College Admissions Tips For High School Students

Everyone will have their own criteria when they start searching for schools to apply to.

Do you want to stay in-state or go to a college in another state? Which schools have reputable programs for your major? Start by identifying your must haves, whether that’s program, location, or athletics, and start weighing your options.

There’s no hard and fast rule for the number of schools to apply to, but it’s good to have a few reach schools that will be challenging to get accepted, schools where you’ve got good chances for acceptance, and a few safety schools where you know you’re likely to be accepted.

Each school will ask for slightly different things with each application, but some of the items you’ll typically need to submit are:

• (Un)official Transcripts – These will often be submitted by an academic counselor at your school. Once you start the application process, let them know which schools you want to receive your transcripts.
• College Admission Essay – Sometimes called a Personal Statement, this is an opportunity to let admissions know a little more about yourself outside of your academics. This is a great opportunity to highlight extracurricular activities, let them know about interests that might not be reflected in your classes, or explain any part of your application that might draw their interest or cause concern.
• Letters of Recommendation – These should come from teachers, faculty, or mentors that know you well and can speak to your character, your interests, and more about your academic performance in their classroom. This is a valuable opportunity for admissions to learn more about you from someone else’s perspective.
• Extracurricular Activities – Competition for college admission is high, and you’ve probably heard that admissions boards are looking for “well-rounded students.” Extracurriculars like school clubs, athletics, and involvement in volunteer organizations are a great way to stand out from other applicants. These activities are also a great opportunity to demonstrate your leadership and the things you’re interested in outside of school.
• Personal Information – Applications will ask for your address, your parents’ income or yours, along with demographic information such as your citizenship status, your parents’ level of education, etc. If possible, create accounts for each school’s application portal when they open so you have time to track down this information if you need it.

Whether your schools require you to take the SAT, ACT, or both, you need to leave ample time for preparation and retakes, if you choose. Standardized tests are offered only at specific times and locations. Nobody needs the stress of finding an exam on top of studying for it.

If you plan on taking Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, make sure you know when and where these are being offered.

Students often take these exams the year you’re finishing up that specific class, although there are some classes that you’ll take for two years before sitting for the exam.

Some colleges require letters of recommendation, whether these are from teachers, mentors, or someone else who can speak to who you are as a person and your readiness for college. Whenever you request a letter of recommendation, you should give them plenty of time to draft and submit it.

Waiting until the last minute means you run the risk of not getting a letter submitted in time, or ending up with a weaker recommendation.

If you’re planning on applying for the FAFSA, local grants, or scholarships, make sure to keep an eye on eligibility requirements and deadlines. Some scholarships are only open to juniors, while others might have other prerequisites for applicants.

There are portions of an application that you’ll need help completing, such as having an academic counselor send your transcripts to the schools you’re applying to. But if you’re ever feeling stuck or overwhelmed, don’t forget that your teachers and counselors are there to help you along the way.

Going through the application process with a friend can also help you stay on track. Ask them for an extra set of eyes on any essays that you’re going to submit.

And don’t forget, that while there are aspects of your application that need to be submitted by someone else, it’s up to you to make sure that everything is submitted by the deadline. Some school application portals show you what they’ve received and what’s still missing. Don’t be afraid to reach out and follow up with anyone you’re waiting on.