Over the past years, colleges have significantly increased expectations of their applicants. This has made the college admission process much more competitive. Although having a strong academic reputation is very important when it comes to college admissions, you have to ask yourself: are grades really the most important aspect to your application?
Colleges evaluate many features of yourself when reviewing your application. However, admission success has often resulted in taking an extra step in your high school years, such as showing passion and involvement in certain activities.
Two seniors from Oakmont High School have shared their experiences with their college admissions after having success at their top choice colleges.
A nearly graduated senior at Oakmont High School, Ellie Barnhart, described her experience at Oakmont. “In the beginning, it was kind of chaotic, but over time, I got used to it, it was pretty chill for the most part.”
Barnhart plans to attend California State University, Sacramento.
“I’m [going to] double major in Psychology and either Criminal Justice or some sort of semantic science,” Barnhart said.
Throughout high school, Barnhart was involved in different activities both in and outside of Oakmont
“I did softball for a while and regularly volunteered with this organization called CAFA, which works with kids with special needs,” Barnhart shared.
At Oakmont, Barnhart was a member of the Health Academy and various clubs.
“I did a lot of clubs like Nami,” Barnhart said. “I only recently got more active in HOSA and senior year, I was part of the POC club. I was also the vice president for a book club.”
Barnhart’s application advice to any students who may be applying in upcoming years is to “be authentic in your applications, because they want different students who are well around. Be honest about what you’re interested in and who you are.”
Another Oakmont Senior, Jane Calhoun, who plans to attend UC Santa Barbara, also shared her experience in high school. “It was fun. There were ups and downs, but it was good for the most part.”
Outside of Oakmont, “In the winter, I do downhill skiing, and in summer, I hike and backpack. I also do a lot of miscellaneous volunteer work,” Calhoun said.
Calhoun also made quite a reputation at Oakmont, as she was involved in a plethora of activities.
“At Oakmont, I did swimming all four years, water polo all four years, and then my first year, I also did soccer, and I did a bunch of clubs. I did Beautifying Oakmont, Art Club, and CSF, ” Calhoun shared
Calhoun plans to major in Studio Art and Marine Biology. She is choosing to attend UC Santa Barbara.
“I was [going to] go to a different school, but then I visited the campus, and I really liked [] the vibe in general.”
Calhoun’s advice to any students who may be applying to colleges next year is, “If you’re applying to any UCS, I would start your PIQ early, and make sure you have enough time to work on them, because they’re really part of the application process. I would also try not to stress too much, because you will get in somewhere.”
