Rumors and horror stories buzz around school about what the stone faced, firm fisted college admissions officers will and won’t accept. “Volunteer hours are everything.” “Do as many clubs as possible.” “Do as many APs as you can.” But how accurate are these college application superstitions? “They’re looking for a deep, serious, sustained, and passionate commitment to something,” said College and Career Center advisor, Harlan Edelman, of what University of California and private schools look for. “They could not care about being part of a club where you sign in and that’s it.” “Colleges could care less about clubs,” Edelman said. According to Edelman, the 23 California State University campuses look at grade point averages and SAT scores first. If a student has at least a 3.0, they are almost guaranteed to get into a CSU. University of California and private schools put more emphasis on a student’s personal statement. Private schools also want letters of recommendation from teachers, and UC and private schools like a “well rounded” individual according to senior counselor, Gabriela Rodriguez. “Add a little of everything,” Rodriguez said. “They look at everything you do, not just your activities.” Not all colleges look at activities. San Francisco State accepts any student who fulfils their GPA and SAT or ACT score requirements. According to Jo Volkert, the associate vice president to the enrollment program at SFSU, this is because it’s not an impacted campus. “We have enough space for everyone who qualifies,” said Volkert. Other non-impacted campus can be found on the CSU Mentor site. The work doesn’t stop at the acceptance letter. Problems arise when seniors slack off or get “senioritis.” Colleges may send a letter of cancellation ending a student’s acceptance if they get even one D or F after they’ve been accepted. “Every year there are [Lincoln] students who’ve had their admission canceled,” said Edelman. He estimates that five to ten students have their admission rebuked every year. Last year, SFSU had to send out letters of cancellation to 50 to 60 students according to Volkert. “It’s very hard to do,” said Volkert. Then again, in this year’s freshmen class of 3467, it didn’t make a huge dent. Of those 3467, 75 are Lincoln graduates. Another reason for rejection is when students fail to meet class requirements. Edelman explained that students forget they need not just two science classes, but two different types of science, physical and biological. AP classes aren’t required, but colleges like to see them for a good reason. “Colleges want to see that you’ve challenged yourself based on what is offered at your school,” Edelman said. Just like underutilization of AP classes, not taking the right math classes can hinder chances of being accepted. “Take math senior year even though only three years [of math] are required,” Volkert said. This is so when the placement test is given to determine what math a student qualifies for in college, that student will be prepared and won’t have to waste a year in a remedial class. Once basic requirements are met, it’s time to look into what college suits an individual best. Edelman warns against ruling out colleges in small towns, the Mid-West, all-girl schools, and even private schools just because they are “outside the comfort zone.” “Private schools offer even more financial aid then public schools,”he said. “They have all kinds of private scholarships they can give out.” Picking a college doesn’t have to be based on what courses are offered or what the college is known for. “What it feels like is more important,” Edelman said. Volkert acknowledged this importance, recommending that students should visit a campus to “get a flavor” for it. This personal preference means that going to college isn’t for everyone, either. “The main goal this year is that everyone graduates,” said Rodriguez. “And that everyone goes where they want to go, college or not.” The College and Career Center, room 123C, is open everyday starting at 9:30 am. Mr. Edelman has a list of colleges with categories for nature lovers, hippies, and more. A former Lincoln student, Jonathan Fong, who now works at San Francisco State, will be here Fridays after school to help students with their CSU applications.