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How to Score an A+ with College Admissions Officers Be a Triple Threat: Combine Academics, Activities and Community Service

"How can I improve my chances of getting into the college of my choice?"
That's a question that college admissions officers hear frequently.

"How can I improve my chances of getting into the college of my choice?"
That's a question that college admissions officers hear frequently.

It's a good question since competition toughens each year as the number of college applications continue to climb. And although next fall seems far away, it's not too early for high school juniors to be thinking about their college applications and what they need to do to get into the college of their choice.

Admissions officers consider many factors when selecting members of each new freshman class.

Good grades will get a student's foot in the door, but a strong mix of athletics, extracurricular activities and community service will help them get through the doorway.Colleges want students who can succeed in and out of the classroom.

With this in mind, many high school educators are focusing on communicating how important it is to become a well-rounded student who shows a passion for the triple "S"
- scholarship, sports and service.

In some cases, administrators are partnering with organizations and companies that promote extracurricular activities and reward students for their efforts via national recognition programs.

In fact, a growing number of scholarships, like Wendy's High School Heisman (WHSH), are given to students based on their overall achievements rather than strictly on academics or sports.

Taking these factors into consideration, representatives from Wendy's High School Heisman and American College Testing (ACT) have partnered to provide advice to parents and students on how to score an A+ with admissions officers.

Here's a plan for success:

Grades and Test Scores Matter

Grade point averages make it very easy for admissions officers to set standard requirements, so focus on study skills and the classroom.

But remember to incorporate more challenging advanced placement or honors classes into the schedule because colleges like to see students stretching themselves.

This way, they will demonstrate academic strengths and, possibly even receive college credit.

Also, make summer breaks count.

Suggest that students study a second language in depth, volunteer, or get an internship.

Beyond the Books

Universities are looking for students who exhibit a passion for more than just schoolwork, but they prefer quality to quantity.

What matters most is the commitment shown in extracurricular activities, not how many joined. According to ACT chief executive officer, Richard L. Ferguson, the WHSH award exemplifies an honor that specifically recognizes a senior male and female each year who both excel not only in the classroom and in the field of play, but also in their community.

By answering the questions on the WHSH application, students gain a sense of what college admissions officers look for.

Give Back

Community service has become an essential part of a student's overall portfolio.

It demonstrates that they are active and responsible citizens, and may also lead to a rewarding career path.

Through volunteer work, students are exposed to other individuals from different backgrounds with the same interests as well as various organizations within their community.

Volunteering also provides a great platform for students to hone networking skills.

Cultivate Relationships

Since recommendations are highly regarded by admissions officers, urge students to develop relationships with high school faculty who can provide colleges with genuine insight on who they are. What a school says about its students speaks volumes. "When teachers get involved right away, students begin the process of cultivating relationships with faculty and other students,"
says Ferguson.

"In doing this, students gain fundamental skills such as leadership and the importance of giving back to the community.

This is why many high schools now require some form of service learning to graduate."


After applying to a college, students should show they're truly interested in it by keeping in contact with admissions counselors.

Let them know of recent achievements or seek information that is not available in the school's brochures.

Even contact a professor to inquire about their upcoming curriculum.

More than grades

Inquire about award eligibility.

Talk with the school's principal or guidance counselor to find out about award and scholarship opportunities.

In the 10 years the Wendy's award has been given, high school principals around the country have nominated nearly 100,000 seniors for this prestigious honor.

Besides excelling in academics and athletics, Wendy's High School Heisman nominees have also held other notable positions including class president, editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, and led community drug-awareness programs.

For more information on the Wendy's High School Heisman program, log onto www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com or call (800) 244-5161 to request a nomination packet for the 2004 program to be sent to the school administrator.

Courtesy of ARA Content

EDITOR'S NOTE: Contact: Bob Bertini, Wendy's International at (614) 764-3327, Bob_Bertini@Wendys.com or Michon Ellis, Ketchum Public Relations at (312) 228-6836, Michon.Ellis@Ketchum.com.

Image 1: Wendy's High School Heisman program is considered one of the most prestigious awards honoring well rounded students according to ACT.