Graduating from high school can feel like setting sail on open waters. You’re not only aiming to get into college; you’re setting plans in motion that will guide your career and personal life.
And it’s not just about getting into a college; it’s about getting into the right college for you.
With so many options, each school with its own set of requirements, the process can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with pieces that keep changing shapes.
How do you tread through countless applications and exams, find time for outside activities, and build student credentials that truly stand out?
This guide will help you navigate the complexities of college admissions. From acing your SATs to crafting an essay that captures your unique story, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get started…
How to get into college: Laying the groundwork
The process begins long before you set foot on any campus. During high school, your academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal development play a crucial role in influencing your college prospects.
Understanding your aspirations and goals is the first step in making informed decisions about your future.
Now is the time to reflect on your interests, strengths, and passions to identify possible areas of study. Think about potential careers and the type of learning environment that best fits you.
Careful planning will give you an advantage when it comes to getting into college. Here are 4 areas to focus your time and energy:
1. Self-assessment
Identify your interests, strengths, and potential college majors.
You don’t start building a house by buying materials; you start with a blueprint, and those plans shape your project.
Applying for college is similar in lots of ways—you have to begin with the end in mind.
While you don’t need to have everything figured out (that’s way too much pressure!), having a few ideas about what you’d like to study and potential careers is a great starting point for your college admissions “blueprint.”
What activities excite you? What are your favorite school subjects? What are your strengths and talents?
Market demand and desired salary are worth your consideration, too. Knowing yourself and asking good questions (and giving honest answers) is the best way to start the college process.
My degree in agricultural communications was the perfect bridge between passion and talent in my personal college decision. I was able to not only study courses that related to my upbringing in a small farming community, but I was able to build my skills as a writer, something I have turned into a career post-school.
2. Academic preparation
Strategically choose high school courses and keep your grades up.
The first step is to make sure you’re taking all the required classes. Most states have a core curriculum for graduation—usually math, language arts, and science. Other options like dual credit or AP classes can help you prepare and get ahead of your college goals.
And while AP courses are commendable and worthwhile in many cases, don’t sweat it if your school is limited in AP offerings:
…colleges are looking to admit students who take advantage of all of the opportunities and resources available to them. If AP courses are not available at a student’s high school, a lack of AP courses and scores on their applications will not be held against them. While motivated students could hypothetically self-study for exams in their field of interest, it is often a much better use of time for these students to focus on performing well in their current classes. These students should devote any additional free time to developing projects and activities that are meaningful to them.
—Christopher Rim, CEO and founder of Command Education
Reaching your full academic potential isn’t easy, especially with the distractions of modern life. Prioritizing your studies and working toward the best grades possible will give you the leg up when it comes to applying for college:
High school course grades are extremely important for students and their later outcomes, affecting college admissions, scholarships and credit accumulation toward high school graduation.
Showing up, putting in the work, and building smart habits will help your chances of getting into the college of your choice.
3. Extracurriculars and summer activities
Invest in activities that reflect your passions and set you apart.
Beyond good grades, what you’re able to achieve in settings outside the classroom can help you stand out from other applicants.
Common extracurriculars include activities such as:
- Athletics
- Band or Choir
- Theater Club
- Speech and Debate Club
- Student Government
- Other special interest clubs
Even if your school has a limited offering, extracurriculars are a good opportunity to practice your skills, hobbies, and passions. They also help to develop leadership skills—like communication and working as part of a team toward a common goal.
Extracurricular activities can even be a driver in your college selection. Whether you’re seeking a scholarship, making a choice based on a certain program, or simply choosing a school with intramural offerings, your activities before college can play a meaningful role.
4. Standardized tests
Insights into SAT/ACT preparation and when to take them.
From a young age we’re taught how to learn information, how to respond to information, and how to repeat the information we’ve learned.
With that in mind, taking the SAT or ACT might feel like a test we’ve been preparing for our whole life—so, why does it feel so daunting?
Like most advice in this article, preparation is key.
Take the time to research which test will best suit you (try taking practice exams to help determine this), and which test is required for the specific colleges you’re applying to.
Taking the right test and investing time to study, including getting a headstart on practice exams, can improve your score.
Researchers at Georgia State University highlighted the correlation between effective study time and better test scores:
Students preparing for the SAT could benefit from understanding the relationships between starting preparation early and the other factors for successful test preparation: contact hours, practice effects, homework completion and session distribution. When students understand the model for successful SAT preparation, they can better structure their preparation in the most economical and efficient way to optimize their scores.
There are prep courses everywhere—Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Khan Academy are just a few. You can often choose based on your learning style: in-person, online, self-paced, or one-on-one tutoring.
Taking your ACTs or SATs is typically recommended during your junior year.
As for retaking the tests, colleges are most likely going to be looking at your highest score. It’s recommended that you take them at least twice, but not much more unless your scores are improving.
What do colleges look for? Tell your story
Easier said than done, amirite? Now’s the time to show them who you are beyond grades, test scores, and activities.
While it’s not always easy to talk about achievements and goals, it’s a vital part of the admissions process. Let’s explore the ways you can highlight your personal success (without being boring)…
Personal statements and essays
Tips for writing compelling and authentic stories.
No one wants to brag about themselves. College admissions boards don’t want to read a bunch of self-promotion, either.
How, then, do you write about yourself and what you can do in a genuine way—and not sound like every other app they’ve read?!
One way is writing in a natural and authentic voice. Be yourself and let your personality shine through.
And whatever you talk about, bring the receipts. Don’t just say that you’re a hard worker or a good leader. Give concrete examples of how you’ve demonstrated these qualities in your experiences.
Rob Franek, whose 26-year career has overseen countless collegiate admissions, notes that being yourself and telling your story will help separate you from other candidates.
Take time before writing your essay to think about the things that define you as a student. Think about who you hope to become. Include life events that have shaped who you are and why you want to go to this particular college.
Keep a running list about yourself and your accomplishments—this will help you get off to a more organized start and keep your writing on track.
Letters of recommendation
How to get meaningful recommendations from teachers and mentors.
“It takes a village” is a common saying about the community needed to raise a person to adulthood.
For many of us, trusted adults will play a role in our personal growth and career success.
When it comes time to ask for a recommendation, choose wisely. Ideally, you’ll select a person who has worked with you closely as a teacher, coach, or mentor. You want to ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your abilities and accomplishments.
To get the most effective letter of recommendation, start by asking well in advance.
Provide the person writing your letter with any information about its intended purpose; a recommendation letter for a scholarship may not have the same guidelines as a college entrance offering, for example.
Letters like these are a great tool to paint a more complete picture of who you are and increase your chances of admission. Thank your recommender for their time and consideration, and remember to follow up and let them know how things shake out with your applications.
Interviews
Preparing for college interviews and making a lasting impression.
College interviews are sometimes part of the admissions process—depending on the university—and can often resemble a job interview.
Some interviews are purely informational (i.e., a chance for you to ask questions and learn more about the school), and others are evaluative (i.e., your answers will contribute to your overall application and could impact your acceptance).
These interviews may be required, optional, or recommended. Even if they’re optional or recommended, it’s still a good idea to attend. Remember, interviews go both ways—this is just as much a chance for you to see if the school is a good fit for you.
Try to learn in advance what the interviewers are looking for. Talk to friends, family, or peers who have gone through similar interviews. Think through answers to common interview questions like:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What is a challenge you overcame in high school?
- What are your goals for college?
- What are your academic strengths? Weaknesses?
- Why do you want to attend this university?
…and then practice, practice, practice.
Project confidence and professionalism during the interview. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be polite and respectful to the interviewers. Listen attentively, maintain eye contact, and speak clearly.
Interviews are also not solely about answering questions but about building a rapport with the interviewers.
Ask thoughtful questions about the college, its programs, and the opportunities it offers. This demonstrates your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the institution.
Don’t forget the easy wins
Remember the simple actions that anyone can do—so long as you’re paying attention to the details.
Turn in your application on time (or early)
Stay organized and plan ahead. Set up calendar reminders, maintain a journal to track your progress, and collect all necessary documents (transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation) well before the deadlines.
Submitting on time also increases your chances of receiving a decision sooner, giving you ample time to plan your next steps.
Apply to multiple schools
It is wise to have a range of options, and experts generally suggest applying to around 5 to 8 schools. This means applying to a few schools that are practically guaranteed to accept you, a few schools that are a good fit (based on both your qualifications and interests), and a couple of “reach” schools (less likely to accept you, but you’d love to attend).
Once you know where you’re accepted, the process of comparison can lead to a more informed decision, helping you select the best college for you and your goals.
Follow all instructions to the letter
Colleges and universities have varying preferences and evaluation criteria for their applicants.
Rushing through the college application process or neglecting to follow instructions can have significant consequences. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may result in delays or rejections. Colleges and universities expect applicants to demonstrate attention to detail and follow the guidelines provided.
Review the instructions and ensure that all required materials are submitted in the correct format.
Take the time to proofread and edit your essays.
If you have a friend or mentor who is willing to edit, having a second or third set of eyes can be extremely helpful for your essays. Tap into technology for support as well; the Hemingway App, Grammarly, and Cliche Finder are useful tools.
Getting into college takes work (but it’s nothing you can’t handle)
College admissions are a big deal, filled with lots of excitement and hard work along the way.
But don’t forget why you’re pursuing it in the first place: This process is about more than just getting into a good school; it’s about building a future that matches your dreams, beliefs, and potential for growth.
Trust in yourself and all of your hard work. With some determination, good prep, and a little help, the door to higher education is open and waiting for you.
