Q&A with Joie Jager-Hyman on acing college applications

The time is now to start contemplating the crucial college application process. And while the general notion is that grades matter most, but Joie Jager-Hyman, author of the recently published "B+ Grades, A+ College Application: How to Present Your Strongest Self, Write a Standout Admissions Essay, and Get Into the Perfect School for You," shows that the key to a successful application lies in discovering your strengths and passions through extracurricular activities and having a better understanding of college admissions policies.

Your book mentions that an applicant can establish groundwork for a winning application by participating in extracurriculars. What more specific advice do you have?

Colleges want students who show initiative and leadership. There are obvious ways to do this like starting a club in your school or running for captain of the football team (both worthwhile endeavors) but there are also less obvious ways to demonstrate these qualities. Students can do everything from taking on a fundraising initiative in their community to completing an independent study with a teacher to putting on a free photography exhibit in a local church to showcase their artwork. The most interesting activities aren't always "formal." They should be rooted in genuine passions. It's always wonderful to see creativity and originality on a college application -- as long as the activities are substantive and sincere.

Some of the most prestigious colleges are extremely selective when it comes to grades. I have seen firsthand how, of two applicants who differed only in grades (they were equally active in clubs and both had many extracurriculars), the one with better grades was still ultimately admitted into the college. What are your opinions on that?

I agree that academics are the most important part of the college admissions process. This book doesn't promise to make B's and C's go away -- instead it encourages all students to do thorough research on their college options and realize that there are many amazing college opportunities out there for "good" (but not perfect) high school students. I also show students how to maximize their chances of acceptance to academically appropriate colleges by putting together winning applications and communicating effectively with admissions offices. Finally, many prestigious colleges have less selective "side door" programs for particular students so those who prioritize prestige above all else may want to research these alternatives.

How can an applicant truly "stand out"?

Most students -- even those with exceptional grades and leadership positions -- go on college tours asking only how this college can satisfy their own needs; admissions officers are asking an entirely different question: how can this student contribute to our campus? The first step in writing an application that "stands out" is to ask yourself that same question. The answer will be different for each individual but all students need to assess their genuine strengths and work diligently to clearly express this in their college applications. It's not about having a laundry list of leadership positions in high school; it's about being able to see yourself in the context of a college community and letting the admissions committee understand how you will contribute.

Doesn't contributing to the college run counter to what we've always been told: find the college that's best for you? How do you separate wanting to get in with wanting to find the place where you'll fit?

When you go through the process of identifying a college that will allow you to thrive you must simultaneously ask yourself how you will contribute to that community -- how will you build relationships? How will you grow in the classroom? How will you make an impact on campus life? All of these things are important considerations in finding a college that will really allow you to make the most of your four undergraduate years.

Applying to college can be a frustrating and painstaking process. Do you have advice for how to not let that get in the way of making sure your applications are the best they be?

Yes...I am a list-making and spreadsheet queen. The book contains several spreadsheet templates that you can use to plan ahead and keep track of college applications deadlines so that you don't drive yourself crazy trying to meet all your commitments at the last minute. There is also a junior/senior year college planning timeline so you know what is expected of you at various stages of the college planning process. Being informed, staying organized and spacing things out is the best way to avoid college application crises.

The fall is a busy time for high school seniors. What is the ideal timeline for getting everything done for your applications?

I tell all students to start their applications the summer before senior year. You can do your common application essay in July and start your supplements in August. These applications are incredibly important so starting early insures that you will have adequate time to write, edit and reflect on your essays.

The college essay is one of the only chances an applicant has to show their true self. But how much is too much? Do you advise against getting too personal?

As with any piece of writing, it's important to know your audience when drafting a college essay. Sure, it needs to be personal. But it shouldn't raise any red flags about your mental state or ability to gauge what is appropriate to share with a group of strangers. The purpose of the college essay is to enhance your application. Ask yourself: does this tell the admissions committee something about me and how I will contribute to their college? Anything that sounds negative, whiny or unstable will hurt you in the admissions process.

Financial aid is obviously a huge factor when determining which colleges to apply to. What are your tips for handling the daunting idea of paying for college? Should students apply to schools they know they can't afford?

The problem with the financial aid process is that you never know how much aid you qualify for until you apply. So yes, it is important not to get "sticker shock" and to complete financial aid applications on time so that you are in the best position to receive your aid award. In the book, I also include a spreadsheet that students can use to compare financial aid offers that they receive because colleges report their financial aid awards differently so it's important to compare grants with grants, loans with loans, to make informed decisions about paying for college.