Let’s be honest, applying to your dream college is very stressful and challenging, which makes it all the more satisfying and fulfilling once you do actually manage to get in. Also, matters get even more complicated if you want to attend one of the Ivy League colleges. For example, places like Stanford and Yale accept only about 5-6 percent of their applicants, which sounds pretty devastating.
However, the good news is that 80% of colleges accept more than half of those students which have applied, and more than half of all colleges admitted to accepting over two-thirds of all applicants.
This means you have a number of good backup options at your disposal, but we’re here to talk about your dream college and how you can get yourself there. That is why have prepared a step-by-step guide with plenty of useful advice for you to stand out from everyone else and get accepted into a school of your choice. Keep on reading to find out more.
1. Create Your Own Student Brand
Unfortunately, stellar grades and killer test scores are sometimes not enough to get into one of the top schools in the country. How so? Well, if you are shooting for elite schools like Harvard or Princeton, keep in mind that they can easily fill not just one, but two classes with nothing but valedictorians. What most dream colleges are looking for is students that are able to separate themselves from the rest, not just in terms of academic performance, but also in their extracurricular activities and interests outside the classroom.
That is why you need to start treating yourself as a brand and market yourself to potential colleges. If you are athletically gifted, get on one of the sports teams in your high school or volunteer in your local community. If you have an interesting hobby, that might also help you distinguish yourself. In other words, while grades and test results are very important, they are mandatory. It’s all the non-mandatory stuff that will help you get ahead of other students.
2. Don’t Just Dabble in Activities
All colleges are looking for well-rounded students, but you will have a better chance by focusing on a handful of activities and skills you are really good at, instead of being a jack of all trades and master of none. Simply put, colleges want you to be a specialist, rather than a generalist because they want someone who can contribute in a meaningful way, and not just be a passive participant. That is why it would be a good idea to focus on those endeavors in which you have already gathered some accolades and/or those in which you can excel in the near future.
3. Write a Killer Admissions Essay
Putting a lot of effort into crafting an outstanding admissions essay really matters. Even if you scoff at the notion of having to write an essay, look at it this way: it’s just 600-700 words. That’s nothing compared to your academic journey so far, and even less compared to what awaits you in the future. College admissions officers go through hundreds of these every year, which means you should capture their attention right away, instead of saving the best for last. If you have an idea on how to put it together but are not confident in your writing skills, then turning to an online essay or professional paper writing service for help with editing and proofreading might just do the trick.
4. Demonstrate Your Interest
Demonstrating interest in your dream college is another effective way in which you can bolster your student brand. While not all colleges track demonstrated interest of their applicants, being passionate about the school you want to attend can only help your chances. How do you demonstrate interest? Well, you can sign up for their email list, follow them on social media, as well as arrange a visit to their campus and take part in their guided tours. While there, you can also exchange contact information with their current students and their alumni, and maybe even set up an interview with one of their admissions officers or professors. Finally, try and demonstrate your knowledge of the school during these encounters.
5. Ask Your Teachers to Write Letters of Recommendation
Most colleges will expect you to turn in one or more letters of recommendation from your teachers or counselors. To be honest, a lot of students do this, but they remember to ask for one at the end of their senior year, even if they failed to make a lasting impression on that particular teacher. The resulting recommendation letters tend to be less than enthusiastic. For starters, pick one professor that teaches a subject that will be your intended major in college. Being active in that particular class and getting an A should go without saying. Also, send them a list of your relevant accomplishments, so they can include them in the letter.
6. Polish up Your Online Presence
Although you are free to post whatever you want on your social media accounts, college admissions officers will be looking at your profile to find out more about you, and more specifically, to see if there are any potential red flags. Before applying, clean up your social media presence, remove any inappropriate images and posts, or at least make those posts private, so that only your friends can see them. Also, use an email address with your name in it to appear more professional. Last, but not least, Google yourself and see if there is any content out there that might hurt your chances and have it taken down if possible.
Summary
Getting into your dream college represents an exciting new chapter in your life, and arguably the best one at that, so make sure you do everything you can on your part. Following the tips we have provided in this article will help you get an early start, regardless of your school of choice. Good luck!