The Zinch Report

As colleges begin to search for students using Zinch, it's hard to predict exactly what they will be searching for. This is why it is so important to fill in all the categories. Certainly, some categories are more likely to be used in a search than others. For example, it may be fun to list your favorite quote in the Hodge Podge, but that will not help you get discovered by colleges.

I'll briefly run through three points about your profiles.

First, fill in all the basic academic information that you can. If your school does not rank students, don't worry. Colleges understand that not all schools do (and increasingly, high schools are ending this measure). If your GPA is on  4.0 scale, a 100 point scale or simply gives letter grades, fill in the information you have. If you've taken the PSAT, SAT or ACT and are comfortable with your scores, list them. Some colleges may include test scores in their searches but because this information is available elsewhere, I do not anticipate colleges will use Zinch to obtain test information when the College Board clearly has a hold on that.

Second, may be looking to find students who have expressed an interest in a particular major. If you're undecided about a major that's fine, but know that if you list a few possibilities a) you may receive information from colleges with strong programs and b) you will not in any way be bound to that selection. When it comes time to fill in your college application, you will be asked about majors and some schools will expect you to stick with that selection. Here, however, you get to explore. No commitment. This does not mean that you should list everything. Be thoughtful and know that you can list a number of different possibilities.

Third, fill in family information. Colleges pay attention to whether your parents attended college. This is but a small point, but it serves to put students into context. If you are the first person in your family to attend college, admissions offices want to know and support your goals. It will not hurt you if you come from a family possessing numerous advanced degrees, but if you are not, know that some colleges will have an eye out for you.

Good luck and get back to filling out that profile!