Latest College Prep News & Tips

Students planning on starting college next fall need to be thinking about their applications now. Even though those deadlines may seem far away, they’ll be here before you know it! Make sure that you’ve got a plan for how you’re going to get everything done by the deadlines. College applications can’t be put together overnight, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time. You don’t want to end up rushing and hurting your chances.

Here are a few key aspects of the application that you should keep in mind:

Grades – If you’re applying regular decision, your first semester of senior year grades will be included in your application. Make sure you keep your grades up! Across the board, admissions officers cite grades as the most important aspect of any application. With schools using different models for teaching in the world of COVID-19, it’s especially critical that you be responsible for your own success. Make a plan, use any and all resources available to you. Remember that it’s always better to ask for help earlier rather than later.

Demonstrated Interest – Hopefully you’ve already signed up for virtual tours and information sessions with the colleges on your list. If not, make sure you do! Demonstrated interest is often an overlooked aspect of college applications. See if your school offers virtual meetings with your admissions counselor – this can be a great opportunity to make a personal connection with the person who will be looking at your application. 

The Activity List – Think of this more like a resume than a shopping list. How you organize it matters! List your most impressive or important activities first, and make sure to highlight any leadership roles or major responsibilities that you had. You don’t need to include every activity that you ever did (no need to mention that one week you participated in a book club in middle school). Make sure you read it through and check for spelling and grammar issues!

The Essay – One of the most important parts of the application is the essay – especially for students who are applying test-optional. The essay is a chance for your personality to shine through. It’s a chance to show who you are, and why you would be a great asset to a school. And sure, you may have written tens if not hundreds of essays over the course of your school life. You have plenty of practice! How long can this one take?

Don’t be fooled! The college application essay is a different kettle of fish from your standard essay for English class. It’s a personal piece of writing that markets who you are and lets your admissions team get to know you beyond your GPA and list of activities. The first topic you think of might not be the right one – give yourself time to brainstorm and write drafts of multiple essays, so that you can choose the best one.

Looking for help? Get in touch with us! We offer a variety of services to help you finalize your college application, from essay brainstorming to application review.