If you assume that grades, test scores, and transcripts are the only items that matter to admission officers, you’re missing the whole picture!
We’d like to draw your attention to 6 little things that make a big difference when applying to college. ⭐ Check them out below!
1. A Well-Prepared Application
Your college application is a great opportunity to paint a full picture of yourself and your life story. While it can be tempting to keep it to a bare-minimum (you've got a lot going on, after all!), it is worth the extra effort to make your college application stand out. Admission officers are looking to see how you capitalize on the opportunities within your application (more on that in a moment).
Our recent event, The Admission Game, has a ton of great insights from college admissions expert Peter Van Buskirk!
2. A Thoughtful Essay
Odds are, the more colleges you apply to, the more college essays you'll need to write. Essay fatigue is a real thing, and many times, it’s easy to settle for good enough and send in an essay that isn’t the best representation of you.
Take your time, plan ahead, and read our blog post on writing a successful college essay.
Admission officers read hundreds of essays. If you can captivate them with your essay, you’re widening your chance for success. This is definitely one of the most critical parts of your college application, so please don't skip this one.
3. Impactful Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can make a big difference in the outcome of your college application. That said, ensure that you are setting yourself up for success here. Don’t be part of the majority of students who hand off a form to a teacher and then only reappear to collect the completed letter. Realize what you're asking of your teacher.
If you invest time in your relationship with them, they'll invest time in writing your recommendation letter.
4. Strong Senior Year Academics
Colleges are watching to see what you'll do when you don’t think you have to do anything. In other words, is senioritis catching up with you? Are you letting your grades drop and coasting? Or, have you continued to move through your classes with conviction?
What will your actions tell the admission office about you?
5. Continuous Interactions
The first time an admission officer becomes aware of your interest in their university should not be upon reviewing your application. Essentially, that makes your a stranger, or a stealth applicant.
Why is this bad? You are doing yourself a disservice by not attempting to create a relationship with someone from the university who can advocate for you. You should attempt to connect with regional recruiters, respond to emails and surveys, and attend in-person and virtual events continuously in the spirit of creating a relationship.
P.S.: This is a great career skill, too!
6. Successful Interviews
If you are offered a college interview with an admission staff member, always accept it! This in-person meeting can be a key determinant of your admission decision. Here are our tips for a successful college interview.
A Final Word
Certainly, objective components such as grades, transcripts, and test scores do matter in the college application process. However, it’s important to remember that you'll be judged on more than just those items. Admission officers are looking for a full picture of you.
Oftentimes, beginning your college applications can be the hardest part. We urge you to dive in with confidence, and we hope you'll keep these 6 things in mind when you do. They can make a big difference in the outcome of your applications.
This article was originally published on November 5, 2020. It was updated on October 24, 2023 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Abby deSilva: December 05, 2023
Erin Barnes