Year after year, parents and students come to our offices for assistance with high school and college admission planning.  While the questions vary as to the nature of the student’s needs, most often the theme of the question is what does it take to gain acceptance to a top college choice.

Parents and students want to know how college admission staffs evaluate an applicant:

• What emphasis is placed on curriculum like AP, IB, and Honors courses?
• Do admission personnel look at weighted or un-weighted GPA? How do they see class rank? What if our school does not rank?
• How many and which activities should my son or daughter participate in?
• When should the student take SAT/ACT? SAT Subject Tests?
• How should a student use the summer?
• How many service hours are sufficient?

While the answers to these questions and those like them are always customized to the particulars of the student’s profile and aspirations, we have created a framework to give a rough sketch of an ideal 4 year high school plan.  We do not suggest that following this blueprint exactly is the right solution for every student, but rather offer the document as an outline of what it takes to be admitted to a top 150 university.  Your child, family, and advisers should use the blueprint as a point of discussion and reflection in order to plan appropriately for a fruitful high school experience and a competitive application at top choice colleges. Of course, if you have questions or need assistance, you can contact us any time for help at 713-784-6610.  Click here to download our blueprint for high school and college admission success.