If you're watching this video,
it probably means you're thinking about applying to college.
And if you're thinking about applying to college,
it probably means you’re experiencing a whole range of emotions.
So let me just say congratulations.
Hang in there.
It's all going to be OK.
Hi, I'm Keontay and I'm here to clarify the college admissions process
and help answer a few basic questions that you might have.
So let's say you've identified one or more schools you'd like to apply to
and you're ready to get started.
You probably have a lot of questions.
So let's get into it. First question.
Do grades matter? Yes.
Most universities consider students’ grades or more specifically, their grade point average.
The key word is average.
It just means that instead of looking at each individual grade you receive,
universities average your grades out into a single holistic picture.
In other words, they're less concerned
about the B+ you received in English sophomore year
and more interested in your average sophomore year grades overall.
Also, most colleges observe GPAs on a standard 4.0 scale.
Luckily, most high schools do too.
But your high school may measure credits differently than a given college.
So it's not always a one to one.
You can ask your counselor if you aren't sure.
So next up. What classes do I need to take?
Most colleges require you to complete a minimum number of credits.
Three years of math, four years of English, that kind of thing.
These generally align with high school graduation requirements,
so most students will have likely completed necessary classes anyway.
But still - good to know what’s needed, in case you haven't earned those credits.
Another factor to keep in mind is course rigor.
In other words, how challenging are the classes that you're currently taking?
Advanced placement or honors courses
will ultimately put you ahead of the curve on college admissions.
This is why it's so important to start your college search
right before your junior year.
That way you'll have so much time to take any classes
that you wouldn't have otherwise. Next question.
Should I report my test scores?
The short answer, yes.
It never hurts to report your scores.
That being said, the role of standardized tests in college admission is kind of shifting.
Just a few years ago, your test scores could make or break
your admissions to any given university.
But today, many schools are reevaluating
how test scores relate to students’ overall admissibility
Some have completely eliminated test scores from their minimum admission standards.
Having said that, the majority of colleges
still consider test scores as a factor in their decision.
If schools of your choice consider test scores, then you should, too.
That leads us into another big question that you might have.
Can I boost my stats with extracurriculars?
Let's clarify that question.
It's common for students to think that they have to be an A+ student
with all kinds of extracurriculars and a stellar resume.
Sure, it doesn't hurt to stand out from the crowd,
but you'll find that a lot of universities,
they don't require essays or personal info
beyond your transcript to meet their minimum admissions requirements.
Instead, focus on the core admissions criteria that many universities do share.
Are you taking the right classes or are you keeping your grades up?
In your down time, participate in meaningful extracurriculars that speak
to your personal interests and demonstrate leadership, community-minded values.
That's what schools are really looking for.
Now, at KU, we have what we call assured admissions criteria.
So basically, if you have a certain GPA or test scores, you are guaranteed
admissions to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
But if you don't meet those requirements, that doesn't mean you should pack it in.
KU also reviews the other factors, like your cumulative high school GPA
or the strength of your classes that you've taken.
Basically, we believe a student's
potential is greater than their most recent report card.
And obviously, yes, we think you should apply to KU.
Which brings us to our final question.
What do I need before I apply?
So for such a huge life step,
applying to KU is surprisingly simple.
First, visit apply.ku.edu
So there you'll see a full list of what you'll need to start your application,
your grades, your GPA.
If you have test scores, send those too.
They'll never hurt your potential
and some academic schools actually prefer to receive them.
So gather all that up, then apply.
That's pretty much it.
I mean, there's a lot that comes after.
But the first step. Piece of cake.
So my advice is to apply as early as possible.
And if you submit your application by KU's scholarship deadline, which is typically late fall,
then you'll automatically be considered for KU freshman scholarships.
And oh, by the way, we award
institutional scholarships based solely on GPA.
So with one application, zero essays,
the right GPA, you'll be well on your way to free money.
It's really that easy.
Applying early also means you'll have time to update your application, if need be.
Say, for example, your GPA goes up after you apply.
You can then update your application to reflect that.
Oh, and by the way,
you don't have to navigate any of this all on your own.
Every high school student has their own dedicated KU Admissions representative.
For example, me.
We admissions reps are experts on all things KU.
We'll help guide you through admissions.
But we're also here to answer questions
or just put you in contact with other Jayhawks.
Moving forward, you can find your rep at admissions.ku.edu/reps.
I think that should do it for now.
Check the description for more links and information about applying to KU.
Until next time, Rock Chalk!