Changes in the College Application Platform
Harvard is leading the way with a newly formed consortium of about 80+ highly selective colleges called “The Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success.” Their over-all goal is to change the content and process of the college application. The following are three points from this new agenda that jumped off the page for me:
1. Students don’t need to stack extracurricular activities. Rather, their activities outside of the classroom must demonstrate quality not quantity. The choice of activities needs to show authenticity and commitment. Colleges would like to see fewer activities – they are looking for activities that actually enhanced the lives of others – activities that will allow the college an insight into the applicant.
2. Students don’t need to take every AP class. Students need to get more out of each class and "feel the learning". Some of the colleges are showing less confidence in the depth of learning by students in AP classes. Their confidence level in the quality of teaching by many AP high school teachers is waning.
3. Students need be aware that some of these colleges are making the SAT optional. Many have lost confidence in the quality of measurement of the SAT test.
The “game” is changing. You need a “coach” on your side.
February 4, 2016