LIFE

 

1. Read, read, and re-read your essay.

One of the biggest red flags in an application? A sloppy essay or careless mistakes. The most important thing is to always check and make sure the school’s name is right. For example: it’s not John Hopkins, it's Johns Hopkins. And if you’re copying and pasting an essay from school to school, be sure to change the name. It might sound silly, but it could be the thing that takes you from star applicant to reject pile.

2. Do your research.
You’d be surprised how many students don’t actually research the schools they are applying to. If you want to apply to a special program, like journalism, make sure the school has a journalism program The last thing you want to do is talk all about how you want to work for The New York Times when they don’t even have a school newspaper.

1.  3. Do what you love, not what you think colleges will love.                        

H    How many times do we think "Wow this’ll look amazing on a transcript!" when we're choosing a class or activity...even if it seems the *worst* to us in reality? Truth be told, colleges are more interested in students who are really passionate about something than students who have done all the "right" things—after all, they're a dime a dozen.

5. Admissions counselors are friends, not foes.
I promise you, admissions counselors want you to get in! So if you ever have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to email them. Feeling shy or intimidated? Try calling instead. That way you can anonymously ask officers all the questions the website just can’t answer for you. Be warned, though: If you call and pose a question that's clearly answered on the site, it'll seem like you just don't know what you're talking about.

6. Deadlines matter.
Think November 1st is just for early decision? That's not always true. Some schools have early action, where you simply apply earlier and it’s not binding. This can work in your favor, giving you a better chance to get in, and more opportunities for scholarships from that school. Just make sure you stay on top of everything and know which schools need what by when!

7. Enjoy your senior year (but not too much!).

Don’t let the stress get to you, because you got this. But...don’t get senioritis too badly, because colleges want to know you’re still trying with all your classes, even until the bitter end.

Best of luck!

What college application questions do you have? Where do you want to apply? Let us know below!  

by Marin Langlieb | 2/1/2016