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What should I do to get into a prestigious college?
Specific extracurriculars? Volunteering? Dedication? Good GPA?
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8 answers
Updated
Julia’s Answer
To get into a prestigious college here is the list of things you need to accomplish along with the extracurriculars you asked about.
-Extraculliars-community service, athletics, academics, art & creativity, drama, culture, arts, work experience, travel, volunteering, social justice, art music, science & technology studies, and debate team
-Essay
-Interest
-Compelling Personal Statement
-Recommendation Letters
-Score well on placement tests
-Earn good grades
-Leadership
-Standardized Tests
-Consider Applying Early
-Great work experience
-Challenging classes
-Extraculliars-community service, athletics, academics, art & creativity, drama, culture, arts, work experience, travel, volunteering, social justice, art music, science & technology studies, and debate team
-Essay
-Interest
-Compelling Personal Statement
-Recommendation Letters
-Score well on placement tests
-Earn good grades
-Leadership
-Standardized Tests
-Consider Applying Early
-Great work experience
-Challenging classes
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Sometimes the requirements for a prestigious colleges also varies based on the major, school, or department. Unfortunately, every admissions office is looking for something different and there's no one best way to get accepted.
But to give broad insight, I'll ditto Julia's answers and add a few additional options:
- Internships / research opportunities / shadowing- if you can find companies that hire high school interns, apply to local universities to work in a research lab during the summer, or shadow a person working in a role you're interested in - these are highly respected positions and shows of dedication
- Leadership roles - Julia said it also, but showing that you're not only involved in extracurricular activities but also leading others will take your further.
But to give broad insight, I'll ditto Julia's answers and add a few additional options:
- Internships / research opportunities / shadowing- if you can find companies that hire high school interns, apply to local universities to work in a research lab during the summer, or shadow a person working in a role you're interested in - these are highly respected positions and shows of dedication
- Leadership roles - Julia said it also, but showing that you're not only involved in extracurricular activities but also leading others will take your further.
Updated
Aidan’s Answer
Absolutely, Sabrina! It's crucial to maintain high grades, as they're a key requirement for the country's top schools. Invest time in studying diligently to achieve impressive scores on your SAT and ACT tests. Additionally, engage in numerous extracurricular activities, as schools value this aspect too. Another significant factor is crafting a persuasive personal statement that allows schools to gain a deeper understanding of your unique circumstances. I hope you find this guidance beneficial!
Updated
Ava’s Answer
This is a great question, Sabrina!
Honestly, you may find that a prestigious college is not what will help you achieve your educational or career goals. Tailor your college applications based on the majors, career outlook, support services, and student culture they offer. It is true that some colleges provide better services and career outlook, but that is because of the people there, not the name of the school. Going to school should benefit you in the future, not simply add to the school's enrollment waitlist. Do plenty of research.
Once you have decided on your ideal schools, look at their admission requirements and go from there.
- Volunteering in general is great for students, and it's something you can add to your resume as work experience. Try to find opportunities that relate to your ideal major and career. In my case, I wanted a career in STEM, so I tutored math and programming.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP scores are all very good for academic requirements. Many schools offer merit scholarships for students with strong academic standing, I've gotten several myself to help pay for school.
- Consider cost. Back on merit scholarships, look at what financial aid options they provide and the requirements to receive and maintain them. It may be your major, your GPA, filling out an application form, writing an essay, etc.
- Spend time on your admissions essay (if you have one). Start as early as possible, and continue seeking feedback and refining it until it's time to submit it. Really stress your background, steps you've taken in your career (school and beyond), and what you value about the school's community.
I hope this helps Sabrina, good luck!
Honestly, you may find that a prestigious college is not what will help you achieve your educational or career goals. Tailor your college applications based on the majors, career outlook, support services, and student culture they offer. It is true that some colleges provide better services and career outlook, but that is because of the people there, not the name of the school. Going to school should benefit you in the future, not simply add to the school's enrollment waitlist. Do plenty of research.
Once you have decided on your ideal schools, look at their admission requirements and go from there.
- Volunteering in general is great for students, and it's something you can add to your resume as work experience. Try to find opportunities that relate to your ideal major and career. In my case, I wanted a career in STEM, so I tutored math and programming.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP scores are all very good for academic requirements. Many schools offer merit scholarships for students with strong academic standing, I've gotten several myself to help pay for school.
- Consider cost. Back on merit scholarships, look at what financial aid options they provide and the requirements to receive and maintain them. It may be your major, your GPA, filling out an application form, writing an essay, etc.
- Spend time on your admissions essay (if you have one). Start as early as possible, and continue seeking feedback and refining it until it's time to submit it. Really stress your background, steps you've taken in your career (school and beyond), and what you value about the school's community.
I hope this helps Sabrina, good luck!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. I am glad to hear that you have to plan to enter a prestigious university.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Identity the subjects you have interest. Explore the college reviews on the subjects and identify the colleges you would like to focus.
2. Attend the information sessions hosts by the department of colleges. Find out the entry criteria. Speak to professors and alumni to understand more on their selection criteria
3. Explore any alumni in your school is in the colleges you are considering and look for them to share their experience
4. Work hard to meet the academic qualification require
5. Try to participate any activities that can enrich your profile, e.g. voluntary work, subject related extra curricular activity, etc.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Identity the subjects you have interest. Explore the college reviews on the subjects and identify the colleges you would like to focus.
2. Attend the information sessions hosts by the department of colleges. Find out the entry criteria. Speak to professors and alumni to understand more on their selection criteria
3. Explore any alumni in your school is in the colleges you are considering and look for them to share their experience
4. Work hard to meet the academic qualification require
5. Try to participate any activities that can enrich your profile, e.g. voluntary work, subject related extra curricular activity, etc.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
TJ’s Answer
A strong GPA is important, but it's not the only key to success. Many experts here have shared valuable insights, and I won't reiterate them. However, I would like to emphasize the importance of honing your creative-thinking skills. Often, students overlook this self-improvement aspect, but those who excel in creative thinking tend to shine brighter than the rest. So, I encourage you to focus more on this essential self-development. By doing so, you'll increase your chances of getting into a top-tier college. Keep going, you've got this!
Updated
Jiabao (Jabs)’s Answer
Hello Sabrina, when you discuss with your counselor, they will explain that various elements can influence your likelihood of gaining admission into a reputable college or university. Essentially, these elements boil down to two key aspects: (1) academic performance and (2) personal brand.
Firstly, it's crucial to exhibit your learning capabilities to the college admission officer, which is reflected in your GPA. Therefore, strive to enhance your GPA as much as possible.
Secondly, it's important to develop your personal brand via extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and leadership roles. You can accomplish this by participating in student organizations and internships, both on and off campus.
These two aspects, based on my personal experience with college applications, are the most vital. If you can effectively showcase these in your application, you'll undoubtedly secure a spot in a distinguished college.
Firstly, it's crucial to exhibit your learning capabilities to the college admission officer, which is reflected in your GPA. Therefore, strive to enhance your GPA as much as possible.
Secondly, it's important to develop your personal brand via extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and leadership roles. You can accomplish this by participating in student organizations and internships, both on and off campus.
These two aspects, based on my personal experience with college applications, are the most vital. If you can effectively showcase these in your application, you'll undoubtedly secure a spot in a distinguished college.
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
A prestigious college will have all of their requirements online.
If it were me, I would do the following:
1. Find alumni / current students to see their process
2. Research requirements and best practices
3. Create a plan to meet requirements
4. Join extra curriculars
5. WORK HARD
6. Have a back up school - an ivy league school is not the only option and not the only place you can get a great education
Hope this helps!
If it were me, I would do the following:
1. Find alumni / current students to see their process
2. Research requirements and best practices
3. Create a plan to meet requirements
4. Join extra curriculars
5. WORK HARD
6. Have a back up school - an ivy league school is not the only option and not the only place you can get a great education
Hope this helps!