Have a look at some of the common myths (误区) about college admissions in the US.
Of course, your grades matter. But many students with perfect scores have been rejected because they didn't have anything else to set them apart.
Actually, what really matters depends on the classes you took, based on the offerings at your high school. Some schools offer more advanced courses than others, and a B in one of these more challenging courses can signify a higher level of mastery than an A in a grade-level class at a school. Many admission officers look for an upward trend and improvements over time that enable a student to finish strong.
The more clubs and activities, the better
. Being committed to key interests is more important than joining a lot of clubs. Colleges look for depth and potential leadership, not just participation. For example, your competitive swimming experience and working your way up to team captain add something really important to your strong academic record.
Some students simply don't have time for clubs and sports because they might need to take care of younger sisters and brothers after school or hold a part-time job. .
Ask for a recommendation only from a teacher who gave you an A
The best person to ask for a letter of recommendation isn't necessarily a teacher who gave you an A.. You might choose the teacher who taught your most difficult class, for example, or a class you thought you wouldn't like but did.
A. Talk to the admission officer in person
B. Getting all A's is the most important thing
C. Colleges usually measure applicants in terms of test scores
D. And don't be discouraged if your grades weren't good early in high school
E. In that case, they would do well to focus on what they get out of such work
F. Quality means more than quantity when it comes to extracurricular activities
G. It's better to go to a teacher who can show a different side of you to the college
