What's Your Admissions Strategy Gap?

Question 1

Which best describes your current application strategy?

Accepted Answer

I don't really have a clear strategy yet; I've started thinking about it, but it feels scattered; I have a plan, but I'm not confident it's strong enough; I feel confident in my strategy so far

Question 2

When you think about your college essays, which best describes where you stand?

Accepted Answer

I have no idea what to write about yet; I have a general topic but haven't started drafting; I have a draft but I'm not confident it's strong enough; I feel clear on my essay direction and main story

Question 3

How would you describe your extracurricular profile right now?

Accepted Answer

I do a few activities but have no real leadership roles; I care about one or two activities but haven't pursued leadership; I hold a leadership role in at least one activity; I have a clear 'spike' or defining extracurricular narrative

Question 4

How settled is your target college list?

Accepted Answer

I haven't started thinking about specific schools yet; I have a rough list but haven't researched fit deeply; I have a balanced list (reach / match / likely) and know why; My list is finalized and I've started researching each school

Question 5

How would you rate your academic profile relative to your target schools?

Accepted Answer

My GPA or course rigor isn't where I'd like it to be; My grades are fine but I could be taking harder courses; My academic record is strong, but my test scores are lagging; My GPA, rigor, and test scores are all competitive for my targets

Question 6

When you imagine your 'story' to admissions officers, what feels weakest?

Accepted Answer

I haven't thought about having a story yet; My story exists but I don't know how to communicate it in essays; My story is clear but my activities don't fully back it up; My story, activities, essays, and rec letters all point in the same direction