The Top 10 Things ThatColleges Are Looking For
byBonnie L. Sudduth
编者按:良好的学业成绩是申请国外大学的必要条件,但是仅仅成绩是远远不够的,以下摘选了BonnieL. Sudduth《The Top 10 Things ThatColleges Are Looking For》,希望对有志于出国留学的家庭提供一些参考。
1. Good Grades/Class Rank
Grades are one of the most important componentsthat colleges will be looking at. You should have a Grade Point Average (GPA)that reflects hard work. Your grades should show an upward trend. If you got afew C’sin 9th grade, your grades in 10th grade should consist of more A’s & B’s. Each year in high school should see a rise inyour GPA. This shows that you are working hard to improve.
The most competitive colleges are looking for anA or B+ average. In conjunction with this the difficulty of coursework will betaken into consideration with GPA. How challenging are the classes that youhave taken?
Class rank will show where you rank in relationto your classmates—thehigher the BETTER! A higher rank reflects that you have worked harder thanothers in your class.
1. 良好的成绩及班级排名
高中平时成绩是大学最重视的部分。你应该有一个反映你认真学习的平均学分绩点(GPA)。你的成绩单要呈上升趋势。如果你在9年级有几个C,你在10级应该得更多的A或B。在高中你的GPA每年都在提高。这表明你正在不断努力提高。
最有竞争力的大学寻求平均分是A或B+的学生。GPA会把课程的难度考虑在内。要看你上的课有多少挑战性?
班级排名显示在你的同学中相对位置,当然越高越好!较高的排名表明你比班上其他人更努力。(并不是每个中学都有排名)。
2. Challenging Classes
You should take a variety of challenging classesin several academic areas. If you love science, you need to show some diversityin your class selection. Do not take only science classes. Include some coursesin other academic areas; such as, math, foreign language, English, etc.
If your school offers them, include some AP,Honors, or GT classes.
Every college provides information on the basicnumber of courses that you must take in each discipline in high school. Try toexceed the minimum required by the college. If they require two years offoreign language, try to take at least three.
2. 具有挑战性的课程
你应该上一些在不同领域各种具有挑战性的课程。如果你热爱科学,你需要在你的选课中表现出一定的多样性。不要只上科学类的课,包括一些在其他学术范畴的课程,如数学,外语,英语,等等。
如果你有条件,选一些AP课(大学的课),荣誉班,或天才班的课。
每个学院对高中各学科课程的都有基本数量的要求。尽量超越的大学的最低要求。如果他们需要两年的外语,你至少要上3年。
3. Do Your Best on Standardized Tests
The tests that most colleges are looking for arethe Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or the American College TestingAssessment (ACT)
There are also SAT Subject Tests. Some of themore selective colleges may require that you take up to three of these.
Your test scores should be consistent with yourgrades. If you get a high score on your test, but you have a low GPA, thismight reflect that you are not working hard to achieve good grades. Collegeswant to see someone who is willing to put forth effort in the classroom.
NOTE: There are some colleges that do notrequire standardized tests.
3. 在标准化考试中做到最好
大多数高校的会看学术能力测试(SAT)和/或美国学院测试评估(ACT)SAT还有专项科目考试。选择性强的院校可能会要求您考三个科目的SAT。
你的平时成绩和你的考试成绩应该是一致的。如果您在标准测试中得到了很高的分数,但你的GPA比较低,这可能反映了你平时不够努力争取好成绩。大学想见到的是在课堂上努力的学生。
注意:有一些院校不要求标准化测试。
4. Extracurricular Activities
Something to keep in mind about this category isthat your activities should demonstrate your interests. You should participateas a leader or make a significant contribution to those activities in which youare involved.
Try to have activities that show that you careabout the world outside of the classroom. Your participation will be anindication as to what type of citizen you will be for the college community. Itis better to have a few activities to which you dedicate a significant amountof time (one to three activities). A long list does not impress admissionscommittees.
4. 课外活动
对这类的东西要注意的是你的活动应该表现出你的兴趣。您应该作为一个领导者参与这些活动,并有显着的贡献。
参与的课外活动要表明你关心的教室外面的世界。您的参与会表现出你将来可能在高校社区会扮演什么类型的公民。
最好是不要太多个活动,重要是要显示您奉献了大量的时间(一到三个活动)。一个长长的清单不会给招生委员会留下深刻的印象。
5. A Well-Written Essay
Include much thought in the selection of theessay topic for each application. Create an essay that reflects who you are.
Write and rewrite your essay. Create a finaldraft. Proofread for errors.
It is extremely important that you allowadequate time to create an essay that is a reflection of who you are.
You want to create an essay that makes you standout from the other applicants. This is YOUR marketing tool—be original!
5. 一个写得很好的作文
仔细思考为申请每个学校的作文主题。写出一篇反映你自己文章。
不断修改你的文章。最终草案一定要校对错误。花充足的时间写好一篇反映了你是谁的文章是非常重要的。
您的文章要让你从其他申请者中脱颖而出。这是你的营销工具,要原创!
6. Community Involvement
Colleges are looking for involvement inactivities that demonstrate your commitment to the community. Your involvementshould exhibit that you are trying to improve and make a difference for others.
Use an activity that exhibits your passion. Someexamples are involvement with the young, elderly, or needy in your community.You might volunteer with a community health organization such as the Red Cross.Help out at the local animal shelter or with a group that is involved withanimal rescue.
6. 社区参与
大学想看到的你参与的活动展示你对社区/社会的责任和贡献。您的参与应该表现出你正在努力改善他人的生活,让他人的生活因你而不同。
参与的活动要表现出你的热情。一些例子包括帮助你的社区里的小孩,老人,或残疾人的活动。您可以在社区卫生机构,如红十字会等做志愿者,或在当地的动物收容所帮忙。
7. Meaningful Use of Free Time
What did you do last summer? Colleges want tosee activities that demonstrate maturity, dedication and responsibility.
Some examples might be work experience, summeractivities such as camp or travel, taking community college classes,participating in internships, volunteering, and involvement in social advocacyactivities.
7. 有意义的使用“自由时间”
去年夏天你做了什么?大学希望看到你参加展示成熟,事业心和责任感的活动。
例如增加工作经验,参与暑期活动,如夏令营或旅行,在社区大学上课,参加实习,志愿服务和参与社会宣传活动。
8. Letters of Recommendation
Be very selective when choosing the person whowill write your letters. Usually you will request a teacher, employer, coach,religious leader, club sponsor or mentor to do this for you.
Ask the person in a very polite manner if theywould consider writing your letter. Give more than adequate time for the personto write the letter. Provide a resume to the writer. Write a thank you note tothe letter writer to show that you appreciate their assistance.
8. 推荐信
选择谁写你的推荐信是非常关键的。通常您可以要求老师,老板,社区领袖,教练,俱乐部的赞助商或导师为你写推荐信。(一定要找了解你喜欢你的人)
要以很有礼貌的方式请求推荐人帮你写信。给推荐人足够的时间写信。给推荐人一份你的简历。过后别忘了写信感谢推荐人的帮助。
9. Awards
Colleges are looking for anything that makes youunique!! Keep track of any awards that you might receive from the community orschool.
Honors for recognition of accomplishments arealso important; such as, perfect attendance or making the honor roll.
Anything that you have done that marks yourevidence of talent is also important. Sometimes an admissions committee islooking for the outstanding pianist or the award-winning photographer.
9. 各种奖项
大学院要看你独特的的东西!保存您收到的由社区或学校颁发的任何奖项。
对所取得的成就的认可也很重要,如全勤的光荣榜,或优等生光荣榜。
你曾经做过的任何表现在某些方面特殊才能的事情也很重要。有时候一个招生委员会正在寻找杰出的钢琴家或屡获殊荣的摄影师。
10. Who You Are?
Colleges want students who exhibit goodcharacter and have desirable personal qualities. They are looking for someonewho will make a positive contribution to the college community.
Demonstrated interest is also taken intoconsideration when looking at potential freshmen candidates. Have you taken thetime to visit the campus? How many times have you had any contact orcommunication with the admissions office?
10. 你是谁?
大学希望学生表现出良好的性格和可取的个人品质。他们要找的是可能为大学社区做出了积极的贡献的人。
表现出对学校的兴趣也是在寻找潜在的新生候选人的考量之一。你花时间参观过大学校园吗?你有过几次和招生办公室接触或沟通?
After reading over this list, decide which areasyou need to work on to improve your candidate status. Make your admission in toone of your top-choice schools a reality.
看完这些,哪些方面你觉得还有待改进,以改善您的候选人状况?让进入你的理想大学成为现实。
上海教科实验中学加拿大课程选摘
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