Getting In

Can What You Post on Facebook Prevent You From Getting Into College?

sat_review

Find out what kinds of posts will make admissions officers think twice before admitting you. More...

 
Gaming the SAT

What Red Flags Can Kill Your Application?

Can your application be pronounced dead at the scene because of a single mistake? Jenny Rickard, chief enrollment and communications officer at Bryn Mawr College, reveals a few "red flags" that can kill your chances.

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We Regret to Inform You

What Makes a Great College Essay?

What if I don't have anything to say? How will they know if someone else helps me write it? Our panelists share their tips on writing the essay that will get you in the door. More...

 
Making the Most of Your Second Choice

What Are Admissions Offices Like Behind the Scenes?

Ever wonder what happens to your application after you click "submit"? Find out how admissions officers will tear it apart, put it back together and decide whether you'll make the cut.

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Making the Most of Your Second Choice

If Your Parents Are Too Involved, Can They Hurt Your Chances?

When it comes to getting help with your college application, how much is too much? Our panel reveals which parental efforts can actually hurt their child's chances of getting in.

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Choosing A College

When Choosing A College, What Really Matters?

When Choosing A College, What Really Matters?

How heavily should you weigh a college’s prestige? Should you take the size of its student body into account? What about cost? Find out what matters—and what doesn’t—as you go through your college search. More...

 
Find Out What A College Is Really Like

Find Out What A College Is Really Like

There’s a lot more to a college than what goes on inside the classroom. From the people to the dorms to the off-campus scene, get an inside look at everything that will have a big impact on your college experience. More...

 
Is There A Perfect School For You?

Is There A Perfect School For You?

Wondering if you’ll make the cut at your dream school? So are tens of thousands of other students like you. Get insight on getting in from admissions directors, college counselors, and undergrads who’ve made it through the process. More...

 
Are the Ivies Worth The Price?

Are the Ivies Worth The Price?

Does a college’s reputation really matter? Find out how families are weighing price against prestige during the economic downturn, and hear opinions from both students and experts on whether it’s worth the cost to attend a brand-name college.

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Paying For It

Cash for College

Cash for College

With the economic downturn throwing families’ savings into jeopardy, it’s becoming harder than ever to afford a college education. We’ve got the inside track on saving for college, and what you need to do to get the best possible financial aid package. More...

 
Rich, Connected and Accepted?

Rich, Connected and Accepted?

If your family was rich and well-connected, would it improve your chances of getting in? Find out about the role money and influence still plays in college admissions today. More...

 
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Does It Help to Include Supplemental Materials With Your Application?

The Wall Street Journal presents "Inside The Admissions Office." Students across America sent in their questions – expert Deans of Admissions from eight top colleges provide the real answers.

Should you include photos of your artwork with your application? What about a CD of your tuba skills? Janet Rapelye, dean of admission at Princeton University, gives her take on when it is and isn't appropriate to attach extra materials to your application.
 
 
Next video: What Are Admissions Offices Like Behind the Scenes?

 Check out more videos from WSJ On Campus - Inside the Admissions Office
 
 

    Thanks to our presentation partner, Alloy Education, and to the following college counselors and organizations: ApplyWise, College Focus, the Independent Educational Consultants Association, the Ivy Coach, Jane Klemmer, Making Conversation, MyUSearch and Road To College. Thanks also to UStream, the crew from Aligned Creative, David Pesci, Michael Pernick and Wesleyan University.
     
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    Have you edited your Facebook profile in case an admissions officer looks you up?
    Yes—I've posted (and done) some stuff that could come back to bite me.
    No—what are the chances they'd look me up?
    No—there's nothing sketchy on my profile anyway.
     
     
    Other Articles

    Should Guns Be Allowed on College Campuses?

    Should Guns Be Allowed on College Campuses?

    A heated debate over the Second Amendment is playing out on campuses across the country. Should college students be allowed to carry firearms?

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    What Obama's Higher Ed Plan Means For You

    What Obama's Higher Ed Plan Means For You

    Can $12 billion make a difference? Find out why President Obama is planning to spend so much on higher education, what that money will go towards, and what college students have to say about it.

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    Current Students Tell You What The Colleges Won't

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    Inside the Admissions Office

    WSJ On Campus invites you watch a rebroadcast of our exclusive, interactive webcast, Inside the Admissions Office, at http://wsj.unigo.com. Join heads of admissions from Bryn Mawr, Grinnell, Marquette, Princeton, Penn, UVM, Wesleyan and Williams as they take you behind the curtain and reveal what you need to know to get into your top-choice schools.
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