7 answers
Giovanni
Student
Durham, North Carolina
1
Question
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What are the best things to do to up my chances of getting in when applying to College ?
What are the best things to do to up my chances of getting in when applying to College?
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7 answers
Soyoung J
BizOps
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Soyoung’s Answer
Maintaining a high GPA and getting high standardized test scores are always beneficial. Colleges often consider the difficulty level of the classes you've taken as part of your GPA. If your school provides AP/IB classes, taking these can demonstrate your academic rigor.
Additionally, it's important to exhibit a "well-rounded" persona by engaging in various extracurricular activities. Prioritize depth over breadth - initially, you might want to experiment with a wide range of clubs and activities. As time progresses, concentrate on a few that you genuinely enjoy and excel in. It's advisable to diversify your activities (for instance, one related to arts, one to sports, and one pre-professional, or any other combination!) to show off your skills!
Additionally, it's important to exhibit a "well-rounded" persona by engaging in various extracurricular activities. Prioritize depth over breadth - initially, you might want to experiment with a wide range of clubs and activities. As time progresses, concentrate on a few that you genuinely enjoy and excel in. It's advisable to diversify your activities (for instance, one related to arts, one to sports, and one pre-professional, or any other combination!) to show off your skills!
Lainie Frost
Director of Creative Marketing Content Operations
4
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Lainie’s Answer
One of the best things you can do is to volunteer. Volunteerism shows that you are a self-starter. Also, if you have any part-time jobs, be sure to include that in your essay/college application.
In your essay you could speak to a specific course they teach that's of interest to you. College websites list what classes are required for graduating. By referencing a specific course, the college will understand your genuine interest.
In your essay you could speak to a specific course they teach that's of interest to you. College websites list what classes are required for graduating. By referencing a specific course, the college will understand your genuine interest.
Mark -
Lawyer
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Mark’s Answer
I think there are three things you can do to give yourself the best chances.
1. Get the best GPA you can. Class can be difficult. Sometimes you don't want to do the extra work. Sometimes you might be uninterested in the class. Still, colleges are very focused on grades. As much as possible, get the best GPA you can. It seems hard to put in the extra effort in the moment, but once you finish, you'll realize it wasn't that bad. If you're having a tough time in class, ask your teacher questions to help yourself learn. If there's a tutor center, go to the tutor center to learn more. These solutions can also help to go far. If you can take difficult classes and do well, that helps, too.
2. Get the best standardized test score you can. Like above, unfortunately colleges can care a lot about this. If you can get resources to help, that's great! Sometimes there are free or cheap resources. These can be classes, workbooks, etc. The more you practice, the better you'll do. Try to practice as much as possible.
3. Do you have a passion that relates what you want to do in college? Write about that. Give a convincing story that separates yourself from your peers. This can be your passion, your background, your goals and vision. This can be a unique experience you had that sets you apart from your peers. Really think about this and find a way to distinguish yourself.
1. Get the best GPA you can. Class can be difficult. Sometimes you don't want to do the extra work. Sometimes you might be uninterested in the class. Still, colleges are very focused on grades. As much as possible, get the best GPA you can. It seems hard to put in the extra effort in the moment, but once you finish, you'll realize it wasn't that bad. If you're having a tough time in class, ask your teacher questions to help yourself learn. If there's a tutor center, go to the tutor center to learn more. These solutions can also help to go far. If you can take difficult classes and do well, that helps, too.
2. Get the best standardized test score you can. Like above, unfortunately colleges can care a lot about this. If you can get resources to help, that's great! Sometimes there are free or cheap resources. These can be classes, workbooks, etc. The more you practice, the better you'll do. Try to practice as much as possible.
3. Do you have a passion that relates what you want to do in college? Write about that. Give a convincing story that separates yourself from your peers. This can be your passion, your background, your goals and vision. This can be a unique experience you had that sets you apart from your peers. Really think about this and find a way to distinguish yourself.
Barry Finder
I lead a team that does operations
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Barry’s Answer
Showcase your unique self to the college - craft a great essay that truly reflects your personality, and ensure that the courses and extracurricular activities you're engaged in genuinely represent you. Then, you'll find a place that feels great.
Rahul Desai
Executive
2
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Rahul’s Answer
1. Strive for excellence in your schoolwork. Embrace challenging courses and give them your best effort. Remember, your academic performance is a key factor that colleges look at.
2. Consider taking the SAT/ACT and aim for a high score - While not all colleges require these standardized tests, many do. Taking the test and scoring well can only benefit you.
3. Craft a compelling college application essay - Your story matters. Make sure it's told in a way that captivates the college admissions team. Seek reviews and ensure you're presenting your best self.
4. Dive into extracurricular activities - Show your versatility. Colleges appreciate students who are well-rounded. Whether it's sports, arts, or any other passion, make your mark and share your journey!
5. Secure strong recommendation letters - Reach out to your teachers, coaches, or mentors and request a recommendation letter that underscores your achievements and strengths.
Go see a college counselor - They can help with the end to end process, review of essays etc.
Start your process as early as possible - Plan your ACT / SAT as early as possible. Remember you can take them multiple times and try to up the score.
Discuss with friends, parents, teachers, folks that you know who have gotten into the school of your interest and reach out for help.
2. Consider taking the SAT/ACT and aim for a high score - While not all colleges require these standardized tests, many do. Taking the test and scoring well can only benefit you.
3. Craft a compelling college application essay - Your story matters. Make sure it's told in a way that captivates the college admissions team. Seek reviews and ensure you're presenting your best self.
4. Dive into extracurricular activities - Show your versatility. Colleges appreciate students who are well-rounded. Whether it's sports, arts, or any other passion, make your mark and share your journey!
5. Secure strong recommendation letters - Reach out to your teachers, coaches, or mentors and request a recommendation letter that underscores your achievements and strengths.
Rahul recommends the following next steps:
Haley P.
operations
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Haley’s Answer
Hello Giovanni,
I highly encourage you to immerse yourself in various activities either at your school or within your local community. Participating in clubs, engaging in sports, or dedicating some time to volunteering are all excellent ways to do this. Colleges and universities appreciate students who are well-rounded and have diverse interests beyond academics. When the time comes for you to start applying for college, remember to showcase these experiences prominently in your resume and essays! They could help you stand out!
Pick one area of interest and get involved at school or in your community :)
I highly encourage you to immerse yourself in various activities either at your school or within your local community. Participating in clubs, engaging in sports, or dedicating some time to volunteering are all excellent ways to do this. Colleges and universities appreciate students who are well-rounded and have diverse interests beyond academics. When the time comes for you to start applying for college, remember to showcase these experiences prominently in your resume and essays! They could help you stand out!
Haley recommends the following next steps:
Kari Fass, EdM
Operations Manager
11
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Kari’s Answer
Hello there! You've asked a fantastic question!
It's really beneficial to have a wide range of experiences that you can share about. I notice that many students try to tick every box, but they forget to take a moment to think about why that experience was significant, what they excelled at, where they could do better, or what they took away from it.
So, let's say you've got a summer job, make sure to take a breather at the end of the summer to look back on how things went. If you're involved in a sport for a season, have a chat with your coach to understand what they believe you did well off the field/court/track. If you've done some volunteering, take a moment to think about what you gained from being there. I hope you find this advice useful!
It's really beneficial to have a wide range of experiences that you can share about. I notice that many students try to tick every box, but they forget to take a moment to think about why that experience was significant, what they excelled at, where they could do better, or what they took away from it.
So, let's say you've got a summer job, make sure to take a breather at the end of the summer to look back on how things went. If you're involved in a sport for a season, have a chat with your coach to understand what they believe you did well off the field/court/track. If you've done some volunteering, take a moment to think about what you gained from being there. I hope you find this advice useful!