No one knows exactly how every school goes about acceptance and elimination process, and no two schools follow exactly same guidelines. However, it’s safe to assume that they go about their arduous task something like this:

First, admissions committee assembles around a large conference table. Everyone is handed a huge pile of folders containing student transcripts, applications, essays, and countless letters of recommendations. No more than 15 to 20 minutes is likely spent on any one applicant! They then begin to eliminate unqualified students – those deficient in numbers.

Next, they look for professionally prepared applications with thought provoking, interesting, and grammatically flawless essays. They are most impressed with student resumes dating back ten years, detailing academic life, extra curricular activities including community service hours, and a cleverly written special essay, perhaps entitled, “Why I Must Attend The University of…” Admissions committees are ever on alert for uniquely talented students in arts, or those having demonstrated exceptional athletic potential. These factors all weigh heavily in final decision.

You cannot give birth to an acceptable student, nor can you adopt one, and I’ve never seen one listed in any mail order catalogue I’ve ever read. Acceptable students are made, not born, by families determined to see their children successful in life. To create one; to insure pre-high schoolers have every possible advantage to succeed and go on to their college of choice, stage must be set early in preparation for high school years.

If student’s home is a circus, and not conducive to studying, it’s time for some major changes. Students must have access to a comfortable place to study with virtually no distractions. A bare minimum of 1½ to 2 hours each night should be devoted to schoolwork, and students should maintain a normal daily routine including a healthy diet and eight hours of sleep.

Ideally, college-bound students should not be left alone without supervision for long periods of time, certainly no longer than 24 hours! They should not spend more than 15 hours each week on non-academic activities, and would be ill-advised to regularly burn midnight oil. The benefits of a good night’s rest cannot be overstated.

All students should begin by electing to take courses with college in mind. By time they enter 12th grade, they will have created right posture to make admission committees stand up and take notice.

America is knee deep in an unsung higher education crisis that is affecting families from all walks of life. Most high school parents are not skilled in college admissions, and vast majority of those braving financial aid process without professional help fall victim to a system plagued by complication and confusion. According to Dept. of Education, overwhelming majority of those applying for financial aid are initially rejected for errors and inconsistencies! Adding to problem is rampant misinformation, even from so-called reliable sources.

Yet, despite these obstacles, and contrary to what most college-bound families believe, regardless of financial resources, paying for college is not your main concern! Getting accepted to college is number one priority! All of financial aid available is useless without an admission ticket!

To ensure a student’s college education, planning must begin early - no later than 9th grade! This may seem premature, but starting any later could be higher education suicide! The student must be made presentable to schools, and that cannot be done overnight. It takes lots of planning, patience, and most importantly, student must be motivated to succeed.