10 Tips to Get into the College of Your Dreams

For students applying to get into a college, it can become a daunting and stressful process.  It will be even more so if it’s the college they’ve dreamed of attending.  There’s really no preparation for this, so it’s up to the students to try and simplify it as much as possible.  Here are some steps that should be followed to increase the chances of attending their dream college.

 

1. Be clear about what you want

 

Students need to be clear about their goal in life, their ambitions, and their reasons to get into this particular college.  Find out what will make them stand out by being better and different from the other applicants. Talk to people with experience and meet with the career counselor for assistance.

2. Start the planning early

 

For students to have a better chance of getting accepted at their dream college, they should begin planning as early as their first year in high school.  If they wait until their senior year, it will be too late.  It takes ample planning to schedule and finish all of the requirements and take the admission tests.  They also need to utilize their four years in high school to prepare themselves for a strong college application.

3. Focus on the courses and grades in high school

Students know that their grades will play a crucial part of the process of their admission.  And the better their grades are - the greater the chance of attending their dream college.  They need to remember that their high school transcript will be a crucial document for their application.  So, students should take some courses through high school that are challenging.  It will impress the admissions board if the students take courses that are known to be more academically rigorous.

4. Check the requirements for admissions

It’s a good idea to do this early so students will have an easier time determining their plan of action.  Talking to current students at the college, visiting their official website, and getting in touch with the admissions office are ways to get the relevant information needed.  Another thing to do is to visit the college to get more information.

5. Score high on the SAT

 

Every college requires applicants to take either an SAT or ACT, so the admissions office has a way to evaluate the students.  The higher the grade, the greater the chances are for gaining admission to the dream college.  There’s a lot of material offered online that will help students prepare.  Take the test early so there’s time to take it again if need be.

 

6. Extra-curricular activities

 

Colleges look for students pursuing an activity demonstrating growth and leadership qualities, so applicants need to find an activity they have a passion for.  It could also be a student organization or something within the community.

7. Do’s and don’ts on the application

When students are preparing their college application, there are some factors they should be aware of.  So, they first need to get organized and write down some things they want to put into it.  However, don’t add anything that’s unnecessary because it’s more difficult to process.  Also, it’s crucial to keep track of the deadline because, if it’s missed, it will look bad for the students.

8. Write a fantastic essay

 

The students’ personal essay may be daunting, but it gives them a chance to tell why they are suitable for admission and what they have that sets them apart.  It can be about something that the student is passionate about, a cause that’s close to them, a hobby, or a personal experience.  They need to make sure it’s well thought out, coherent, and well-written.  It needs to engage the reader and let them understand the students’ personality.  This is the one time a student can tell the reader who they are as a person.

 

9. Get Recommendations

 

Be sure to get recommendations from teachers who can provide information that makes the student stand out.

 

10. Be Prepared for the Interview

 

Students need have all the information possible about the college and use these facts in the interview.  Students should give the admission officers a clear impression as to why they plan to be admitted.