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Applying to college is one of the most important steps in a student’s life. While it can feel overwhelming, building a strong college application doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning, dedication, and a focus on showcasing your strengths, you can create an application that stands out from the rest.
One of the biggest advantages you can give yourself is starting the college application process early. Don’t wait until senior year to beginpreparing.By the end of your sophomore year, you should already be thinking about the kinds of schools you’re interested in and what their admission requirements look like.
What to do:
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Research colleges and their specific requirements, such as test scores, extracurriculars, and GPA.
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Begin preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT if required by your desired colleges.
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Keep a calendar of application deadlines and scholarship opportunities.
Your GPA is one of the most critical components of your college application. Admissions officers look closely at your academic record to assess your ability to handle college-level coursework. Aim to maintain strong grades throughout all four years of high school.
Colleges are looking for well-rounded applicants who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and passion outside the classroom. Your involvement in extracurricular activities shows admissions officers that you are engaged and capable of balancing academics with other commitments.
What to Do:
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Join clubs, sports teams, or organizations that genuinely interest you. Quality is more important than quantity- focus on activities you’re passionate about and aim for leadership roles.
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Volunteer in your community. Colleges often value students who give back and are involved in causes larger than themselves.
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Create a long-term commitment to your activities rather than jumping from one club to another each year.
Your personal state or college essay is one of the best ways to showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores. This is your opportunity to tell your story, share your aspirations, and demonstrate what makes you unique.
What to Do:
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Choose a meaningful topic that highlights your strengths, challenges, or growth. Avoid writing about cliche topics that admissions offers read all the time. (Writer’s Note: I wrote about how my Grandfather gave each grandchild $20 every Thanksgiving that we were required to donate to a cause we were passionate about. We would then have to share at Christmas what charity we chose and why. This helped my Grandfather connect with us by learning about what we cared about, while also teaching us how to help others.)
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Be authentic and vulnerable. Colleges want to get to know the real you/
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Proofread and edit your essay multiple times. Consider having a teacher, parent, or mentor review it for clarity and grammar.
Colleges appreciate students who show genuine interest in their institution. Attending campus tours. Connecting with admissions representatives, and participating in events can help you stand out from the competition.
What to Do:
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Visit the campuses of the schools you’re interested in (We got you covered here! Join us on one of our variety of college tours to top schools in the region!)
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Make sure you’re on the college’s radar by signing up for their newsletters or attending webinars.
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Reach out to admissions counselors with thoughtful questions that show you’ve researched the school.
Building the best college application takes time, effort, and careful planning. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to standing out from the crowd. Remember that each component of your application is an opportunity to show colleges who you are and what makes you a great fit for their school!
A-1 Tours offers college tours that help high school students visit and explore their top-choice schools. Our tours may even help students discover schools they may not have prior! Seeing campuses in person can help you make more informed decisions about where to apply. Contact us today to learn more about out 2025 College Tours and how we can help you on your journey to higher education!