplifies a holistic approach to college preparation. His advice for applicants underscores the importance of being true to oneself, exploring diverse opportunities, and embracing the journey towards higher education with confidence and determination.
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Try it nowHighlights
- Matthew emphasizes the importance of choosing courses wisely and good time management in maintaining academic success.
- He shares his strategies for achieving high test scores and excelling in AP exams.
- Matthew highlights the value of pursuing activities that one is genuinely passionate about.
- He discusses the significance of showcasing one's passion for their intended major through personal projects.
- Matthew emphasizes the unpredictability of the college admissions process and recommends applying to multiple schools.
FAQ
A: Matthew advises choosing courses wisely based on personal interest and developing good time management skills to stay on track with assignments and studying.
A: Matthew scored 2370 on the SAT, received 800's on SAT subject tests in Math, Physics, and Math 2, and earned all fives on his 9 AP tests.
A: Matthew played varsity tennis, was part of the school orchestra, and worked towards becoming an Eagle Scout, engaging in various community service projects.
A: Matthew started independent projects, such as building a subwoofer and a racing drone, and joined an engineering club to demonstrate his interest in the field.
A: Matthew recommends sticking to personal experiences and topics of genuine interest, such as his cultural identity and engineering projects, to create compelling essays.
See Also
Tips to Ace the SAT Math Section
Lessons from David Hogue's Journey to Harvard
How to Learn Vocabulary Using Mnemonics