I just went through the college application cycle last fall (2019), and boy, do I have a lot to say! Here are some things I wish I knew when applying to colleges, as well as some amazing tips that made me stand out to top schools! I will be writing many more articles about the college application process, so be sure to sign up for my website!
1) Take both the SAT and ACT | I know that in 2020, many schools are becoming test-optional. BUT this means that if you submit a high SAT/ACT score, it will help to immensely boost your application. If you have a great essay, letters of recommendation and activities, then adding a high standardized test score will be the cherry on top. And yes — take a prep course!
2) Sending Scores | Some schools require you to pay to have your test scores sent to them, while others require you to “self-report” them for free. Make sure you know exactly which schools require which method, because paying to send your scores takes well over a week!
3) Only Apply to 5–10 Schools | I applied to 20 schools, and I absolutely regret it! Make sure to pick 2 schools you know you will get into (safety schools) and 2 schools that are very difficult to get into (dream schools). The rest should be your “reach” schools. This means that you are a well-qualified applicant that meets the criteria, and that you believe you have a chance at getting in. Most of all, sit down and think about actually attending that school. If you cannot see yourself living there, then don’t apply! (Most applications have a $60+ fee, so save some money)!
4) Make a Resumé | If you are an excellent student — great leadership positions, high grades, research, volunteering experience — then create a resumé! Since you’re only a senior in high school, people will be impressed with your achievements. It can be a page or two, but no longer than that. Print your resumé out onto special paper and give it to the college representatives that visit your high school. They will be extremely impressed. If you are interested in creating a resumé, or have questions, feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to help you create one!
5) Ask for Letters of Recommendation Summer After Junior Year | Since many schools have dropped testing requirements, LoR (letters of recommendation) have even more importance. First, identify 2–3 teachers that know you well and like you. Make sure you have built a strong connection with them. If you cannot identify any teacher, then I am afraid it’s too late to start building a connection. Instead, pick a teacher in whose class you have excellent grades — that way they will have great things to say about you. PRO TIP — when asking for a letter of recommendation, make sure to write something like this: “Would you be able to write me an excellent letter of recommendation?” The word excellent is key: If the teacher doesn’t believe they cannot write an excellent letter, then they might not be the right teacher to ask.
6) Create a Portfolio | Make a website, blog, or something creative that showcases your skills and passion — something that shows people who you are and what you’re about. If you make art, then make an art website that showcases your skills. If you like to code, create software that impacts the community, such as a “safety app” for your high school. You can even make a small business based on your interests. This shows colleges that you can propel your hobbies into something fruitful and impactful.
7) Create a CommonApp Account NOW | Creating a Common Application account during the summer, and completing all of the proprietary information is key to entering your senior year of high school stress-free. In addition, start and FINISH the common app essay during the summer!
Originally published at https://ansuhh.wixsite.com on July 7, 2020.
