College Application Seminar (6.11.2022)

Mark Zhang
Nov 27
2 min read

On June 11, 2022, the student board members Andy Gu, Jayden Lu, Rishabh Dave, and Cordelia Li hosted an informative College Application Seminar. The session aimed to help high school students better understand the college admissions process and learn effective strategies to strengthen their academic and extracurricular profiles.

During the seminar, panelists reflected on their own high school experiences and shared insights on what they wished they had done earlier to improve their application outcomes. They emphasized the importance of consistent academic performance, meaningful extracurricular engagement, and early preparation.

Key topics discussed included:

How to enhance the application process during high school Students were encouraged to explore interests early, pursue long-term commitments, and build authentic achievements rather than chasing quantity.
Productivity tips and how to stay focused Panelists shared tools such as digital planners, time-management apps, and note-taking platforms that helped them avoid distractions and maintain efficiency.
Choosing the right college They advised students to consider academic programs, campus culture, financial factors, and long-term career goals when choosing between similar schools.
When to start writing applications Rising seniors were recommended to begin drafting personal statements during the summer to avoid last-minute pressure.
College interviews and campus visits The speakers explained what students can expect during interviews and highlighted the value of campus tours in understanding student life.
For students without a clear passion They encouraged exploration through clubs, volunteering, internships, and self-reflection to discover genuine interests.
Extracurriculars vs. GPA While extracurriculars help showcase individuality, the panelists stressed that GPA and course rigor remain the foundation of a strong application.
Recommendation letters Students should seek letters from teachers who know them well—ideally requested near the end of junior year.
Standardized test scores They discussed the impact of SAT/ACT in today’s test-optional environment and recommended submitting strong scores when possible.
Essay editing Trusted mentors, counselors, and experienced peers can provide constructive feedback, but students should ensure their voice remains authentic.

The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, where attendees received personalized advice. Overall, the event provided valuable guidance for students navigating the college admissions journey.