We love this timely post we saw on Collegebound.net comparing the college admissions process with The Hunger Games.

As students all across the country order their movie tickets for this weekend’s opening of “The Hunger Games,” they  can probably relate to the post-apocalyptic reality show survival story more than they even realize. In fact, “The Hunger Games” might as well be a metaphor for college admissions (albeit a bit more bloody). Here’s why the Suzanne Collins novel and film adaptation is a lot like the college selection process…

It’s an annual event that teenagers all over the world dread. Year after year in fictional Panem, each of the 12 districts must send one boy and one girl, ages 12-18 to compete in The Hunger Games, and only one will survive. While college admissions stress isn’t quite as serious as life or death, it can be overwhelming for teens who are facing stiff competition to get into the colleges of their dreams.

Overcoming challenges comes with the territory. While Peeta and Katniss face challenges like the grueling training and the lack of food and water, high schoolers have their own set of brutal hurdles to overcome. That sounds an awful lot like the SAT, doesn’t it? Other ones include having to beg teachers for recommendations, filling out forms until your have writer’s cramp or carpal tunnel syndrome, and answering those wacky admissions essay questions.

Win over your sponsors using  your talents. Katniss and Peeta play up their romantic relationship to help audiences fall in love with them. While your love life won’t score you any points with admissions directors or scholarship judges, showcasing your special talents will. Highlight what makes you worthy of acceptance or an award, add a little dazzle to the mix, and the rewards will follow.

Click below to read the rest of the article.