How to Ace Your College Application
While it may seem daunting at first, the college application is nothing to fear. It’s merely a formal way of expressing who you are—accomplishments, interests, and aspirations. However, it can be a bit tricky to know exactly what colleges are looking for, which is why we have created some tips for a strong application. Following these simple guidelines will help relieve stress and increase confidence as you navigate through the process of applying to college.
Stand Out
What makes you different than thousands of other applicants? Highlight your strengths and accomplishments, your experiences and extracurricular activities, what you’ve learned and what you hope to learn—it’s okay to promote yourself; just be honest and try to emphasize why you’re a good fit for the particular university you’re applying for.
Double Up
Take both the SAT and ACT, and take them more than once. That way, you can improve in your weaker subject areas. Plus, you may be able to “superscore” your SAT results—some colleges take the highest score in each section, rather than the overall score from your most recent test.
Buddy Up
Get to know your admissions counselor. He or she will be able to give you the inside scoop on what the school is looking for and how to approach your application essay. Someone who knows you personally is much more likely to be your advocate during the review process.
Share Your Story
Your application essay is your time to shine. But you don’t have to be the next Shakespeare to write a successful essay. Just try to make your writing to-the-point
but also engaging, sharing your story in a meaningful way.
Double Check
Your application essay is going to have to do all the talking for you. So make sure it’s polished—run spell check and grammar check, and have an extra pair of eyes proofread it before you send it off.
Coach Them
Reference letters are another important part of your application package. Pick teachers or other mentors who will give you a personal, positive recommendation. And it’s okay to “coach” them—let your references know what character traits or leadership qualities you would like to emphasize; just make sure to give them enough time to write a good letter. They’ll appreciate that you made their job a little easier!
Don’t Hesitate
It’s true: the early bird does get the worm. And in terms of your college application, getting it in as early as possible will only improve your chances of being accepted, getting the best scholarships, and scoring prime spots in campus housing.
For more information, contact the Admissions team.
“How to Ace Your College Application” originally appeared in Northwest University’s Pursuit Magazine here.