Annabelle Springer ‘29, Student Life Editor
If a student were to talk to another high schooler, they will find that they have been told their whole life that if they take the hardest classes —and they do well— they will get into their dream college. While yes, this can be true for some at times, it may also be turning a blind eye to other aspects that go into acceptances and the different collegiate expectations. Of course grades, classes, and GPA make a big impact, but other aspects like coursework matching a planned field of study, extracurricular activities, and if a student will be a good fit on campus all go into a college’s decision on whether they will be accepted or not. It does not matter if a student is a freshman or a senior, knowing how to put themself ahead of the game is the difference between them being accepted or rejected.
For colleges, taking hard classes is one thing, but doing well consistently in them is another. Colleges typically like to see students challenging themselves and thriving in the process. This is because it shows initiative but it also shows being ready for next level classes and work loads that come with being a college student. Sophomore Yuee Bae says, “I’m taking the classes that I am taking because I want to show colleges in the future that I’m a good student and that I challenge myself with harder classes, even at my younger age.” Bae continues by reasoning she wants to stand out amongst other applicants by being academically competitive.
Coursework goes hand in hand with this in the sense that picking classes that are geared to a career interest, it will show your commitment and preparedness. For example, senior Anabelle Mangan said, “Personally, I take a lot of classes that pertain to what I want to do in the future and this has benefited me quite a bit.” Mangan also shares that beyond sophomore year, her electives specifically began to look more like science classes, which helped her explore the things she’s interested in doing professionally. The same could be done for anyone depending on their interests.
For instance, there are several classes about psychology, writing, social studies, and many more that could become electives for someone. This may help determine someone’s interest in specific subjects, and this works similarly in finding if they should avoid a subject as well. Picking classes and electives geared towards someone’s career path is extremely valuable.
It does not matter if someone is the starting quarterback or the president of the chess club, colleges love to see a student involved in extracurriculars. This helps them evaluate how a student spends and manages their time. Once you reach college, a student is considered an adult. Living on their own, working a job, and managing schoolwork is the expectation, not the goal. Any outside school endeavors helps to show a student’s leadership skills, and this doesn’t always mean being the captain of a team or the president of a club. Leadership can be shown without a label by organizing a food drive, skills camp, or even having a part-time job. It all goes back to taking initiative, how a student will step up in a situation. Getting involved in something, well recognized or not, shows initiative.
So, how does a student or college know if the other will be a good fit? Lots of students may tour a school to determine what a day to day would be like, what kind of people they will meet, and if this school would be a financially good fit for them. Also, a student’s college essay can be looked at by colleges to determine their goals, needs, and values. This means a student should consider the environment of a college and take time to make sure their essay properly reflects their values and goals.
Hopefully, when it comes to picking classes and colleges, South Lyon students will now be more prepared and decisive. High school is the perfect time to explore interests, strengths and weaknesses, and the expectations a student holds for themself and the future.
