7 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Admission to the College of Your Dreams
Getting into your dream college takes preparation, persistence and – above all – a good strategy. Each element of your application, from your academic record to your personal essay, contributes to the bigger picture of who you are.
With competition getting tougher each year, you must find a way to make your application stand out from the horde of others. Whether you’re in your early high school years or about to submit your first applications, there are things you can do that will significantly increase your chances of success.
Here are seven practical tips to help you boost your odds of getting that acceptance letter to the school you most want to attend:
- Research the College and Tailor Your Application Accordingly
Admissions officers don’t want to take a chance on a student who doesn’t seem genuinely interested in attending their school, so treat every application as if the school you’re targeting is your number one choice (and not just an acceptable alternative).
Make sure you understand the college’s culture, values and programs, and reflect that in your essays and application. Read their mission statement and mention how it aligns with your goals, highlighting specific courses, professors or programs that excite you for your academic future there. If you can, visit the campus or attend online information sessions so that you can pull information and references and work them into your essays.
- Focus on Academic Performance and Course Strength
Your GPA is a key factor in admissions, but colleges also want to see how you challenged yourself – so do not play it “safe” when you’re selecting coursework. Taking honors, AP and dual enrollment courses demonstrates your strengths and a willingness to stretch your mind.
Your ability to handle college-level work is only partially reflected in your GPA. Challenging courses count for a lot, even if you struggle a little with your grades.
- Be Authentic and Compelling in Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is where you can really shine – and the best way to give the admissions officer reading your application a sense of who you are. Use it to demonstrate your passions and resilience by being authentic. Talk about an experience that shaped your character, not just what you think the school wants to hear.
A strong essay can leave a lasting impression, so use it as an opportunity to make the admissions officers remember you – but make sure that you edit your essay thoroughly and get critical feedback from teachers, friends, mentors and advisors.
- Get Strong Letters of Recommendation
Recommendations can offer insight into your character, work ethic and potential – and greater insight into who you are as a human being.
Plan ahead, however, since teachers and counselors are more likely to write strong, thoughtful letters when they aren’t facing a tight deadline. Choose advocates who can speak to your strengths in specific ways or who can put your accomplishments into greater perspective.
- Show Extracurricular Engagement and Leadership
Colleges want good students – but they also want students who will actively contribute to their community. Your extracurriculars provide a glimpse of your interests, your ability to take the initiative or be a team player, and your capacity for adding positively to the campus culture.
Depth matters more than breadth – so it’s better to excel in a few areas than to spread yourself thin. Pick extracurriculars that align with your passions (especially if they mesh well with your intended major).
- Study Hard for Those Standardized Tests
After a stint with test-optional policies, many schools are returning to the SAT and ACT as part of their admissions process. In any case, a good SAT or ACT score can give you an edge if your GPA is a little lower than you’d prefer.
Get a tutor, take practice tests and create a study schedule that focuses on your weak spots. Taking the tests early so that you can retake them if your score doesn’t reflect your true potential is wise. Even in a test-optional application, a solid score can help set you apart from other applicants.
- Apply Early and Stay Organized
Timing and organization can make a huge difference in your application process. Applying early can increase your chances of admission at some schools since these pools can be less competitive. Applying early also speaks to your enthusiasm for a particular school, which is something that admission offices favor.
When you’re on your admissions journey, it’s important to stay positive, aim high and – above all – trust the process; Your dream college could be just around the corner!