It's no secret that the competition to get into the best colleges is just as stiff as the competition to find the best internships and entry-level jobs. Choosing the right college or university has never been easy, but now it's gotten even more difficult because there are so many more highly qualified applicants vying for a place in the top schools. Princeton Review published an article, "Competition in the College Application Process - Myth vs. Fact," that might help you increase your odds of being accepted by the college or university of your choice.

"Facts

1. More high school-age students are applying to college today than in years past.
2. As a result, college admissions have become more numbers-based.
3. Eolleges want to see that students have tried to challenge themselves by taking the toughest courses their high school has to offer.
4. Your SATs are obviously important, but not as important as the high school transcript.
5. math and science are important in this process.
6. There's an ever-growing number of senior class presidents applying to college, along with editors in chief and club founders.

"Myths

1. Using the Common Application will hurt my chances of admission.
2. A fabulous interview can increase my chances of admission.
3. Going to a prep school will increase my chances of admission.
4. If my SAT scores are super strong, I'll be admitted to highly selective colleges."

What impressed me most about this article was that they stressed overall class performance as the most important factor in selection. Senior class presidents and editors of the school newspaper are judged the same as students who don't participate in a lot of school activities. Repeatedly, they say if you have a weak transcript, your extra-curriculur activities will be all for naught. So, as my father was wont to say, "hit the books," if you want to be admitted into one of the countries top colleges and universities.
Now that's not to say that you should give up your activities. They're stil important because they make you a more well-rounded student, but if your activities are causing your grades to drop, cut back a little.