Admissions Expertise If I haven’t found the right extracurriculars, can I still appear to be a dedicated student? To find those talents and interests, speak to your friends about their activities, attend an organization expo at your school, or search the database of community service opportunities in your area. Something will grab your attention and pretty soon you will have a new interest. Colleges are looking for students who will enrich the extracurricular community on campus so be sure you demonstrate your ability to be a contributor on campus by writing about your interests in an essay or describing your involvement in the activity on your resume or activity section of application. 270 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. In all of your years working with students, what were some of the most unexpected admissions successes you witnessed? Recently, I met a talented young man who had been rejected twice (once during high school and again during his gap year) by the same highly selective university. Somewhat desperate for appropriate next steps, his parents contacted me. Long story short, this terrific student enrolled at University of St. Andrews in Scotland the following fall. St. Andrew’s was a perfect match for his international interest, academic strengths, and career focus. He is thrilled with his experience (and secretly happy he was rejected by his then, first choice university. We all think St. Andrews turned out to be his dream school. 835 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. How can I work with schools to boost my financial aid? Are there other sources of student aid? Your question is a great one. It points to the importance of filling out the financial aid applications. The Expected Family Contribution is determined through a need-analysis formula, taking into consideration income and assets of you and your parents. Your “need” is the difference between the college cost and your EFC. Most colleges require the FAFSA, some require the CSS Profile, and still others use an institutional form. You should immediately contact the financial aid officers, first by letter and then by phone and explain the situation. FAOs will try to work with you to adjust your financial aid package. 58 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. To find scholarships, where should I look, what's needed of me, and which ones seem craziest? Your desire to partner with your parents is admirable. Begin by creating a profile with several scholarship search engines, including fastweb.com, cappex.com and collegeboard.com. Your unique qualities (including your academic and social interests, family and birth circumstances, gender, political persuasion, geographic location, sexual orientation, handedness, health, and more) will be matched to scholarships from many sources. When applying, be sure you stay within the word limit, remain on topic, be concise, adhere to all grammar and spelling rules, and if possible, be creative. Scholarship committees are looking for students who are bright, interesting and represent their mission. Best of luck! 619 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed.