What does it take to get into college today? Ask most parents and they may say good grades. Colleges give a more lengthy answer about how they want the most diverse student body available, and while grades and rigor are important, they want students who stand out within the application pool. Ask a teacher and the response may be the ability to think (add new catch phrase “critically”).
So what does it take to get into college today? The real answer is probably the same it was years ago -- a good academic record, good standardized test scores, good citizenship, extracurricular involvement, and -- oh yes -- supply and demand.
We struggle daily in advising our students and parents -- Should my child stay in an Honors class if he or she can’t maintain an A average? That’s the biggie and there is no one answer. For, the University of Georgia, the answer is probably no -- harken back to supply and demand. That is true for all highly selective colleges and always has been. The big difference is the addition of The University of Georgia to that list.
In 1993, the number of students benefitting from the HOPE Scholarship was 42,796. Last year, that number was over 198,000 -- the demand for one of the spots for admission has increased over 400%. That’s why it is so difficult to get into UGA and that’s why they are taking kids with 7-8 APs and SATs of 2200. As residents of the State of Georgia, you can no longer count on UGA to be the back-up school that it was for so many parents, no matter how badly we want that to be true.
Here’s the good news. There are thousands of colleges from which to chose, UGA being just one of them, and many colleges are looking for students who have challenged themselves by attending a college-prep school. Many are looking for students who challenged themselves further by taking more rigorous classes and make good grades in them (even Bs!), and many offer incredible scholarship opportunities. Most competitive colleges are still seeking those students who have succeeded in the most difficult course of study we offer. We are not all AP students, not all are great athletes or singers, not all can make straight As, but ALL our students can and will gain admission to college and ALL can succeed.
What does it take to get into college today? Proof of readiness and I can confidently say that our students/your child(ren) are ready. Should your child stay in the Honors class even if he or she doesn't get an A? Yes, if it works into his or her life without causing too much anxiety. Students are not recommended without thought and consideration.
Will your child be accepted to UGA? Maybe -- maybe not. Just remember there is a difference in the question "What does it take to get into college today?" and "What does it take to get into UGA today?" Unless and until the balance of supply and demand shifts, we are wise to consider all options.
