Confidence Key for College Applications

Tuesday night at the Montville Township Public Library, high school students and their parents got a lesson in navigating the college application process.

Maryanne Melnyk, Guidance Supervisor from James Caldwell High School, gave a presentation on college prep from her perspective as both an educational guidance professional and a parent of two daughters. 

She said the process of getting students into college involves all four years of high school, with a focus on   strength of the program, maintaining good grades, GPA and rank, absences, and tardiness.

“It’s gotten more competitive," she said. "Colleges look at your GPA, but also the strength of your program. They get a perspective of what your school is like and they rate you. They want to see an upswing."

She pointed out that colleges continue to track students during senior year, after they have been accepted, so students need to focus on not getting complacent.

“You need to challenge yourself,” she said. “If you get a B in an AP class, it shows that you’re challenging yourself. If you get a C, maybe you shouldn’t be in there.”

Regarding the SAT, Melnyk recommended taking it twice in the spring of junior year, first in March, then May or June, with some type of prep in between. She said the SAT shows critical reading, math, and writing, and knowing how to take the test makes a big difference.

“You can’t use the excuse, ‘I’m not a good test taker,’” She said. “Colleges expect students to prep for the SAT.” 

According to Melnyk, October or November is the time to apply for college. Most kids, according to her, apply to between six and eight colleges. With application fees of anywhere from $50 to $75, it is important to narrow down your choices, she said.

“Start by developing a list of eight to ten schools, checking them out online, plugging in your numbers and scores, and visiting them when students are on campus,” she said. “Public is cheaper, but private gives out more money to students.”  

Addressing college fairs, like the ones that take place at Montville High School through the year, Melnyk said that the sheer number of schools can be daunting.

“It’s overwhelming, so target a few schools and be prepared with questions,” she said. “These representatives are the people who will be reading your application. They will write down that you spent 15 minutes talking to them, which will work in your favor.” 

Regarding the application itself, Melnyk said that a good essay and a sense of self-promotion can both be helpful.

“The essay is especially important,” she said. "It tells the college who you are, your values, goals, and accomplishments. Try to be creative and unique. Colleges want to know what you do with your time, to make sure you’re not home playing 'Dungeons & Dragons'. This is not the time to be humble.” 

She recommends starting the activity sheet portion of the application in junior year, using a format that makes it stand out at a glance.

“Do it now, get it in a word document. Make it look pretty later,” she said.

Once a student is accepted, most colleges provide three days to a week in August for orientation, team-building, and adjusting to the campus. For some kids, this will be their first time away. Melnyk says it is an excellent time to get out there and adjust to living away from home. 

 “It’s about time management,” she said. 

According to Melnyk, children will gain in maturity and independence the first two years of college. Parents can expect to see a change. 

 “Colleges are now reporting a six-year graduation rate, but you can do it in four years,” she said. Keep a strong program and stick with it.” 

For more information, contact Maryanne Melnyk at mam24@optonline.net, or 973-263-0817.