College Planning content presented in partnership with The Sport Source

How can you improve your chances at any selective institution?
By Charlie Kadupski

Present yourself well. It will not always be the difference, but it does make a difference and you want as much on your side as possible. You have only one, two, and possibly three bona fide opportunities to do this. The first, and most important, is the application itself; the second is a campus interview or visit that you initiate; the third is the campus visit that may be initiated by the athletic department, and for some selective schools, the fourth may be an interview with a review board. For all of these the basics are the same: you want to create the most positive impression that you can without giving up spontaneity or genuineness. Fake it and you will be found out - guaranteed!

The application should be organized, neat, complete, and returned early. The appearance cannot be over-emphasized. Admissions officers and committees will form an impression of you based on the application. Never send in anything that is not first rate in every respect with words correctly spelled, forms signed, grammar that befits an educated person -- no coffee stains or grease spots. Be sure to type it, and think of it as a professional resume.

The same rules apply for personal meetings or interviews. Dress appropriately, neatly, and with good taste, including your hair, face, and fingernails. Over-dressed is always better than under-dressed, and take into account the taste in clothes for the season and region of the country you will be visiting. Make your appointment well in advance and be on time; better yet, be slightly early. If you are unavoidably detained, call and let the person know you will be late. A good rule of thumb is to prepare yourself as though your interview is with a potential employer. Do your homework on the school you are visiting and master the basic information to minimize dialogue about programs the institution does not have.

Different individuals and institutions will conduct interviews in different ways, however, most selective institutions are interested in some very basic things: What interests you? How do you invest your time? With what results? What have you gained from this? Have you pursued any outside interests in depth, and have you been recognized by others for this effort? Can you ask intelligent questions? Can you respond intelligently to intuitive questions? The outcome will be to discern excellence, dedication, motivation and enthusiasm. Or to put it another way, they are designed to find out if you are as good in the classroom as you are on the field!

Click Here to learn more about the great resources from The Sports Source.