This document provides tips for high school students applying to college. It discusses choosing schools based on fit rather than name, focusing on location, size, academics and student life. Liberal arts colleges are described as having small class sizes, politically liberal populations, beautiful campuses, and good food. Myths about liberal arts colleges are debunked, noting they are not necessarily easier to get into than large universities and often have famous alumni. The document advises choosing a major based on a school's programs and location, being decided or able to switch easily. It compares early action and early decision applications, emphasizing passion and leadership in extracurriculars and essays. Tips are provided for interviews, discussing finances realistically, and handling

1. Tips from the Class of 2012

2. Choosing Schools
It’s not about the name
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESE
ARCH
–
Location, size, academics,
student life
Choose colleges that
personally fit YOU, not anyone
else

3. Liberal Arts Colleges (LACs)
Small People
• Typically politically liberal
• Discussion oriented classes
• “Quality of Life” is generally very
(usually less than 20
high
students per class)
• Predominantly Caucasian
• The school itself is small • Well Rounded
• Leadership Stunning Campus
Undergrad Oriented • Usually has beautiful
• Research opportunities infrastructure with extensive
• Professors are there to help nature reserves
you Delicious Food
• Flexible curriculum • LACs have great
vegetarian, organic, kosher, etc.

4. Cons-Myths… Busted!
LACs are
easier to get
in to than big
universities?
FALSE!

5. Cons-Myths… Busted!
LACs will get you nowhere.
FALSE!
• 20 of 50 “Top Feeder
Schools” that send
students to the most elite
business schools,
medical schools, and law
schools are LACs.

6. Cons-Myths… Busted!
There are no famous alumni from LACs: False!
Hilary Clinton: Wellesley
US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Johnson: Middlebury
Flickr founder, Caterina Fake: Vassar
20th President of the USA James A. Garfield: Williams
Former Prime Minister of Singapore Goh Chok Tong: Williams
Author of The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown: Amherst
Steve Jobs: Reed

7. Choosing a Major
Be mindful about the programs
that your school offers, as well
as the area that your school is
located in
Choose wisely – know what you
want to pursue as a career
Undecided? Choose a school
that lets you switch easily

8. EA/ED vs RD
EA – Motivates you to start essays early
ED – Only if you’re 100% sure
How to make the right decision

9. Financial Aid
Be aware of your financial
situation
Be dreamy, yet realistic
Stick to schools that offer you
aid, disregard those that don’t
Stand out from the crowd – What
can you offer this school?

10. Extracurriculars
Quality always >
Quantity
PASSION + do what
you love
Initiative +
Leadership

11. Essays
VOICE
Be yourself & know yourself
Be passionate
Write what you want to write, not
what you think admissions officers
want to hear
Start early & ask for feedback

12. Interviews
Live Interview VS. Skype Interview
Confident, but not cocky
Show what your resume hasn’t already!
Prepare questions & know the school

13. Talking To Your Parents
What happens when
you and your
parents don’t see
eye to eye about
your college/career
selection?

14. Final Words
Be mindful of deadlines
Depth > Breadth
BE PASSIONATE
Your counselors are your in-school mommies
and daddies
ENJOY HIGH SCHOOL!!!

15. Questions?