Call Our Office
(559) 384-2900 | Fresno
(619) 480-1413 | San Diego
Your Money
Your Life
Your Way
Article

Are Good Grades the Key to College Admissions?

Are Good Grades the Key to College Admissions

While it may be true that your child needs to be a good student to compete for admission to a college or university, did you know there are steps you can take to increase their odds for being accepted?  Another big consideration is how your child can prepare for the long-term success of their higher education experience.

April 11, 2023
Are Good Grades the Key to College Admissions
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

If you were asked how best to prepare your child for college, you might say that a well-rounded high school curriculum would be a good start. It may be true that your child needs to be a good student to compete for admission to a college or university. Today, however, getting into college and graduating are two distinct challenges.

Admissions: Increasing the Odds

Each college and university has admission guidelines that are followed when applications are reviewed. Naturally, the first items most likely to be examined are your child’s high school academic record and SAT or ACT scores. However, academics are not the only items that catch the eye of an admissions officer.

Sometimes acceptance to a school depends on the applicant’s participation in extracurricular activities and his or her civic involvement. Many admissions committees are as interested in grades as they are in the quality and character of individuals who may attend their college or university. Therefore, it is important for your child to include a résumé of achievements, interests, and volunteer efforts with his or her application.

Any of the following may enhance your child’s college application:

Awards demonstrate formal recognition of an applicant’s ability to excel in a particular area.

Sports participation demonstrates an applicant’s competitive spirit and winning attitude, along with the ability to be a team player.

Extracurricular activities highlight an applicant’s enthusiasm, leadership qualities, and specific interests.

Volunteering or religious involvement can often indicate that an applicant is active in the community and possesses moral character and integrity.

Political activity can demonstrate an applicant’s strong leadership skills and awareness of current events.

Work experience may indicate motivation, responsibility, and a strong work ethic.

Hobbies and special interests can provide a better understanding of who the applicant is, in addition to highlighting areas of knowledge.

Building the Foundation for Long-Term Success

Many children today are exposed to an array of social pressures that may be unfamiliar to most adults. So parents and other role models may need to work harder to set positive examples and instill good values, in addition to teaching respect for others and emphasizing overall common sense.

Learn to Make Sound Choices

Besides making the grade academically, a candidate for college needs to demonstrate a good attitude. Parents can help children recognize the value of learning and how education is often linked to future success. Learning to make sound choices is equally important. Being an individual rather than a follower isn’t always easy, however, and your college-age children need ongoing encouragement to continually examine themselves and strive to reach their goals.

Although you hope your child will use sound judgment while navigating the maze of activities associated with college life, remember that maturing is a process, and there may be mistakes made along the way. The key is to encourage your child to learn from those mistakes, rather than keep repeating them. If you, as parents, and other role models can provide emotional support, encouragement, and guidance during these difficult years, the chances of your child transitioning smoothly to adulthood will be greatly enhanced.

Other content you may like

  • Planning Your Exercise & Your Financial Fitness

    Planning Your Exercise & Financial Fitness

    June 28, 2022
    Most people don’t prepare to invest and that’s a big mistake. Using the analogy of getting physically fit, this article explores ways that you can prepare for financial uncertainty in much the same way you spend your energy to prepare your body for the stress of a fitness goal or staying active and healthy into your golden years. Preparation matters.
    Read this Article
  • Do You Have FOMO When it Comes to Investing?

    Do You Have FOMO When it Comes to Investing?

    November 2, 2021
    Fear-of-Missing-Out is a very real emotion – but it can derail your portfolio. It’s a phenomenon that affects many aspects of our daily lives and it’s far more prevalent than you think. This article outlines some pitfalls of combining FOMO and your investments. It also suggests a strategy for your best chance to achieve long-term investment success.
    Read this Article
  • Time to Shop Your Cash plus GDP Surprises

    Time to Shop Your Cash plus GDP Surprises

    July 31, 2023
    In this review of July, Strong Valley team members Jason and Kyle talk about how important it is to shop your cash now that the rates make it worthwhile. They also discuss several surprises in the GDP and Housing Market, along with forecasts for rate hikes and the long predicted recession.
    Read this Article
  • Big Names are Driving Stock Performance

    Big Names are Driving Stock Performance

    June 13, 2023
    The Strong Valley advisor team, Kyle, Jason, Chris and Adam, discuss the top 8 performing stocks and their contribution to S&P 500 returns YTD, as well as the flip flop of what did bad vs what did good. They also delve into the extraordinary measures to be exhausted with the debt ceiling limit and much more economic overview. Answers to Top Questions from clients: What’s the impact of more bank collapses? What should we be changing right now?
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset