My Kid Has Average Grades: Will He Get Into College?

Every parent sees their child as special. And it’s true; every child has something unique and important to offer the world. The real question is, how can you make sure that colleges see all the incredible traits you know your child possesses? 

Your child’s essence cannot be perfectly captured by grades or test scores. So, let’s explore different ways you can help your child shine through their college application.

Make a Pitch

The first task will be for your child to distill who they are and what they want to do with their life in a concise but effective “pitch.” This might feel like an overwhelming task, but start with a brainstorm:

• What do I value? 

• What are my strengths? My weaknesses? 

• If I could change one thing about the world, what would it be? 

These questions will get your child to think bigger, eventually helping them land at an idea of how they hope to present themselves. Here are some examples:

I want to become a sustainability-focused urban planner so that I can make NYC a cleaner, greener place. 

I want to study sociology and take pre-dental courses so that I can advocate for policies that make oral healthcare more accessible.  

Make a College List

Use this pitch to research different colleges with programs that will specifically support your child’s goals.

If you can find a college with a major, a course, or even a professor that would align with your child’s unique interests, they can use this connection as a clear talking point throughout their application, essays, and any potential interviews. 

Reaching out with interest in a specific program is a great way to demonstrate interest in the university. Read more here about how demonstrating interest in a school can increase your chance of admission. 

Extracurriculars

Once your child has distilled their pitch and has a sense of which colleges they are aiming for, it is time to take stock of their resume and what extracurriculars they are involved in. Identify the gaps: 

• Do they have items on their resume that align with their pitch? 

• Do they have internship or research experience? 

• Have they done a fair amount of volunteer work? 

Colleges want to see students who are well-rounded, but having a strong resume and extracurricular involvement is also essential for your child to use as “proof” of what they claim to be interested in. 

Need help diversifying your child’s extracurriculars? Here’s a helpful guide.

Writing Stellar College Essays

With a solid pitch and a resume to back it up, your child will be prepped and primed to write essays that reveal how brilliant and unique they truly are. 

In addition to being an opportunity to voice their pitch, the Personal Essay is the perfect place for your child to reveal their unique writing voice. This will help colleges get an even better sense of who your child is as a person: humor, sensitivity, and charisma in all. 

Supplement Essays are other opportunities for your child to talk about specific extracurricular experiences that were important to them, and different ways they will specifically involve themselves in the school they are applying to. 

In conclusion…

There is a college out there for every student. Even students who struggle in high school can find a college where they will thrive. The key is for your child to lean into what makes them unique, and to spend their time doing activities that align with who they are.

There are also many more ways to boost your child’s chances at admission, from extracting killer recommendation letters to improving test scores. Learn more by scheduling a free consultation today!