Experts Urge Authenticity on College Applications

The pressure is on for millions of prospective college students nationwide. Universities have become increasingly selective, leaving some students worried that they don’t have what administrators want.

Sacred Heart University admissions officer Robert Gilmore wants applicants to understand that the activities students do outside of the classroom is just as important as how they excel in the classroom.

“We’re going to look at your application, we’re going to look at your essay, we’re going to look at your GPA, we’re going to look at what you’ve been involved in,” said Gilmore. “But we want to see you as a person.”

He and his University of Connecticut counterpart, Nathan Fuerst, agree. More students should use the different facets of the application as a way to showcase their strengths, whether it be a well-written essay, success in extracurricular activities, or thought-provoking letters of recommendations from peers.

“The most important thing for students is to be genuine and authentic,” adds Fuerst.

In-person interviews are another tool worth utilizing depending on its availability.

“We interview thousands of students each year,” said Gilmore. “And we want that ability to connect.”

Both Gilmore and Fuerst also urge students immerse themselves in the campus before they apply. There, they should befriend some of the university’s students to get their perspective on how they like campus life.

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