Take the time to thoroughly research your potential schools and develop a deep understanding of their values and mission statements. This step will ensure that your college essay aligns with the school’s goals and showcases a genuine passion for their specific academic offerings. Within the application, it is also essential to highlight any unique extracurricular experiences or leadership roles that have helped define you as an individual.
College Admissions committees often look for well-rounded students who have demonstrated community involvement or displayed talent in a specialized area.
Find someone to proofread your college application materials for grammatical errors and missed opportunities before you hit send. Presenting polished materials shows your attention to detail, which is vital in college and beyond.
By taking the time to research your options and put your best foot forward, you can make your college application process a success.
What colleges look for in your college application
Chances are, you’ve spent the last four years taking various required courses in different subject areas. But what do colleges care about most when they review your transcript?
Here’s a breakdown of the three main things college admissions officers focus on when reviewing your transcript:
- Your overall academic performance: Colleges want to see that you have challenged yourself academically throughout your high school career. They will look at the types of courses you have taken (AP, IB, Honors, etc.) and your grades in those courses.
- The trend in your academic performance: Colleges will consider your total academic performance and progress over time. They will be looking for evidence that you have been stretching yourself academically and that you have been succeeding each year.
- Your extracurricular involvement: Colleges are looking for well-rounded students who have demonstrated involvement outside the classroom. It includes participation in athletics, clubs, volunteer work, etc.
Tips on how to stand out in your college essay
The college essay is a chance to show admissions committees who you are—and how you stand out from the rest of the applicants. Here are some tips on how to write a standout college essay:
- Choose a topic that’s right for you. Your college essay should be about YOU—not what colleges want to hear, or what you think they want to hear. Pick a topic that’s important to you and your writing will naturally help college admissions committees get to know you better.
- Be honest. Colleges can tell when students are trying to say buzzwords, or present a version of what the admissions committee wants to see. Be yourself—and be honest about it.
- Be specific. A college essay is not a resume—it’s an opportunity to show admissions committees who you are and how you think. Use concrete examples and specific details to give your essay flavor and personality.
- Be well-written. A well-written college essay will show that you’re a strong writer with a clear voice. Proofread your essay carefully and make sure you’re happy with the result before submitting it.
Extracurricular Activities
You’ve probably heard that colleges are looking for well-rounded students. But what does that mean, exactly?
In addition to solid academics, colleges are also looking for students who have demonstrated involvement in extracurricular activities. That category can include things like athletics, clubs, volunteer work, etc.
Extracurricular activities are a great way to show colleges that you’re more than just your grades and classroom performance.
After all, these self-selected hobbies allow you to demonstrate your leadership skills, passions, and commitment to others.
Here are some tips on how to choose extracurricular activities that will help you stand out in your college application:
- Find something you’re passionate about. Don’t choose an extracurricular activity just because you think it will look good on your college application. Find something that you’re truly passionate about and that you’ll enjoy doing.
- Get involved early. Start getting involved in extracurricular activities early in your high school career. It will allow you to gain leadership experience and build a solid commitment to the activity.
- Don’t be afraid to try something new. College is a time to explore new things and discover what interests you. If you don’t have any extracurricular activities that you’re passionate about, now is the time to stay open-minded and try something new.
College Admissions Tests
In addition to your academic record, college admissions committees will also consider your scores on college admissions tests. There are two main college admissions tests: the SAT and the ACT Test.
Most colleges accept both tests, so you should take whichever onefeels more comfortable. Some colleges may also require additional subject-specific exams, such as the SAT Subject Tests or the AP exams. Your score on these exams can show colleges that you’re ready for the rigors of college-level work.
Preparing for these exams can be a challenge, but there are a few things you can do to help yourself succeed:
- Start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to start studying for these exams to give yourself plenty of time for preparation.
- Find a study method that works for you. Everyone learns differently, so find a study method that works best for you. Some people prefer to study alone, while others prefer to study in a group.
- Take practice tests. In addition to studying, it’s also important to take practice tests to get used to the exam format and see where you need to improve.
Make your application stand out from the rest
If you want to achieve what few others can, then you can’t be just like everyone else. Stand out from the crowd and get noticed with a unique college application that shows your personality and interests. We can help you make your application stand out so you can get into the school of your dreams.
College admission can be unnerving, but a few things could lessen the burden on your shoulders.
Start by being yourself—colleges can tell when students are trying to say what they think the admissions committee wants to hear. Be honest and specific in your college essay, and don’t be afraid to show your personality.
In addition to academics, colleges are also looking for students who have demonstrated involvement in extracurricular activities. Find something you’re passionate about and get involved early.
Finally, college admissions committees will also consider your scores on college admissions tests. Start studying early and find a study method that works for you. These tips can help you stand out in college admissions and get into the college of your dreams.
