For high school seniors beginning the college application process in earnest, competition has never been fiercer. Nor have students been better prepared. These days, kids in junior high take high school academic classes to make room for more demanding courses in the later grades. And in just the past decade, there's been an 83% increase in the number of ninth-graders who take the SAT - just for practice.

To help your high-schooler or junior high-schooler better prepare for college, here is an exclusive look at the admissions process of three top schools who exposes the myths that keep students from getting into the college of their choice.

Myth #1 - Make yourself look as well rounded as possible.

Being involved with too many activities can harm your chances. One applicant applying at Cornell University was involved in so many extracurricular activities - band, the literary magazine, the astronomy, philosophy, and poetry clubs - that it took minute handwriting to squeeze them onto the application. Yet the student never made the waiting list because she was known by what many academic admissions committees consider a "clubber," a serial joiner of school organizations who never rises to leadership positions.

Students should occupy leadership roles and show years of commitment. That's one way admissions committees know that students are not just doing activities just to put on their application. Another consideration is how many hours the student has spent in each activity they participate.

Myth #2 - The essay counts only in close calls.

Many admissions officers rate a student's personal statement or essays even before looking at their grades or test scores. The first impression can color the whole process. The most successful essays show curiosity and self-awareness. A self-absorbed or arrogant essay, however, is a guaranteed turnoff.

Myth #3 - Do not spill your guts.

Admissions officers love a good against-all-odds story. Provided the adversity is authentic. If an applicant has suffered any dip in academic performance, they need to account for it, either with and essay or a counselor's letter. Many schools are taken with good students from families with little education or money. If the student has proven to overcome any odds, maintain good grades and or have high-test scores, this says a lot to admissions committees.

Myth #4 - If a teacher says he will write a recommendation; it will be a good one.

For admissions officers, there's a distinct hierarchy to recommendation letters. "Brilliant" means more than bright, "Hardworking and Motivated" means the student isn't too smart, and a student who "cares more about what he learns than what grades he gets," probably mean if he's admitted, he'd wind up on academic probation.

The best recommendations describe a student's accomplishments with specific and knowing details. To improve his accolades, a student should not necessarily ask the best teacher in school, who's probably swamped with other request, but should instead seek out someone who really knows him and his work.

Myth #5 - Do not be too eager.

Colleges want students who want them. That's one reason why students who apply for early decision have a leg up. There are also less obvious faux pas. Students are sometimes asked the number of schools to which they are applying, and some colleges take offense at being one of many under consideration.

Prepare your high-schooler early for college. Starting the pre-application process such as practicing essays, getting teacher recommendations, and practicing the SAT's are good ways to prepare for the real deal. Waiting too late to apply can be damaging to the student's future and to their self-esteem if they do not get into the college of their choice.

© 2003 by AfroStaff