College applications can be an overwhelming process with all their components: essays, interviews, letters of recommendation and campus visits to consider.
Don’t feel discouraged; colleges value students with diverse interests. That means engaging in extracurricular activities like volunteering, job shadowing and tutoring to hone your academic abilities as well as showing an interest by attending virtual or in-person college fairs.
1. Get a good GPA
Good grades are vitally important. Aiming for a 3.5 GPA should be sufficient, though colleges that specialize in STEM or engineering majors may have higher standards.
Students should engage in extracurricular activities they genuinely enjoy and are passionate about, since college admissions officers can easily detect applications which appear “padded.” They’re looking to see proof of commitment to clubs and organizations.
2. Get involved in extracurricular activities
Academics aside, extracurricular activities include any endeavor outside of school that helps develop talents or interests, demonstrate leadership ability or make an impactful contribution to society – this could range from lifeguarding to starting your own small business!
Many students attempt to engage in numerous activities in an attempt to show colleges they are well-rounded; however, universities tend to prioritize quality over quantity when looking at applicants for admission.
3. Get a good score on the SAT or ACT
Although college rankings play an essential role, students should also carefully consider which standardized tests they take and which colleges accept both SAT and ACT scores as part of the application process. Doing this helps applicants establish where to begin.
If your score falls short, identify where improvement can be made. For instance, if vocabulary and basic algebra are areas in which you struggle, prioritise improving these.
4. Get a good letter of recommendation
Letters of recommendation are an integral component of college applications, so make sure that teachers or club advisors who know you well have positive impressions of you as possible write these.
Try selecting teachers who were your instructors during junior year as they are likely to remember you well. Furthermore, teachers that know you beyond class may also make excellent choices.
5. Get a good summer job
An outstanding summer job can demonstrate to colleges that you are responsible and mature. Furthermore, it will offer valuable work experience as well as make money towards your college tuition costs.
Do your best to secure a summer job through your community, school, and friends. There may also be opportunities available online and through gig economy platforms – make sure any job that interests you is professional in nature and relevant.
6. Get a good internship
Many internships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be highly competitive; therefore, it is wise to apply early and carefully review every application submitted.
Ask teachers, counselors, coaches and club advisers for any opportunities. Furthermore, consider participating in leadership or mentorship programs.
Attend career fairs to meet people who may help you secure an internship opportunity.
7. Get a good score on the SAT or ACT
Standardized test scores are an integral component of most college applications, and to achieve a good score it will require effort and practice.
Discovering where colleges rank on the SAT and ACT can assist students in selecting which tests would best meet their needs. Students should use national percentile rankings as a barometer of progress; scores in the 75th percentile would likely be accepted by many competitive schools.
8. Get a good letter of recommendation
Colleges rely heavily on recommendation letters to gain a holistic view of a student beyond grades and test scores; they want to get an idea of your character and personality.
Find recommenders who know and respect you well; teachers from your junior year tend to make excellent references, though any teacher who knows about you outside the classroom is also suitable.
Make sure your recommenders have enough time to write a letter before the application deadline arrives – notify them as early as spring of your junior year!
9. Get a good summer job
Summer jobs are an excellent way to earn extra money and gain work experience. They also allow you to discover different fields and discover which jobs best suit you.
Be sure to start searching for employment early – many large companies start recruiting summer interns in the fall; smaller companies may start in spring.
10. Get a good letter of recommendation
Be sure to choose faculty members who can write you letters of recommendation, providing them with all of the forms, program descriptions and envelopes they will require for writing your letters of rec.
Be sure to ask early so they have ample time to craft an outstanding letter for you.
