In today’s world, college is one of the many struggles that students face. Making sure your “good enough” or “stand out” enough to get into college can make applying seem overwhelming and almost impossible. This article will go over some of the many things you can do to make getting into the college of your dreams more obtainable.
There is no secret to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. -General Colin Powell
Start off strong by taking rigorous classes! Rigorous classes such as AP or Honors are more impressive to take then regular classes. Colleges will see some of what you are capable of and that you are prepared for college level courses. Going off of this, having a higher GPA will also assist you in your college application. A high GPA can show colleges your academic abilities and college readiness.
Another good tip is getting involved! Whether it be applying for a job or playing a sport. Getting involved in your school or community can show colleges that you are well rounded and ready for the road ahead. To really show colleges what you are capable of os to take the SAT or ACT. These tests are of course very difficult and consume a lot of your time, but in the end are beneficial to your application success. High scores can impress colleges and potentially offer students’ scholarships depending on their score and state.
College has given me the confidence to fail.- Jarod Kintz
In the application process, you should always be looking and seeing what colleges actually require! This can allow you to figure out what classes you should take or what extracurricular activities would help you get into the college of your dreams. To help with seeing what colleges require, you should definitely visit one of the many counselors we have at Cherokee. These counselors want to help you succeed and have more insight as to what you need to do to make your application process successful. Another tip is to apply early! Applying early can show colleges you are truly interested and committed to furthering your education.
It is very important to make use of your time. Instead of messing around playing video games, actually do something to better yourself. Contrary to popular belief, high school does not last forever, now is the time that what you are doing really matters and this time should not be wasted. It is crucially to show colleges you are worth their time, meaning getting jobs or joining clubs is actually very important. Going off of this, you truly need to make an impact! Whether it be volunteering or taking a leadership position, colleges will be impressed by your willingness to benefit yourself and your community. Finally, and almost most importantly, show colleges what make you unique. Find something that makes you stand out from the crowd and makes colleges want to have you! It could range from volunteer work to horseback riding, anything that makes you different from all the other thousands of applicants.
The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.- Stephen R. Covey
To conclude, getting into college is major stress for upcoming students. Making sure that you make use of your time, take rigorous classes, or finding your uniqueness are just some of the few things that you can do to make the process easier. If you follow the advice given in the article, it is sure to help you on your road to college application success.
Citations: “How to Get Intos Archive.” CollegeAdvisor, http://www.collegeadvisor.com/how-to-get-into/.
Brehe, Emily. “More than Luck: 15 Ways to Improve College Admissions Odds.” KD College Prep, 14 Mar. 2024, kdcollegeprep.com/more-than-luck-15-ways-improve-admissions-odds/.
