College Application Tips: Taking Control of the Admission Process
Applying to college can be quite demanding. Aside from deciding which schools to apply to, you will also have to go about completing and submitting the application package on time, which includes the completion of numerous college application essays and application forms. Although the application and admission process can sometimes be overwhelming, there are a number of things that you can do to improve your chance of success long before you even start submitting your application packages. In this article, you will find advice on how to take control of the admission process and set yourself up for success.
Preparing for the SAT and engaging in extracurricular activities you can include in your application essays
One of the best things that you can do to take control and prepare for admission success is to improve your credentials. Two significant factors that all colleges and universities look for in your credentials are your SAT scores and your extracurricular activities. Your SAT scores give admissions committees an idea of where you stand with regard to your knowledge and education in various subjects. Extracurricular activities, on the other hand, show admission officers that you make the extra effort to get involved with various groups and organizations, which is a sign that you have more interests than just academics. You can even write your application essay about some of the experiences that you have had in your extracurricular activities.
Citing the skills, personalities, and character traits highly valued by the school in your application essay
Aside from your activities, SAT scores, and grades, admissions committees place high importance on your personality, character traits, and skills. Essentially, your application essay should be an introduction of yourself to the admissions committee. This means telling the committee about what makes you a unique individual. You should try to focus on writing about how certain experiences in your life have helped mold your personality and your character. At the same time, you can use this opportunity to write about some of the skills that you excel at, be it sports, music, writing, art, or any other skills that you may have. The idea is to convince your readers why you would make an excellent addition to the school’s student body.
Related questions:
1. What do admissions officers look for in my application essay?
2. Should my essay also mention my extracurricular activities and the skills that I have?
3. How can I improve my chances of getting accepted into college?