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How do I get seen by more colleges?

How do I get seen by more colleges ? I am a student in high school and I want to be noticed by more colleges but I’m not in any sports or fancy electives, help please. Any advice is super appreciated, is anyone in the same boat as me?

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Jerome’s Answer

Attend college fairs if available at your school. If they aren't, check in with the district office. Each school will be a little different and hearing from the team that reviews applications can be super helpful.

Volunteering can help you stand out; especially if you can help have a positive impact on your local community. You'd be amazed how a few Saturdays a month of volunteering can positively impact your career.
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Mia’s Answer

You can get noticed by more colleges by actively engaging in extracurricular activities that align with your interests and demonstrate leadership potential, participating in academic competitions, and pursuing advanced coursework or challenging academic projects. Building strong relationships with teachers who can write compelling recommendation letters, achieving high standardized test scores, and maintaining a competitive GPA are also essential. Additionally, showcasing unique talents, volunteering in the community, and crafting a standout personal statement or college essay can further distinguish your college applications. Finally, attending college fairs, visiting campuses, and contacting admissions representatives can demonstrate genuine interest and help you stand out among the applicant pool.
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Patrick’s Answer

If you're a high school student hoping to catch the eye of more colleges, there are several steps you can take to make yourself more noticeable. While playing sports or taking unique electives can certainly add to your college application, there are many other ways to highlight your abilities and talents. Here are some tips to help you get noticed by more colleges:

1. Strive for academic excellence. Keep your GPA high and challenge yourself with tough courses like Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes if they're available at your school. Colleges appreciate students who show a love for learning, critical thinking skills, and a dedication to academic growth.

2. Even if you're not involved in sports or unique electives, there are many other extracurricular activities you can join to show off your skills and interests. Think about joining clubs, community service groups, or student leadership organizations that match your passions. Admissions officers like students who show initiative, leadership, and a dedication to positively impacting their communities.

3. Take part in personal projects or hobbies outside of school that show your creativity, initiative, and dedication. Whether you're starting a blog, making art, participating in community theater, or volunteering for a cause you care about, these experiences can help you stand out and show your unique talents and interests.

4. Use the resources and support available at your high school. Build good relationships with your teachers and school counselors, who can offer guidance, mentorship, and recommendation letters for college applications. Ask them for advice on academic and extracurricular opportunities that match your interests and goals.

5. Take part in college fairs, information sessions, and campus tours to learn more about different colleges and universities. These events are great opportunities to meet with admissions representatives, ask questions, and show your interest in their schools. Be proactive in introducing yourself, asking smart questions, and showing your excitement for their programs.

6. When you're filling out your college application, be sure to highlight your strengths, achievements, and unique qualities. Use your personal statement, essays, and additional materials to show your passions, experiences, and goals. Be honest and real when presenting yourself to admissions officers, and talk about how you can contribute to their campus community.

Remember, every student's path to college is different, and there are many ways to succeed. While sports and unique electives can be helpful, colleges also appreciate qualities like academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and personal growth. By focusing on your strengths, following your interests, and actively taking part in opportunities for personal and academic growth, you can make yourself more noticeable and attract the attention of colleges that are a good fit for you. Remember, you're not alone in your journey. Reach out to your peers, school counselors, and other support networks for advice, support, and friendship along the way.
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Stephanie’s Answer

Another fantastic way to stand out to colleges is through your essays! Be yourself! I know that advice is given way too often, but that is because it is true! Colleges want to get to know who you are, what you care about, and what you want to do. If you love to knit, talk about it! Write what you love about it and why it makes you happy. Be creative with your essay and connect it to a bigger message you are trying to convey. One of the best college essays I ever read was about how a young individual loved her hair! How awesome! No idea is too "weird"; being original is exactly what college admission wants to see!
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Abiola’s Answer

Make good grades and engage in educational social activities
Thank you comment icon Hi Abiola! Can you provide more information? What kind of activities? Sharyn Grose, Admin
Thank you comment icon You can engage in educational activities on LinkedIn joining groups that are affiliated to your major where you discuss extensively about topics related to the course you wish to study. Abiola Oladipupo
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Archived’s Answer

SUCH an exciting and also stressful time! I totally know what you mean since extracurricular activities/sports are the most common ways to stand out to college admission panels/reviewers. One of the ways I stood out and continue to stand out is foreign language skills. In our increasingly globalized world, foreign language skills/expertise is needed! What really stands out are the less common languages like Mandarin, Russian... something on those lines since most high schoolers take Spanish or French. Another way is to showcase any leadership experiences. Or even in your essay about you, highlighting a unique story about yourself... maybe your background, or any experiences that may be less common. Even just being proactive and wanting to talk to the admissions office shows your interest in attending and can really boost your visibility.

Another point I wanted to make is that even if things don't go your way at first, things always change! I was not in any sports/athletics in high school and I entered college in the Army ROTC program. I had applied and interviewed for the national scholarship, but because I didn't have sports in my toolbelt, I didn't get the scholarship. But, due to the recruiting officer liking me as a person along with my academics and fitness on my own, things went in a positive direction. So don't give up if things don't work out at first! I hope this helps, and if you want more advice, feel free to reach out as I was in your position not that long ago! Good luck!
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Naim’s Answer

Mikey,

To boost your visibility among colleges, here are some uplifting strategies you might want to think about:

Boost your academic status: Colleges often give precedence to students who excel academically. So, concentrate on keeping your grades up, and if you can, take on more challenging courses.

Engage in extracurricular activities: Get involved in activities outside of class that highlight your talents and passions. This could be anything from sports and clubs to volunteering or taking on leadership roles.

Ace standardized tests: Put in the time to prepare for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. These scores are often a key factor in college admissions.

Foster relationships: Make the most of college fairs, information sessions, and campus tours to establish connections with admissions officers. Building these relationships can make you a standout candidate.

Craft a powerful personal statement: Write a persuasive personal statement or essay that puts your strengths, experiences, and aspirations in the spotlight. This is your chance to show admissions committees what makes you unique.

Secure strong recommendation letters : Ask for recommendation letters from teachers, coaches, or mentors who know you well and can vouch for your character and capabilities.

Research your options: Find colleges that resonate with your interests, values, and objectives. Consider aspects like location, size, academic offerings, and campus vibe.

Apply broadly: Don't limit yourself when applying to colleges. Think about applying to a variety of reach, match, and safety schools to expand your possibilities.

By zeroing in on these strategies, you can boost your profile among colleges and enhance your chances of standing out during the admissions process.

May God bless you!
Naim Rahaim
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Martha’s Answer

Hi Mikey. Have you taken the PSAT yet? Many institutions began contacting my children after that point. Also, if you complete the college locator on the College Board site, you will be contacted by colleges that fit that criteria. I agree with Jerome, attending college fairs and high school visits by colleges would help you be noticed.

Sports recruitment may be different, but being noticed does not necessarily equate to being accepted. So take as challenging an academic program as you feel comfortable doing, keep up your grades, try to use your summers productively, and cultivate interests. As Jerome mentioned, volunteering can help you grow as a person as well as help your community. Some students have to work, which limits their extra-curriculars. Admission officers recognize the value of that as well.

Good luck!
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Chasity’s Answer

If you are taking the ACT you can send your scores to five school for free, but this also shares your information with more schools. My daughter started getting TONS of information from colleges after her first ACT test.
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