Getting accepted begins with getting noticed!

I recently read a great article by Kerrie Troseth, a guidance counseling expert, on how to build a relationship with your future college admissions department. She recommends that students -- not parents -- make contact first. College admissions officers want to enroll students who are dedicated to pursuing their educations and who show dedication through "demonstrated interest".

So, how do you demonstrate your interest in a college? First, you need to do a little digging and find out why this college interests you.  Check out the college's website, read articles and blogs about the campus, and check out campus tour videos. Once you have a pretty good list of questions and topics of interest, you are ready to introduce yourself to the admissions officer.

How to get on the admissions radar:

    * Establish communication: This gets your file started!
    * Ask informed questions: Read through the college website and ask specific questions about the admissions process.
    * Establish a communication plan with the admissions officer: When should you call or email with additional information?
    * Request deadlines for the application and financial aid processes.
    * If the college admissions officer asks about your current high school courses, respond promptly. You should also ask for AP or Honors course recommendations.

If this college is becoming one of your top college picks, take action and schedule a campus visit.

*Try to get a "custom tour" that focuses on your needs and interests, rather than a standard run-through.

*Get a look into the facilities where you will be spending your time as a student (science labs for scientists, performance halls for musicians and actors, sports fields or courts for athletes, etc.)

*Pay careful attention to dining facilities and their inhabitants. You need to know what you are going eat and who you are going to eat with for four years.

*If you have your heart set on your future major, ask to meet with the department head and ask questions about your future field of study.

*Tour all of the dorms and try to visit in the daytime and at night. Communal living is a new experience for most people and you need to see if you can thrive in this type of environment for four years!

*When you find a college that may be right for you, see if you can participate in a summer program or camp by registering through the college.

As Kerrie mentions in her article, most high school students flood admissions offices with applications to colleges they have never even tried to contact before!

My advice: Stand up and get noticed early! Not only will you have a much better shot at "getting in"- you also have a much better idea about the college that you are getting into.