Advice for students applying to colleges Student credential analyst Debbie Gord (right) and student worker Kristy Barnes enter freshman application information into a computer in the St. Norbert College admissions office (photo by H. Marc Larson). By Monique Balas News-Chronicle For those procrastinators who were hoping to use their holiday break to work on college applications, there are still ways to stand out. "My advice would be to provide as much information as they can about the breadth and depth of their talent," said Sue Keihn, dean of students at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She said students should highlight community involvement, leadership positions and extra-curricular activities to prove they've done well both in and out of the classroom. She also stressed submitting a complete application and carefully examining the essay. "I think obviously they need to have it checked and double-checked before they send it in," Keihn said. "I think it's a time for them to present the best they can present." Because of the overwhelming swell of applications at St. Norbert College, it's even more important to have a strong application to ensure acceptance. "Be genuine and honest," advised Dan Meyer, dean of admissions. "Instead of using $64 million words, trying to come up with really deep, meaningful statements, most schools would care that it is well-written, that the spelling and grammar is correct, instead of, 'Is this "War and Peace?"'" Having a laundry-list of activities isn't as important as being consistently active with one thing, he said. Strong punctuation, grammar and sentence structure also are important; solid syntax skills look better than attempts at humor or depth. "It's that old adage of using substance instead of fluff," he said. And timeliness is key. Students should make sure to have their applications in well before the first of the year for the best chance of admission. "I think one thing that they should consider is that they should brag a little bit on their applications," said Roby Blust, dean of undergraduate admissions at Marquette University in Milwaukee. "The application is not the time to be shy." Showing a familiarity with the school is helpful and would allow the student to prove he or she is a good fit, Blust said. "Being very deadline-oriented in the college admission (process) is an extremely important other piece of advice," he added. "Just be careful, review the application, review the essay and make sure everything is complete and carefully done." Having a sense of purpose is helpful, too, added Pat Colwitz, department chair for Student Services and a guidance counselor at Green Bay Preble High School. "If you're going to go to a four-year college, know why you're going," she said. "Fifty percent of students at four-year colleges don't graduate." Attending a two-year school instead might be a better option for some students - or even topping off a bachelor's degree with an associate's degree, said Northeast Wisconsin Technical College president Jeff Rafn. "It's worthy reserving a spot," he said. "You don't have to make a final decision until July." Taking the Accuplacer test also is helpful for students so they'll know which skills to brush up on. Rafn emphasized NWTC offers a host of enrollment options. "What people need to stop thinking about is the only time you can start is in the fall, because that's just not true."