Logan Seniors Accepted to Top Colleges

Analysis of statistics about early college admissions- acceptances that arrive November – January- are already all over the web. While some Logan underclassmen may be furtively scanning results, numbers, charts, and graphs, calculating admittance percentages and trying to solve (SAT II)x(community service)/(AP classes)^(weighted GPA)= acceptance into Yale. However, this data is pretty far removed from the reality of James Logan High School. To bring the results and realities of college admissions home to Logan students, the Courier interviewed three seniors who have been accepted into some of the best institutions of higher learning in the country- and abroad. They offer invaluable advice, free of charge.

Becoming a Strong Applicant

There is a wealth of advice out there about what could makes a high school senior a “strong candidate” for the Ivy League. It can be difficult to stand out when you’re one of tens of thousands paper applications to be skimmed over by admission counselors. The details are of importance. Transcripts do not have to display straight A’s, but can show hard-work and steady improvement. Many deans and officers say that a president of 2 or 3 extracurriculars is more impressive than a casual visitor to 15.

Brittany Deadwiler, class of 2015, has been welcomed into the Ivy League, admitted to Harvard University. In the 2014/2015 application period, Harvard has been the most selective Ivy, accepting 5.9% of hopefuls. When asked about what she believes made her a strong applicant, Deadwiler considered, “the diversity of my application” the most influential part. Throughout her years at Logan, Deadwiler has been deeply dedicated to sports, leading in both varsity basketball and varsity track and field. When not in the field, Deadwiler volunteered her time “as an assistant coach”. In her application, she highlighted the connection between her extracurriculars and her academic interest in orthopedic surgery, and medicine in general. Her application had the experience and demonstrated interest to back-up her educational dreams. Deadwiler stated she was glad she put her high school years towards gaining not just breadth, but “depth of knowledge”.

Applying to “Reach” Schools

Articles, blogs, and countless other sources advise prospective college students to recognize what is a “reach school” and to avoid choosing too many. According to the Princeton Review, “A ‘reach’ school is one where your academic credentials fall below the school’s range for the average freshman. Reach schools are long–shots, but they should still be possible.” However, attending a reach college in another country poses a chance for adventure, as one Logan student has discovered.

Senior Simran Johal has been invited to join the ranks of Jane Goodall, Stephen Hawking, and Tom Hiddleston, by attending Cambridge University. The English university is the second-oldest existing institution of higher education in the globe, established in 1209. She has been admitted into Sidney Sussex College, founded 1596. The Six-College system of UC San Diego is derived from institutes like Cambridge. Students are part of a small, “home-base” college, while still students taking courses and using resources of the entire university. Johal detailed her experience in applying to what is almost certainly a ‘reach’ school.

“I didn’t want to end senior year thinking, ‘Oh I should have applied to a really difficult school’. So, oh, I’ll apply to Cambridge!” Cambridge should be considered “difficult”, ranked by QS World University Rankings as the #2 in the world, and is viewed as #1 in the world among academics. Johal also did her research into aspects that would involve relocating to England. “I could pretty easily get citizenship there”- which would decrease future costs of attendance. Research led her to have to make a choice, “Do I want to apply to Cambridge or Oxford?” as the universities permit application to only one. “I like Cambridge’s programs better,” said Johal, who hopes to major in psychology. Cambridge is a strong 4th in the world for social science. “So then I applied.” Johal, who admits she “procrastinated like hell”, was offered a place in the university in mid-January.

Binding Yourself to The One “Perfect” College

Prospective college students should familiarize themselves with the terms Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA). Students with a clear preference to one school might consider submitting an application early, usually by late November. If accepted through ED, students are bound to and must attend that institution. If admitted through EA, students have until the normal deadline, May, to choose a school. One Logan senior made the decision to bind himself to a university, and ensure himself a slightly less stressful second semester.

Timothy Janicek will be attending George Washington University in Washington D.C. in September 2015. Janicek was considering Columbia, Boston University, and Carnegie Mellon. However, he chose to apply through George Washington’s binding Early Decision because “the probability of getting in was higher if I applied early. I thought it’d be more feasible because it was my #1 choice”. George Washington quickly became Janicek’s primary choice because of its location in the national’s capital. “It has an undergraduate school dedicated to my specific major, Conflict Resolution in International Relations. Washington is a very appropriate environment for that curriculum”. For students considering applying through a binding admission plan, Janicek offers some advice, “Do very in-depth research on the school, whether that be website, student contacts, alumni, actually visiting the campus– as it helps you envision what life might be like.” He also emphasizes the importance of an appropriate environment. Location is vital, acting as the basis or background of the curriculum. “If you put yourself  in a surrounding in which you feel encouraged to learn it will actually improve [your education].”

With this advice taken into consideration, Logan might see such excellent admission results in its next graduating classes.