Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Marcheta Fornoff

College admissions: 6 tips on getting in

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
UofM students
Students and staff members on the campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Jeffrey Thompson | MPR News file

The U.S. Department of Education projects that in the fall of 2016 about 20.4 million students will attend a post-secondary institution.

But before students can register for classes or declare a major, they have to be accepted first.

MPR News host Kerri Miller spoke with Brigid Lawler, the dean of admissions at Marlboro College in Vermont, and Matthew Struckmeyer, the director of college counseling at the Dunn School in California, about their tips for prospective students.

6 college admission tips

1) Ask what schools are looking for

Most schools have a page on their website that talks about the make-up of their student body. Take note of the average test scores, GPA and backgrounds of their students. For more specific questions about a school's priorities, don't be afraid to...

2) Pick up the phone

Schools list their admissions office's phone numbers for a reason. Call and ask a counselor how they prioritize their candidates.

3) Think beyond your borders

Tuition is one reason many prospective students limit their search to public universities near home, but it doesn't have to be.

Struckmeyer said that strong out-of-state candidates are often offered a "preferential package" for financial aid to help increase a school's geographic diversity.

4) Grades matter, but so do experiences

Test scores and GPAs are confined to a limited range, making it difficult for even high-scoring students to stand out. Experiences add depth to an application.

A resume that includes work and volunteering can help contextualize why a student might have lower grades, and enhance the prospects of a student who might fall in the middle of the pack for other parameters.

5) There's no need to "flex"

The essay portion of an application is meant to give you a chance to show your personality. Struckmeyer said you should use this space to show how you think, instead of reiterating your achievements.

6) Quality trumps quantity

When an application is overloaded with Advanced Placement classes, extracurricular activities and awards, it can look inauthentic. Lawler said that when she is looking at potential candidates, she tries to distinguish whether a student is truly engaged or if they are just checking off boxes.