It can be overwhelming to get into your dream college, especially if it’s the first time you’re doing this. From applying and writing essays to meeting deadlines, it can all feel like one big puzzle. But here’s the good news: thousands of students make it work each year, and you can too. And this guide will give you a detailed walk through of everything you need to know about university admissions, laid out in simple steps you can do to actually achieve your goals.
Why College Admissions Feel Like They’re Stacked Against You
A little background before we get to the tips: Why does this whole rigmarole feel so confusing anyway? Colleges and universities get tens of thousands of applications every year, and they have to have a way to evaluate all of them fairly. That’s why they request transcripts, test scores, essays and recommendation letters. Each one tells them something different about you as a student and a person.
It’s usually because students don’t know where to begin or what admissions officers really care about. Various universities have varying criteria, it’s enough to want to make your head spin. But when you break the process into pieces, it’s a lot more digestible.
Begin Early and Draw Your Line in the Sand
The No. 1 mistake beginners make is that they wait for the perfect time to begin, and there isn’t one. Applying to college takes time, and doing it on the run usually results in errors and stress. Here’s what you need to do:
Build Your Application Calendar
Begin planning at least 12-18 months before your desired start date. Simply take out your calendar (hello, it’s 2021!), pencil or pen in hand, and note these dates:
- Application deadlines for each university
- Dates of test (if it was SAT, ACT, IELTS or TOEFL and other exam)
- Recommendation letter request dates
- Financial aid and scholarship deadlines
- Campus visit opportunities
Create Monthly Goals
Forget about the entire end goal as one big task rather break it into monthly goals. For example:
- Month 1-2: Searching for universities and programs
- Month 3-4: Prepare for standardized testing
- Month 5-6: Request recommendation letters
- Month 7-8: Writing and Editing Your Content
- Month 9-10: Submit applications
- Month 11-12: Follow up and interview prep
This makes it easy to stay on course without feeling overwhelmed.
Do Legwork on Schools That Are Really Right for You
Not all colleges are for all students. There are those that like being in massive schools with thousands of students, and then there are those who prefer a more intimate setting. Here’s how you can find the one for you:
Look Beyond Rankings
University rankings are useful, but they need not be all you consider. Think about:
- Location: Are you looking to escape, or would you rather stick close to home?
- Size: Do you like being in big lecture halls, or would you rather be in smaller classes?
- Programs: Does the school have strong programs and majors in your field?
- Campus culture: Will you vibe with the student body?
- Support services: What type of support is available for students?
Visit Campuses When Possible
But nothing, of course, can replicate the experience of visiting a campus. If you can visit, do it. Take a walk around, have some chats with current students, see if you can sit in on a class (if permitted), and spend some time surveying the facilities. If a visit is impractical, consider a virtual tour, watching student vlogs and reaching out to current students through social media or university forums.
Make Your Comparison Chart
Make a basic comparison chart to keep track of key factors:
| University Name | Program Strength | Location | Cost | Application Deadline | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample State U. | Excellent Engineering | Urban | $25,000/year | Nov 1 | Portfolio required |
| Riverside College | Good Business Program | Suburban | $18,000/year | Dec 15 | Interview required |
| Metro University | Strong Liberal Arts | City Center | $30,000/year | Jan 1 | Two essays |
This visual guide keeps you on track and allows you to make smart choices.
Your Grades Matter More Than You Realize
Let’s face it — your academic record is the heart and soul of your application. But it’s not just perfect grades that will do the trick. Here’s what you need to know:
Focus on Consistent Improvement
Admissions officers don’t expect perfection. They want to know that you’re pushing yourself and improving. If you had a crummy freshman year, doing well in subsequent years shows growth and maturity.
Take Challenging Courses
These are the kind of students universities want, not those who take courses simply to get As. If your school has Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or honors offerings, try to take some in areas you enjoy. This lets us know you’re prepared for college-level work.
Don’t Sacrifice Everything for Grades
Grades are important, but universities also desire well-rounded students. Balance is key. A student who has great extracurriculars, leadership experience and slightly lower grades can often be more appealing than the student with perfect scores and nothing else to show.
Getting Organized: Tackling the Standardized Tests
A lot of universities demand standardized testing such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS and TOEFL. Here’s how to approach them:
Know Which Tests You Need
Tests vary from school to school, and from program to program. Generate a list of all the schools to which you are applying and determine which tests they need. Test-optional schools, by contrast, allow you to decide whether or not to submit scores.
Give Yourself Time to Prepare
Most students take these tests more than once, in order to improve their scores. Begin the preparation at least 3-4 months in advance for your test date. Practice with official practice materials, take practice tests, timed, and figure out what you’re not great at.
Consider Test Prep Resources
It doesn’t take expensive tutoring to do well. Many free resources exist:
- Khan Academy SAT prep is free
- There is practice material on the official test websites
- Test Prep Courses: Your school may provide test prep classes
- Study groups with friends may not only improve your level of understanding but also encourage you
- Must read: How to build strong communication skills at work here.
Take Tests Early
Schedule the first time soon enough that you can retake if necessary. If you’re applying for fall admission, aim to be done testing in the summer before your senior year. That way you have the fall to retake any tests if you need to.
Writing Essays That Actually Stand Out
The application essay is your opportunity to articulate who you are apart from grades and test scores. And this is where many students wrestle, but it doesn’t have to feel difficult.
Pick Subjects That You Care About
Don’t write what you think admissions officers want to hear. Write about the experiences, or challenges, and moments that really formed you. The best essays are authentic and personal.
Show, Don’t Just Tell
Rather than saying “I’m a hard worker,” provide an example of how you were, in fact, hard working. Add specifics in the form of dialogue and sensory details to make your story concrete.
Follow This Simple Structure
- Opening hook: Begin with something to get the reader’s attention (interesting scene, bold statement, or question)
- The anecdote: Share your story with some specific details
- Reflection: Tell us what you learned and how this has impacted you
- Connection: Bring it back to why you are applying to this college
Get Feedback From Multiple People
Have teachers, guidance counselors, family members and friends read your essays. Different people will see different things. But remember: the essay should sound like you, not like an adult.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
Spelling and grammar errors make you seem careless. Then, read your essay out loud to catch errors with the way it sounds and use spell check to pick up typos. Wait a day or two between drafts to look at it with fresh eyes.
Securing Strong Recommendation Letters
Many colleges want 2-3 letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors or mentors. Here’s how to get great ones:
Ask the Right People
Choose recommenders who:
- You enjoy learning and being a student
- Are able to speak about your strengths in detail with examples
- Have had you in some academic classes (often junior or senior years)
- Know you to be a hard working person with good character
Ask Early and Politely
A good rule of thumb is to request letters 2-3 months before your deadline. Ask properly and far in advance of when you need the recommendation: Teachers are asked to write a lot of letters, and it takes time to make them thoughtful. Ask in real life, and then follow up via email with everything they need to know.
Make Their Job Easier
Provide your recommenders with:
- A list of colleges and deadlines
- Your resume or activity list
- Details on why you like each school
- Certain achievements or learnings to recount
- Pre-addressed stamped envelopes (if entering by mail)
Send a Thank You Note
Once they have submitted your letters, mail a real thank you note. This is mere politeness, and it keeps people who helped you happy.
Highlighting Your Activities and Achievements
Campuses want students who will add to the life of the college. This section shows what you care about and how you spend your time outside of the classroom.
Quality Beats Quantity
Don’t settle for ten clubs just to have something to put on your application. Admissions officers would rather see meaningful engagement in a few activities than superficial participation in many. Show commitment, leadership, and impact.
Document Everything
List out all your activities and achievements in high school up to now:
- Activity name and description
- Your role and responsibilities
- Hours weekly and weeks yearly
- Achievements or leadership positions
- Impact you made
Show Leadership in Different Ways
Leadership isn’t always the president of a club. It can mean:
- New undertaking/project
- Mentoring younger students
- Addressing an issue in your own neighborhood
- Creating something new
Don’t Forget About Summer Activities
What you do in summer breaks is important. Jobs, internships, volunteer experiences, research projects or immersive programs all show how you spend your time productively.
Dollars and Sense: Scholarships, Financial Aid
College is expensive, but many resources can help you save and pay for it. Do not let cost prevent you from applying to schools that interest you.
Complete the FAFSA (or Your Country’s Equivalent)
In the U.S., eligibility for federal grants, loans and work-study programs is calculated using a form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is also widely used by schools for their institutional financial aid. Submit as soon as you can after it opens. For more information about FAFSA and financial aid, visit Federal Student Aid.
Research School-Specific Aid
Most colleges have their own merit or need based scholarships, as well as some for students who excel in music, art, and other fields. See each school’s website for financial aid opportunities and requirements.
Apply for Outside Scholarships
Thousands of organizations provide scholarships by:
- Academic achievement
- Specific majors or career interests
- Athletic or artistic talents
- Community service
- Demographics or background
- Essay competitions
Begin your search early and apply to many scholarships. Even small awards add up.
Compare Financial Aid Packages
After you get accepted, compare the total cost of attending each school after scholarships and grants are taken into account. The sticker price is not what you will pay. Occasionally a more expensive school will be even cheaper than the less expensive one, because it provides superior financial aid.
Application Platforms: Common App and Beyond
A lot of schools are on application platforms that enable you to apply to multiple universities with a single form. The most widely used is the Common Application, though there are others such as Coalition Application, UC Application and school-specific systems.
Understand Platform Requirements
- Common App: Accepted by more than 900 schools, it has one main essay (650 words) as well as school-specific supplements
- Coalition App: More applicant friendly, grants the ability to create a portfolio over time
- School-specific apps: Certain colleges (typically public institutions) maintain their own apps and systems
Fill in the Basic Information Thoughtfully
Your basic information, academic record and activities list move to all of the schools on the platform. Double, triple check everything before you submit to the first school on your list.
Pay Attention to Supplements
Most schools have essays or questions beyond the main application. And these supplements are school-specific and super important. They demonstrate that you have done your homework, and are truly interested.
Avoid These Common Application Mistakes
Even good students make a lot of preventable mistakes. Watch out for these pitfalls:
Missing Deadlines
That is the easiest way to mess things up. Set reminders a week before each deadline and then aim to submit several days early, in case of last-minute technical difficulties.
Submitting Generic Applications
It’s obvious and everyone knows you’re doing it. Personalize your supplements to demonstrate why you like each particular college.
Ignoring Application Instructions
If a school requires two essays, make sure to send in two essays. If they have a particular word count, follow it. And when you follow directions, it demonstrates that you can pay attention to detail.
Forgetting to Proofread
Typos and mistakes make you seem careless. Read everything about 10 times before you click submit.
Not Checking Your Email
Universities can seek additional articles or information by sending you an email. Be responsive and check your email as you could receive a request at anytime.
Lying or Exaggerating
Never lie about things you’ve done, the extent of your role or your achievements. Admissions officers can smell deception, and you will be disqualified on the spot.
What Happens After You Submit
The submission of your applications is not the end. Here’s what comes next:
Track Your Applications
Many schools offer a portal through which you can check on the status of your application. Check in frequently to see if they’ve received everything.
Prepare for Interviews
Certain schools do also require or offer optional interviews. If invited, say yes. Review typical interview questions, dress appropriately and consider the type of questions you’ll ask.
Stay Engaged with Schools
If a college is your first choice, tell it so. Also, continue to update with new achievements and keep showing demonstrated interest in them.
Be Patient
Decision timelines vary. Early decision/action applications get an answer in December or January. Decisions under regular decision generally come in March or April. It’s hard to wait, but keep busy with your schoolwork and activities.
Make Your Final Decision
After you get back acceptances, you’ll need to pick a school by May 1 (in the US). Do those orientation days if you can, compare financial aid packages and give careful thought to where you will be happiest and most successful.
Special Considerations for International Students
If you’re applying to universities in a foreign country, the picture is more complicated:
Language Proficiency Tests
Schools in English-speaking nations generally request TOEFL or IELTS scores to establish your proficiency with the English language. Study hard because these scores will greatly affect your application.
Credential Evaluation
You may have to use a credential evaluation service in order to convert your grades into their code of recognition in host country.
Visa Requirements
Once you’re in, you’ll want a student visa. Study requirements early and collect necessary papers.
Financial Proof
Before they’ll issue you a student visa, many countries demand evidence that you can pay tuition and living expenses.
Cultural Adjustment
Think about how you’ll be adjusting to a new culture, education system and maybe even language. Find universities with good international student support services.
Looking After Your Mental Wellness
The application process is stressful. And don’t forget to put on your own oxygen mask:
Manage Your Stress
- Take regular breaks from application work
- Get regular exercise, get a good night’s sleep and try to eat well
- Communicate with friends, family, or a counselor when you begin to feel overwhelmed
- And bear in mind, a single application does not determine your future!
Keep Perspective
It’s not as if there aren’t thousands of great universities. Even if you don’t get in to your first pick, you will land somewhere where you can do well and succeed. A lot of successful people didn’t end up at their dream schools.
Celebrate Small Wins
Completing an essay, filing an application or following up with a recommendation letter are all victories. Recognize how far you have come.
Your Action Plan, Starting Today
With all this knowledge, here is what you can do right now:
- Make your timeline: Fill in the notable dates for the next 12 months
- Create List of Schools: Compile a list of 8-12 schools (2-3 reach schools, 3-4 target schools, 2-3 safety schools)
- Get organized: Create a folder system for all your application materials
- Start your activities list: Write down everything you’ve done in high school so far
- Research requirements: Keep a list of the tests, essays and materials you need for each school
- Decide on recommenders: Consider which teachers will write letters
- Start test prep: Sign up for future test dates and begin studying
Just know that every successful college student you see walking around campus was right where you are now, feeling unsure and overwhelmed; they just found a way to push past those feelings. The gap between the students who get in to good colleges and those who do not isn’t some test of intelligence, some well of potential waiting to be discovered. It’s about preparation, organization, and determination.
You can get into a great university. Start early, be organized and don’t pretend to be someone you are not. Your future self will be grateful for everything you did today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start thinking about getting into college?
You really need to start thinking about college during your sophomore year of high school, and get serious about preparing during your junior year. This will allow you to ensure we are the right fit, take any additional tests you need, prepare your activities list and write thoughtful applications without feeling rushed.
How many universities should I apply to?
Most students apply to 8-12 schools, with a good mix of reach (harder to get into), target (a good match for your profile) and safety schools (schools likely to accept you). Too few and you limit your options; too many and it can get expensive — not to mention overwhelming.
Do I really need the extracurricular activities?
Yes, but quality is more important than quantity. Universities hope to know you’re engaged, passionate and will contribute on campus. Better to be heavily involved in a few things than to have minimal involvement with many clubs.
Does my G.P.A. have to be perfect?
Admission is not limited to students with perfect grades. Admissions officers are reviewing your entire application package — test scores, essays, recommendations and activities. Just show improvement over time, take challenging courses and let your other application components shine.
Is it possible to get into college without the SAT?
In particular, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges now use test-optional or test-blind admissions. Research each school’s testing policy. If test-optional, only submit scores that are an asset to your application.
How much of an impact can admissions essays actually make?
Very important. Your essay is an opportunity to reveal that which numbers cannot — your personality, values and experiences. A strong essay may push an okay application into the “yes” pile, while a poor essay can take an otherwise competitive candidate out of contention.
Do I apply early decision or early action?
Early decision is binding (you must attend if accepted); early action is non-binding. Use early decision only for your very top choice. Early can also relieve your anxiety with the earlier decision, and generally have more lenient admissions.
What do I do if I’m rejected?
Rejection stings, but it’s not the end of the line. You have some other options: You could attend another school that accepted you, take a gap year and reapply to colleges or begin at community college and transfer later. Rejection from a first-choice school is a common experience among successful people.
How do I afford college if my family can’t?
Fill out the FAFSA so you know what financial aid you’ll get. Apply for grants from schools, organizations and foundations. Consider work-study programs. Consider schools with strong financial aid programs. Don’t be deterred by cost — many schools meet full demonstrated need.
Can I switch majors if I’m accepted?
At most universities, yes. Most students do switch majors at least once while in college. But some more competitive majors (like engineering or nursing) may have limited space to transfer into in later years. Check out each school’s policy on changing your academic major.
