College is already daunting enough trying to decide what you want to major in, where you want to go, and all the in-betweens that come with this new season of life. It can be hard to know what exactly colleges are looking for on your application. So we created a list of best practices and things to keep in mind when sending out your college applications!
How to boost your college applications
Grades Do Matter!
Do your very best to balance out your HS activities and studies to keep your grades up. Your GPA matters and if you load too much on your plate, you won’t have the time to do well in school. Take advanced classes if that comes natural to you. If it compromises your grades and stress level, simply take core High School subjects. Doing well in whatever you take is best even for college prep.
Make Lists!
Make a list of useful information to reference quickly use when applying to colleges so you don’t miss crucial information by trying to remember it each time. Once you submit an application, typically the information is no longer available to you so this keeps you from trying to recall key information each time and makes applying smoother. Bonus: this is a great habit to get into for college and eventually applying to future jobs!
Include your summer jobs
If you have any experience working in a professional setting, including this in your college application will get you some major points. This helps to show that you are responsible, resourceful, and employable (which Universities love to see). It also helps show that you are good with time management and juggling multiple responsibilities at one time!
Join Extra Curricular Activities
This is the same sentiment as having professional experience in high school. Extra curriculars are a great way to add some weight to your college application. Especially if your extra-curricular pertains to the field of study you are wanting to go into. For instance, if you want to study Theatre in college, including your time in the school choir and theatre productions will be very helpful!
Take Specialized Classes
If you already have an interest in a certain field of study, see if your high school offers any specialized classes on the subject! If you are interested in majoring in Business, then take a specialized business class! Not only will this help set you apart in your college applications, but it will also help you to get an edge before college!
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a sure way to get colleges to notice you. Whether you help tutor kids after school or you play with puppies at your local shelter, this is a big plus to be able to add to your college application. It is also a really great way to learn more about yourself and the things that you like that could maybe lead to a future career decision!
Make A List Of Your Strengths
This one is very simple, just make a list of 5 or 6 strengths that apply to you and maybe give some examples with each. Here are a few just to get you started: organized, relational, self-motivated, collaborative, adaptable, task-oriented, positive, loyal, etc.
Showcase Your Hobbies and Skills
If you are a whiz with a camera, like to run long distances, can create magic in an Excel spreadsheet-include that! Showing off your skills and hobbies is a great way to be unique and really showcase your personality. Especially if those hobbies or skills pertain to your future field of study!
This list may seem like a lot but don’t worry! Applying to colleges is like taking a test with the answer key, you already have all the answers, you just need to know which ones to highlight to get a colleges attention. Keeping all of these things in mind, we have no doubt you will get into the college of your dream! Happy applying!
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