Getting Into College: Beyond the Basics

Good grades and test scores are important, but there are other ways to make your application competitive.

Here are our top 10 tips to help you get into the colleges you want:

1. Start thinking about college in your junior year (or earlier)

It's a good idea to begin gathering information and meeting with your guidance counselor to talk about schools as early as possible. Starting this process early will give you time to find the colleges that are the best fit for you.

• The best place to start is the online - you can find information about each school using sites such as collegeboard.org.
• When looking for schools, think about location, size, curriculum, campus, number of students, variety of majors offered, etc.
• Most colleges/universities use the Common App, an online service that allows you to use the same application for multiple schools.
• Create an account on commonapp.org the summer before your senior year and start filling out general info such as your name and address.

2. Prepare for the SAT or ACT

• Before taking either the SAT or ACT it's a good idea to become familiar with the kinds of questions you might expect to see. You could buy a book or look into a class that can help prepare you for the SAT/ACT exams. Many high schools or community centers offer these classes at no charge. Other prep classes (such as Kaplan or the Princeton Review) charge a fee.
• Don't get discouraged if you didn't do as well as you'd like on the SAT or ACT. You can take both of these tests again.
• Standardized testing isn't for everyone. Some colleges are starting to accept applications without test scores. Find out more information here.

3. Take the time to do the things that you're passionate about

• If you really like painting - take art classes, volunteer to teach younger kids to paint, painting, or make a website displaying your work, etc. (You let colleges know about your interests in your application.)
• Participating in summer programs, volunteering at a summer camp or working over the summer will show colleges that you spent your vacation doing something useful and that you're committed.

4. Keep a list of activities

Keep a running list of all the activities that you've been involved with since your freshman year in high school so you have something to refer to when you're filling out college applications.

• Don't forget to include both paid and unpaid activities on this list.

5. Plan your recommendation letters

Most schools require at least 2 letters of recommendation from your teachers.

• Request letters from teachers who know you best, from teachers whose class you've received the best grades in, or from teachers whose class you've shown the greatest improvement in.
• Find out if the teacher you selected are willing to write your letters and how far in advance they want to receive the paperwork. Provide a stamped envelope addressed to the schools you're sending the letters to. Be sure that you double check the address so that the letters get to the right place.
• When you ask for a letter, give your teachers a list of your activities. It might also be helpful for you to tell them what you've achieved in their class.

6. Write an admissions essay that stands out

College and university admission's staff get tons of essays - they want to read something that will help them get a sense of who you are.

• Write about something that you feel strongly about - the essay will be easier to compose and those that read it will be able to see your passion.
• Keep your essays to the point and follow the required guidelines set by each school (some schools require the essay to be about a specific topic).
• Talk with your English teacher; he or she may be able to help guide you.

7. Use the spell-check tool

Every year colleges and universities receive applications and essays filled with spelling and grammar mistakes. Don't let this be you. Before mailing your essay or hitting the "send" button on your computer:

• Use the spell-check tool in your word processor.
• Have someone (parent, teacher, guidance counselor) proof-read your essay and give your feedback (Ex. teacher or guidance counselor) before you send it.

8. Know about financial aid options

College is expensive, but there are scholarships, grants, and loans. Make the time to look for them.

• Start searching as soon as possible because many scholarship applications are due in the winter of your senior year.
• Sign up for scholarship search websites such as: fastweb.com and scholarships.com.
• Ask your teachers and guidance counselors about available scholarships in your community.
• Check out whether the schools you're applying to offer scholarships for incoming freshmen.
• If you need help paying for college, submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before you start college, and each year thereafter. This form will determine whether you're eligible for grants, loans, or work-study programs.

If you need financial assistance applying for college:

• Some schools offer application fee waivers if they see the applicant can't afford the fee or if they attend the school's open house or tour. Call the admissions office and ask for more information.
• Collegeboard also gives fee waivers to students who receive free or reduced lunch. Ask your guidance counselor about these programs.

9. Stay organized

The college application can get overwhelming. Colleges may ask for several essays, there's lots of paperwork to fill out, and the various schools that you're applying to may have different deadlines.

• Keep a list of all the essay questions and deadlines for each school/scholarship you're applying for.
• Put a reminder of all the deadlines on your calendar, in a planner, or in your cell phone so that you don't forget them.

10. Stay calm

• It's very easy to become intimidated by the application process. Try to stay calm and focused on your goals.

Written and reviewed by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 4/21/2011

Related Guides:

College Health

College can be a huge change from what you are used to. You may be on your own for the first time in your life, having to make decisions about many issues including your health. This guide will help prepare you for some situations that you may face during college, and help you make smart decisions so you can make the most out of your college experience...