First of all, if you have received that college acceptance letter, congratulations! Your years of hard work have definitely paid off. But one thing to remember is that the acceptance letter you received is only contingent on you doing what you need to do until you actually go off to college. Until then, you need to make sure you make mature choices and finish the school year strong.
Author of College Admission: From Application to Acceptance Step by Step by Christine VanDeVelde says, “A college’s acceptance is conditional on completing the senior year at the same level of performance as when the student was admitted.”
The following is a quick list of a few things you want to make sure DON’T happen, because, if you give your college of acceptance a good reason, they may very well rescind your acceptance.
1. Don’t Stop Caring about Your Grades
If you let your grades slip a little, you probably won’t have anything to worry about. But, if you let them plummet, you may be in for a rude awakening. VanDeVelde adds, “A significant change in the academic record, such as a notably lower grade in one or more classes, might make a college reconsider.”
So, how will the college find out about your drop in grades, if, in fact, that occurs?
Lily Herman, co-founder of The Prospect, a college admissions website says, “Colleges receive an end-of-the-year report from your guidance or college counselor, and they can tell when you took your case of senioritis a bit too seriously.” She also stated that having an overall drop in your grades “could very likely result in your acceptance being rescinded.”
2. Don’t Break the Law
As obvious as it may seem, you need to continue to be on your best behavior. Why would you risk all of your hard work over the past four years doing something you know is wrong? So, without a doubt, you need to make sure you absolutely avoid doing anything illegal. Never have the attitude that you “won’t get caught” or “I will only do this one time.”
VanDeVelde says, “Suspension for drug or alcohol use might make a college reconsider.”
3. Don’t Get in Trouble at Your High School
You have been accepted to college, and graduation is right around the corner, but you must remember that you are still in high school and you need to continue to follow the rules.
VanDeVelde adds, “A lapse in judgment or integrity, such as cheating, plagiarism, or any disciplinary action for behavioral issues, might make colleges reconsider.”
4. Don’t Post Anything on the Social Media That May Cause a Problem
This should be another no-brainer. Be careful what you post on Twitter, Facebook, or any other social media you use. Colleges Do look at your accounts and if it is something the college feels is inappropriate, your acceptance could be in jeopardy.
5. Don’t Stop Your Extracurriculars
It is important to fulfill all of your obligations with all of the things you have been involved in. Colleges may require your guidance counselor to submit a short update on your involvement along with your end-of-the-year transcript.
So stay focused and finish off your high school career with a bang. You’ve worked too hard to mess it up during your last few months.
If you have any questions about anything pertaining to the college admissions process, please give us a call and we can help you out.