Going to College? 3 Tips to Be a Standout Prospect

Getting into college isn't easy, and the higher you're aiming in your choice of schools, the more competition you're up against. Your application is your first and only chance to make a good impression on admissions officers, who have to read and evaluate hundreds or thousands of applications every year. When there are only a limited number of spots available for incoming freshmen, any weakness can get your application tossed to the side, so putting your best foot forward is critical. Here are three things you can do to stand out from the pack as you prepare to apply to the college of your dreams.

1. Put your academics first.

College admissions officers will take your high school grades as a predictor of how well you will do in college. While your grades aren't a hard-and-fast indicator of either your intelligence or your potential for growth, admissions officers are working with very limited information about you, and a poor high school GPA is one of the simplest ways for them to filter out weaker applications from the pile. On the flip side, a stellar GPA won't guarantee you admission to your school of choice when you're competing against lots of other applicants with 4.0s, but it will keep you in the running.

Don't be tempted to sign up for easy classes to protect your GPA -- this will actually hurt your odds. Admissions officers consider the difficulty of the classes you took in conjunction with the grades you earned. They want to see that you're willing to challenge yourself. Whenever you can, take classes that are geared towards college preparation. If you have an idea of what you might like to major in, take high school classes that will give you a sound foundation of knowledge to build on in college.

If you're already partway through high school and your GPA isn't perfect, don't panic. A 4.0 definitely provides a boost when it comes to getting into college, but people can and do get admitted with lower grades all the time. Just focus on doing your best work in whatever classes you have left to complete. Admissions officers will take the general trajectory of your grades into account. If your grades weren't so good during your freshman year but improved over time, that will reflect positively on your perseverance and willingness to address your weak spots.

2. Nail your standardized tests.

Most colleges still require SAT and ACT scores. While standardized tests are never that much fun to take, they're one of the most important components of your application because they give admissions officers a snapshot of where your reading and math skills are compared to your peers. It takes some effort to prepare adequately for these tests, but your hard work will be well worth it down the line. You can find lots of study materials to review on your own, but if you're serious about maximizing your score, look into paid resources. For instance, the best ACT tutoring online won't just provide you with basic practice problems -- it will help you identify the areas where you could improve and provide targeted practice to bring up your scores in those areas. It's best to give yourself at least three months to prepare for the SAT and ACT.

3. Remember to stay well-rounded.

College admissions officers look at your whole application to decide if you'd be a good fit at their school. While grades and test scores are important, it's almost as important to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded person who will thrive in the campus community at your chosen school. Make it a priority to participate in extracurricular activities during your four years in high school. Getting work or volunteer experience, playing sports, participating in clubs, and playing a musical instrument are all great ways to make your application stand out from the pack, especially if you have leadership experience in any of these areas. Don't be afraid to play up what makes you unique in your essay or personal statement. This is what will make you memorable and likable.

Applying to college is an exciting time. The earlier you start preparing, the better an impression you'll be able to make. Keep these tips in mind as you start to put your applications together, and you'll give yourself the best possible shot at receiving an admission letter.