Application Tips From a Veteran

Application Tips From a Veteran Man oh man has it been a stressful couple of weeks! We are in the middle of midterm season here at the University of Illinois, but Im writing to you to talk a little bit about the application process! So right about this time last year, I was applying to this amazing school just like all of you, and there are a few things that contributed to my success that I would love to share with you. First off, I cant stress enough how important it is to be yourself. If you are a unique person with special talents, do not be afraid to show those talents off! In the essay portion of application, you can, and should, do something a little different if you feel comfortable doing so! Perhaps begin your essay with a story that relates to the assigned topic, or have an abstract idea, such as an allegory, present throughout your essay. As far as the academic/extra-curricular information goes, do not hold back. If you have done something impressive throughout your high school career, then find a way to put that information in the application! Your accomplishments reflect greatly on the person that you are, and make sure to document any and ALL of your leadership experiences. Those will be a huge part of what the admissions office will be looking for. DO NOT FORGET!!! YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR TEST SCORES/GRADES. If all the admissions office cared about was your academics, then the application would be much shorter! The statistics on a college board with the average test scores and GPA for admission into a specific college are not the only determining factors. I would like to think that my experiences, along with my brain capacity, are what allowed me to become a student at this outstanding university. So as you finish your applications and await the decision date on February 5, just take a while to sit back, relax, and enjoy your senior year! Everyone says it, but it will be over before you know itâ€"it’s true. Enjoy those homecomings, proms and football games, and do not get too upset about leaving, because you have so many more opportunities to make memories wherever life may take you. PLEASE feel free to ask me any questions. I would love to talk to some prospective students! Alec Class of 2019 I'm double majoring in Economics and Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. I'm from a small town across the river from St. Louis called Waterloo, Illinois.