Navigating the College Admissions Journey: Expert Advice from Coach Tony
As the college application season approaches, many students and parents find themselves overwhelmed with questions about how to best prepare, which schools to apply to, and how to stand out in a competitive landscape. Recently, Coach Tony from Eagle Lock (cleverly “college” spelled backwards) hosted a live Q&A across multiple platforms, sharing invaluable insights drawn from his experience as a former UC Berkeley admissions reader and UCLA director. Here’s a comprehensive recap of his advice to help you navigate the college admissions process with confidence.
How Many Colleges Should You Apply To?
One of the most common questions: How many schools should I apply to? Coach Tony emphasizes there is no magic number, but typically students apply to 10-15 schools. This range allows a balanced application list comprising:
- Reach schools: Institutions where admission is more competitive than your current academic profile.
- Target schools: Colleges matching your GPA and test scores.
- Safety schools: Schools where your academic credentials exceed their averages.
How to categorize schools? Compare your GPA and test scores with the school’s average. If your stats are higher, it’s likely a safety; if similar, a target; if lower or if acceptance rates are below 20%, it’s a reach.
Pro Tip: Applying to too many schools (e.g., 20-47) means writing many essays — not recommended! Quality over quantity is key.
Best Science Classes for Aspiring Medical Students
For juniors aiming for a career in medicine or biological sciences, Coach Tony recommends focusing on:
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Environmental Science
While physics can be beneficial, it’s more suited for engineering tracks. Additionally, math is crucial—aim to complete at least Calculus BC, with higher-level math (Calc 3) being even better.
Summer classes can be leveraged to catch up or accelerate your course load.
Choosing Extracurriculars: Follow Your Passion
A student asked whether to join varsity basketball (which they disliked) or the school musical (which they enjoyed) for better college prospects. Coach Tony’s advice is clear:
- Don’t do activities just to impress colleges. Colleges care more about why you do something than what you do.
- Pursue activities you genuinely enjoy. This authenticity shines through in applications.
- Balance extracurriculars with activities related to your intended major or field of interest.
Dual Enrollment and Transfer Student Status
Parents asked if a student completing their AA degree (Associate of Arts) after high school graduation but before college application would be classified as a transfer or first-year student.
- You are a transfer student if: You graduate high school, then take college courses before applying to a four-year university.
- You are a first-year student if: You apply to college before graduating high school or before taking college classes after graduation.
- Taking AP classes and dual enrollment simultaneously is a great strategy to earn college credits early.
How Does Transferring Work?
The typical transfer pathway:
- Graduate high school.
- Attend community college for 1-2 years.
- Apply to a four-year university as a transfer student.
- Enter as a junior and graduate after two years.
While transferring from one four-year college to another is possible, it is much more competitive and challenging.
Utilizing Activities Sections on UC Applications
For students involved in multiple clubs, Coach Tony suggests maximizing the 20 activity slots on the UC application by categorizing activities smartly across six categories:
- Extracurricular activities
- Awards and honors
- Educational prep programs
- Volunteering and community service
- Work experience
- Outside coursework
For example, if you lead Key Club, you can:
- List your leadership role under extracurricular activities.
- List any awards won at Key Club events under awards.
- List your volunteering efforts separately under community service.
This approach lets you showcase your involvement comprehensively without repeating the same description.
Should You Take the SAT?
The answer depends on your target schools:
- Test-Required Schools: You must take the SAT or ACT.
- Test-Optional Schools: You can submit scores if they strengthen your application but are not required.
- Test-Blind Schools (e.g., UC system, Cal State): Scores are not considered at all.
Coach Tony recommends starting test prep only if your initial PSAT scores show strong potential (above 1450). For most sophomores, focus on building your activities and academics first, then consider the SAT in junior year with 8-week focused prep sessions.
Making the Most of a Minimal Internship Experience
If your summer internship involves limited tasks such as attending meetings without projects, Coach Tony advises:
- Be proactive: Reach out to team members, ask questions, and express your eagerness to contribute.
- Look for small ways to add value or assist.
- Document what you learn and how the experience shapes you personally.
- Admissions care more about your growth and learning than the specific tasks you performed.
Understanding Eligibility for Top UCs and ELC
The Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) program guarantees admission to UCs if you rank in the top 9% of your high school or state — though this does not guarantee admission to the most competitive campuses like UCLA or Berkeley.
If you’re not in the top 9%, you can still be admitted based on your overall application strength.
How to Choose Classes Each Year?
Grade 9: Take honors classes if available to build rigor. Consider starting dual enrollment to earn college credits early.
Grade 10: Introduce AP classes aligned with your intended major:
- Engineering/CS: AP Calculus, AP Physics series.
- Sciences: AP Bio, AP Chem, AP Environmental Science.
- Humanities: Maximize rigor with honors and AP courses.
Grade 11: Continue with AP classes and maintain high rigor. Take the PSAT seriously as it can qualify you for National Merit scholarships.
Grade 12: Do not relax! Keep your course load rigorous to finish strong.
Final Thoughts
Coach Tony’s session highlights the importance of strategic planning, pursuing your passions, and understanding the nuances of admissions policies. Remember, colleges want to see authenticity, rigor, and growth in your application. Focus your energy wisely—balance academics, testing, and extracurriculars to present the best version of yourself.
For more personalized guidance, visit eaglelock.com/askcony and join upcoming live Q&A sessions to get your questions answered in real-time.
Did you find these tips helpful? Drop a comment below or reach out on social media—we’re here to support your college journey every step of the way!