Preparing for college is an exciting time—but it can also be a period that’s accompanied by anxiety and pressure to make many decisions. Several students spend time wondering more about which colleges will accept them rather than how to get accepted into college. Both are important considerations, but the latter addresses more of the essential steps needed to apply virtually anywhere.
Below we’ve included a few tips for finding the college that’s right for you, as well as steps for preparing to apply to these colleges with proven approaches to increasing your chances of acceptance.
Search with Intent—and Assistance
Identifying the college that meets your needs is not always simple. Beyond name recognition, colleges and universities vary wildly on a number of factors, including location, size, program and course offerings, and other attributes that may make them a great fit.
When you’re making your list of potential colleges, make sure you take time to really explore what all the university has to offer. Also, consider if you’re a good fit for the university; test scores and GPAs are not the only factors that go into consideration, but they are important. Spend some time diving deep into all the college has to offer, like programs, electives, extracurriculars, alumni networks, internship opportunities, and more.
Keep in mind, too, that there are likely more colleges you may not come across when you’re searching for your ideal school. Our college search counseling services can help you discover options that may be a better fit than the ones on your list. Remember, finding the right school for your needs and tailoring your application helps to stand out among other applicants.
Prepare a Compelling Essay
Your GPA matters, but colleges don’t focus solely on it. Your application is reviewed as a package, and some elements that stand out may overshadow lower GPAs. The application essay is a key component to increasing your chances of acceptance into your preferred school.
Your essay is about more than including buzzwords or concepts listed on your preferred program’s site; it should clearly highlight examples of why you will be an excellent addition to the college, and illustrate that you have the capacity and determination to learn. Those reviewing your college essay are often more interested in your growth potential than they are just your high school accomplishments.
Educational Attainment Services’ college essay counseling services utilize a proven method to help students expand their thought process when writing their essay. This process helps students explore their accomplishments, goals, and desires and to express themselves clearly in their essays, increasing their likelihood of acceptance.
Complete a Successful Interview
Not all colleges require an in-person interview (though many interviews may be conducted online for the foreseeable future), but those that do see this as a critical part of the application process. This gives both you and the interviewer the chance to better understand your potential fit for the college.
EAS’ college interview preparation guidance helps you confidently prepare for your interview through mock interview sessions and accompanying feedback sessions. These sessions help you to more articulately express why you’re the right choice for the college, as well as understand where your strengths lie, and where you can improve with some adjustments.
Give Yourself an Application Advantage with EAS
There’s no way around it: preparing for college and going through the application process is time-consuming and requires a lot of effort. But this process doesn’t have to become a major stressor in your life. Figuring out how to get accepted into college takes work, but it’s much easier with the right support system and resources on your side.
Education Attainment Services has a number of tools and solutions to help you prepare for college with confidence. Whether you’re applying to a public university or private college, we can help you find the right fit for your academic goals. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help.
