How to Get into Your Dream College
Applying to your dream college produces feelings of both excitement and stress. You’re generally facing very tough competition and need to find a way to stand out from the crowd. That said, consistent effort and application can leave you miles ahead of the competition. Wondering how to get into your dream college? This article will cover several things you can do to maximize your chances.
Improve Your Grades
Simply put, the best way to get into your dream school is by improving your academic profile. Most schools will have minimum GPA requirements that you need to reach for your application to even be considered.
The best way to maximize your GPA is by studying hard. You want to hit the books regularly and do as well as you can on the SAT or ACT. Even if you’ve got fantastic extracurriculars, you need solid grades to get a look-in.
Demonstrate a Strong Work Ethic
In addition to strong academic success, colleges want students with a strong track record outside the classroom. The best way to do this is through a part-time job, internship, or volunteer program. If it is related to your desired area of study, even better!
This shows that you can show initiative and adjust your priorities, while also providing valuable real-world experience for your application. Especially if you combine this with good grades and extracurriculars, admissions officers will definitely be impressed.
Write a Fantastic Admissions Essay
When thinking about how to get into your dream school, a quality admissions essay can really help set you apart. Ideally, you want to strike that perfect balance between being professional and personalized to help you stand out.
The best approach is usually to prepare a draft or two and get feedback from your parents, friends, or teachers. While this process can take a long time, it’s important to keep revising until you’re completely happy with it.
Receive Glowing Letters of Recommendation
A lot of colleges will require you to submit letters of recommendation, generally from your teachers, employer, or counselor. This allows them to learn more about you and what you could bring to their school.
The best advice here is to make a positive impression on those around you throughout school. You want to show your teachers and employers that you’re a hard worker who’s willing to go the extra mile. If you can do right by them, they’ll generally be more than happy to write this letter for you.
Getting a Scholarship
A scholarship can also be one of the best ways to get into your dream school. The National Society of High School Scholars has a wide range of scholarship options that cater to all students. Especially if you’ve got a strong academic profile, this could definitely be the route to college for you.
They’ve prepared a concise e-book on How to Get into Your Dream School using a ton of real-life success stories. If you need a bit more advice on how to get into your dream college, this is a valuable resource to check out.
The college application process can be simultaneously exciting and draining. We wish you the best of luck in your journey and hope these tips help you along your way.
About NSHSS
Since 2002, NSHSS has supported young academics on their journey to college and beyond as they prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow. The mission behind NSHSS is to recognize academic excellence and honor high-achieving students, providing them with the resources and network to excel in college, career and community. In doing so, NSHSS connects members with global events, scholarships, college fairs, internships, career and leadership programs, partner discounts, and more. Discover what makes NSHSS worth it to student members and how you can get involved.
Follow us on Social Media