BACKGROUND

When you begin applying to colleges, it is probably too late to dramatically change your background. Therefore it is paramount that you express your background, positive or negative in an optimistic fashion.

Take a good hard look at your academic achievements as you fill out your application. Will they be an asset or a liability? How can you enhance or offset the impression your grades will make?

If your grades and test scores are good, you can be reasonably sure that the selective colleges will at least take a second look at you to see what else you have to offer. If they are not, you will have to create a really strong impression in some other area of the application to have even a fighting chance of getting in.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Many times your background can afford that fighting chance, if you need it. Colleges use the information you present here to put your achievements in perspective, to see what you have accomplished in relation to your background. Your objective is to present your background in a positive manner. If you have endured difficult times, be sure to state what you have learned from them; make yourself stand out! Some colleges may be looking for students with certain specific background characteristics.

Is your racial or ethnic background rare at that college? Do you come from a geographic area from which the college would like to recruit more students? Perhaps you come from a large city, a suburb, or a rural area.Did your parents attend college?

Most importantly, tell the truth. Give the colleges an indepth look at you. Tell them about your and tell them about your goals. Be sure to also include this type of information in your essay.

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