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Ronne Turner is the Associate Vice President of Enrollment & Dean of Admissions and Marketing at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.  She also authors the blog Northeastern Admissions: An Inside Look. 

There are many false ideas about what colleges and universities value in the decision process, from high school quotas to overloading on extracurricular activities. At Northeastern University, our primary goal in admissions is to seek out and build a talented and diverse student body that is best suited to take advantage of a Northeastern education. The key to Northeastern’s strength is experiential learning, or the dynamic integration of classroom study and work outside the classroom. With one hundred years of global leadership in the integration of study and practice, Northeastern offers an unparalled method of education that leads to infinite personal and intellectual growth.

Since experiential learning is at the heart of everything we do, we look for students that are engaged and successful in and outside of the classroom. Our admissions counselors seek students who don’t just see the world, they are shaping it – whether it be through involvement within the community, engaging in social justice activities in high school, or participating in international experiences that engages the diverse cultures and world beyond your doorstep.

You can start by getting involved in a couple of activities that interest you. We want you to enjoy high school and take advantage of the opportunities to explore, learn and experience new academic subjects, activities and friendships. Most college admissions officers are more impressed with students who have pursued coursework and activities based on genuine interest over those students who are simply motivated by what they think will look good on their college applications. Spend your high schools years clarifying your goals and values; working hard to earn the grades that will place you in the best position to achieve your dreams; and developing the interpersonal and leadership skills consistent with your aspirations. 

While academic performance is always a primary consideration, applicants are encouraged to highlight their experience in areas such as creativity, diversity, leadership, adaptability and flexibility, and global perspective. These are highly valued characteristics that will help you flourish throughout your academic career and navigate the complexities of the real world. We look for students who would thrive in our environment and who are excited about our philosophy of education.

Similar to a preparing for a job interview, when you sit down with your college application, it is important to first think about the distinctive traits that put you ahead of your peers. Ask yourself this: What are some personal attributes and experiences that have transformed you or prepared you to thrive in college and the real world?

How did you spend your summer vacation, spring break or after school hours? Did you join or help to start an organization that seeks to improve your neighborhood; or travel somewhere that has developed your knowledge, awareness or perspective of the world? Have you ever coached or mentored other students, volunteered in the community or helped to plan charitable events and fundraisers? Perhaps you have a passion for the arts or student government that has made an impact on others or helped you set future goals for yourself.

These are all shining examples of characteristics that give us an indication of a student who would thrive in an institution like Northeastern, where experience is a central tenet of the education we provide.

Filed under: Dean Turner • College Prep • Outside the Classroom • The Extracurricular Experience • College Admissions