By the senior year, most students already have a good idea of what they want to do in college and the institutions they prefer. However, according to a recent survey, less than 57% of first-year students attend colleges they consider to be their first choices. Although such statistics are worrying, getting into your dream college is certainly possible.
Of course, there is no magic formula for getting into your preferred college. However, there are tricks you can use to boost your chances and place you at the top of the pile. Here are some insights from college admission officials:
Admissions Decisions Are Not Always About You
While colleges select applicants, there are often several factors considered. For instance, issues like growing diversity and revenue generation are also important when making admission decisions. So, in as much as admission officials consider applicant dynamics when considering fit with the college, there are often many factors in play. If you understand this, you will be better prepared to accept rejection and not take things personally.
Test Scores and Grades Remain Important
Of course, when making college applications, you may have read somewhere that colleges want to get to know the real you. However, this is only true if your academic performance and the strength of your courses are notable. Please understand that top institutions obtain more applications than they can admit. To be at the helm of the competition, you need to make sure that your grades and test scores remain impressive. Extracurriculars and skills only work to supplement your academic credentials.
There Is More to You Than Just a Number
As has been indicated, grades and test scores are very important if you are to make it to your dream college. However, there is more to your chances as a candidate than just figures. Once a college has narrowed down on a considerable batch of candidates with impressive academic credentials, finding what sets them apart becomes important.
Some of the attributes that will help set you apart from other applicants include your extracurricular activities, application essays, and recommendations. Leadership skills, emotional intelligence, curiosity, empathy, desire to learn, and perseverance are also important. To ensure that you have created an exceptional application that boosts your prospects, consider getting a professional college essay editor to go through and finetune your documents.
Expressing Your Authentic Self Is Ideal
When reading recommendations on how to ace college applications, students often get advised to put their best foot forward. However, overwhelmed by boastful and slick applications, admissions officials appreciate signs of authenticity and honesty from candidates. In fact, some colleges indicate that they get an in-depth insight on applicants from pictures, videos, and audio files, with more and more colleges introducing these options during the application process.
Understand that, like when creating essays for college applications, having too much to polish is not always good. You may not need to hire a professional videographer when asked to upload material in an alternative format. A simple video demonstrating your leadership abilities and impact on others can make a huge difference.
Diversity Is Critical
Diversity plays an important role in determining college admission prospects. If you have a low income or are a first-generation student, these factors could boost your chances. Please note that most top colleges are looking for ways to enhance access. It means that emphasizing your background could help your case when applying to your dream college.
Money Is Always Important
Financial considerations are important when making decisions regarding college application. Colleges want to make a profit and always prioritize students who can pay most of the costs involved. In some unfortunate cases, qualified students with limited financial means get rejected because they may not afford the costs. So, when applying to your dream college, indicate how you will be able to afford the financial elements.
Geographical Factors May Shape Your Destiny
Highly selective colleges prefer to have students from different parts of the world and throughout the United States. Some colleges seek to bridge the urban-rural divide by giving chances to students from diverse geographical locations. You may stand a higher chance of admission if you apply in a state other than where you presently reside.
Doing Real Good Counts
As has been indicated, colleges are looking for more than just your academic credentials. Top institutions have mechanisms to award applicants who show sustained community service. Others look favorably at applicants who have made steps to assist others, whether friends, family members, or neighbors. You don’t need to have gone overseas to do well. Genuine efforts count, no matter how small.
Choosing Your Dream College First Counts
No one wants to be second choice, even colleges. Colleges want to enhance their yield by improving the number of accepted students who actually enroll. As such, most top institutions give considerable significance to applicants who show interest and willingness to attend the institution. To boost your prospects, connect with the admission officials and inform them when you would like to visit campus. Be sure of your first choice and show it in your application.
Early Applications Count
Early applications show that you’re eager and interested. Even if you don’t make an early decision, it is always critical to submit your documents well before the deadline. Also, it helps to have at least 3 dream colleges to expand your possibilities and lower disappointment.
The tips highlighted here can help improve your chances of getting into your dream college. Don’t give up hope if you get waitlisted. Just make sure that the college knows that you are very interested. Good luck!
This is an article provided by our partners’ network. It does not reflect the views or opinions of our editorial team and management.
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