Tips for a Successful College Admissions Journey

While the application process may seem intimidating at first, every student’s college admissions journey is an opportunity to discover more about themselves and their academic goals. With the right strategy, all students will be able to identify their own best-fit schools and showcase why they deserve a spot on campus.

In addition to getting good grades, students need to be thoughtful about the classes they’re taking. Course planning is important because admissions officers are looking for applicants who have challenged themselves by taking a rigorous course load, including Advanced Placement classes if their school offers them. Students should strive to take a challenging array of courses in a variety of subjects, including math, history and social sciences, English, foreign language, science, and the arts.

Unfortunately, there’s no secret trick students can use to guarantee admission at their first-choice college. However, there are a handful of tips that can improve an applicant’s odds of admission, including demonstrating their interest in the college they’re hoping to attend by visiting campus, participating in information sessions, and/or applying early.

Another smart practice is to begin compiling a resume during freshman or sophomore year of high school, so students can keep building on it instead of having to remember all their accomplishments when they get to senior year. During every moment of high school, there are steps students can take to set themselves up for future success, so it’s important to check out college application tips for each step of your development.

From test optional admissions to supplemental video responses, new college admissions trends add their own spin to the application process each year. Similarly, the percentage of students who gain admission to a given college and the number of accepted applicants who choose to enroll can vary considerably from year to year. Students should stay on top of these college admissions updates so they can ensure they’re adapting their application strategy accordingly.

As students are compiling their lists of best-fit schools to apply to, they should make sure they’re including time for college tours. Visiting different campuses gives prospective students an opportunity to learn more about the school, speak with current college students, and demonstrate their interest in attending the institution. If students can’t make it for an in-person visit, many schools also provide virtual touring options so that applicants around the world can get a feel for their campus.

Even before college officially begins, students can begin taking online courses in the subjects that interest them. These classes are something that applicants can add to a resume and/or write about in their college applications. Additionally, students should make sure they’re keeping up with outside reading—choosing books outside of what’s assigned to them in school—to prepare for college. The more students read, the more confident and comfortable they will be with their own writing when it comes time to work on essays.

If you are planning on applying to colleges, there is a lot to consider. You may decide that you want someone knowledgeable on your team to guide you through the stressful admissions process. If you seek out an independent counselor to work with along with your school-based counselor, make sure they are reputable and certified through a professional organization such as the National Association of College Admissions Counselors and/or the Independent Educational Consultant Association.