Helpful Hints for Students to Get Into College
- Good grades are an important part of college admissions criteria. They demonstrate that you will be able to handle the demanding coursework that the college offers. Good grades can offer you an edge over other candidates. If you have a 4.0 grade point average, and are applying to a competitive college, you will likely be given preference over applicants with a lesser grade point average, all other things being equal. Make sure that your class schedule includes challenging courses. A lower grade point average that includes advanced placement courses is often preferable to a high grade point average obtained by taking only the basics.
- Colleges and universities want to see applicants who have a demonstrated interest in a range of activities, who can effectively manage their time and who show leadership. Participating in extracurricular activities can accomplish all of these things. Join an academic club or two and participate in a sport. Work to attain a leadership position in your organization. These activities are an excellent addition to a college application and can set you above other applicants.
- Get a high enough score on the SAT or ACT, and you may be able to get into the college of your choice even if your grades aren't stellar. If you can make sub-scores in the 700s on the SAT or a 32 or higher on the ACT, you dramatically increase the chances you will be admitted to the college of your choice, according to Northern Illinois University. Study far in advance of the test, and hire a tutor to increase your scores. Take the PSAT during your junior year in high school. If you get an outstanding score, you may qualify for a scholarship. The PSAT will also give you an idea of how you will perform on the SAT.
- Once you are actually filling out applications for college, you may find yourself in the position of writing several application essays. These essays are typically two to three pages long, and are on a topic provided by the college. Consider the fact that admission officers must read hundreds of application essays and do what you can to make yours stand out in a positive way. Ask your English teacher to help you with structure and proofreading so that your finished product is the best it can be.