You've studied for the SATs, participated in school activities and volunteered in the community. Your grades aren't bad, you've got big ambitions and your teachers love you. You've got your heart set on one or two schools, but you've heard that it's hard to get in. What should you do? Read on to find out.
Schedule Smart
Choosing the right classes is a must for every year of high school. Buddy up with your guidance counselor or academic adviser and come up with a strategy that includes four years of English, at least two years of a foreign language, lots of math and something unique, such as an independent project or an art, drama or music class. When you're building your schedule, keep a list of your favorite colleges' entrance requirements handy and make sure you're meeting or exceeding their expectations.If you're up for a challenge, squeeze in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes as well: You may be able to get university credit before you graduate high school, plus they’re becoming a requirement for many top colleges.
Develop Your Strengths
Get to know what you're good at and what drives you while you're in high school. Are you a great public speaker? Do you have a gift for foreign languages? Take an interest inventory test and ask your parents and teachers to list your strengths.When it's time to write college application essays, you want to show that you know how to set goals and put your talents to good use. The more specific the goals you achieve while in high school, the better sense admissions officers will have of your chances of success in college. For example, it's more impressive to say that you used your love of music and your stellar business sense to start your town's first singing telegram service than to say that you like music and listen to your iPod a lot.
Use Your Summers Wisely
Getting an internship in a career field that interests you is a great way to spend your summer if you're serious about getting into your dream college. Do some research during the winter to see if companies or nonprofit organizations near you offer internships for high school students.If there's a place you'd like to work, but you're not sure if they accept high school students, contact them and ask. If you're willing to come up with a job description that meets their needs--and, in most cases, work for free--they may be willing to bring you on board. Ask them what needs doing and sound eager: They're likely to take the bait.
Beef Up Your Credentials
If your SAT or PSAT scores aren't what you'd hoped or you're a little weak in math, writing or science, take a summer enrichment course. Many universities offer summer classes for teens to improve their study skills and knowledge in a particular subject. Or, if your parents are up for it, see if you can get a tutor or enroll in a class at a test-prep center such as Kaplan or The Princeton Review.In addition to bolstering your academic credentials, consider picking up a professional credential or two. Become certified as a lifeguard, do CPR training or complete a Red Cross course in babysitting. Earning these credentials shows colleges you're serious about helping others and that you have what it takes to become an expert at a skill.
Imagine Yourself At Your Dream School
Before you apply to your dream school, learn everything you can about it. Study its website, visit the campus and talk to students who go there. You want to get a sense of what makes students at your dream school tick, and how you'd fit in among them.Make a list of unique opportunities the school offers--whether it's a major that interests you or a really cool-sounding study abroad program--and write down why these opportunities are a super match for your talents and goals. Flip through the brochures and imagine yourself as one of the students you see. How do you feel? What do you have to contribute? What original ideas do you have to offer? Write down these ideas and use them to craft your personal statement when you're ready to apply.