In the past, you could get into college by passing the SAT
In the past, you could get into college by passing the SAT exams. Nowadays, there are so many things to prepare for that students are really stressed about the application process. This is a common commentary made by Korean parents of the “1.5” generation, who have graduated from American colleges. Their complaints center on the difficulties that their children are facing to get into college: Why is competition for admissions so steep? Why do applicants have to take so many exams, or provide so many documents?
“Nowadays, American universities demand a lot of things; not only a great SAT score, but also multiple activity records and various documents. I doubt I would make it if I were applying today,” one parent – a Harvard graduate – posted on the Harvard Parents’ Blog. “I had record of only one activity: fund raising by selling sandwiches on the street; today, even kids who have participated in internships at NASA or the NIH are passed up for admission at some prominent colleges. It’s mind blowing.”
Because of this situation, some Korean parents wonder whether they need to set up a plan for college admission when their kids are in the 8th or 9th grade – the idea is not that farfetched. But, the issue is not just about the kids.
Recently, the New York Times reported that kids today face one hurdle after another that they need to clear: First, they have to fight to get to college; then, they have to struggle to pay off an expensive tuition; and then, they must struggle to land a job after graduation. Today, this is the harsh reality for students aspiring to college – and life in general: tough competition for college entrance; high tuitions; and a poor job market. To overcome all of these difficulties, kids must arm themselves early. But how early?
“To get into a really good school, kids should try to be on the honors track by the 8th or 9th grade. They should pay close attention to their attendance and participation, and keep up a positive classroom attitude,” advises Dr. Michele Hernandez, the former admissions officer at Dartmouth.
With such high competition, even a student with straight As whose teacher recommendation notes “poor attendance” or “infrequent participation” will be passed over by the admissions board. Also, students who are shy or introverted should work on becoming more assertive and outgoing; American society seems to operate on the notion that “if you don’t ask, you don’t get.” This translates into having to be positive but forward too.
As a columnist, I want to suggest to Korean parents that if you want to send your child to a great college, follow this advice and start your kids on a detailed program in the 8th or 9th grade, in order to help them develop and maintain a positive attitude, good attendance record, and good class participation. This will have them on track in the 10th and 11th grades, when teachers really start to compile information for their assessments and recommendations.
In addition, Korean parents should consider detailed plans for each class or school year. Educators recommend that parents read the curriculum with their children and advise them on it. Otherwise, the student runs the risk of damaging his or her GPA by taking the wrong class, or one that is too hard. Students can always ask other students, teachers, or category_idance counselors about which classes to take. Parents and kids should give great consideration to the PSAT1/SAT2 exams, honors activities, extracurricular activities, volunteer service, sports, internships, and anything else that can be a positive note in a child’s transcript and recommendation letter. Finally, I want to encourage Korean parents and kids to plan well, plan early, and keep at it with a positive attitude. Achieve your dream!
By Yung-wan Jun, The Korean Daily News, 31 January 2011. Translated from Korean by Sun-Yong Reinish.