Preparing for the US College Application

It is important to begin preparing months in advance. You can start by creating a College List:

  • Simply put, it is a special list of colleges and universities that are just perfect for you. This list is all about matching up what you want academically, what you like personally, and what you dream of doing in your future career to colleges that suit these needs. When it's time to apply, your list is like your magic tool, keeping you organized and focused on schools that really connect you with what you want.

To be a competitive applicant, high school students can find ways to improve their application. Here are some ways to stand out: 

  1. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
    • Colleges are concerned about more than academics when they build an incoming class. They want to create vibrant, happy campuses where students are happy, involved, and contribute to goals to build community. No evidence is better at supporting your ability to participate than your extracurricular activities in high school.
    • If your school does not offer many extracurricular activities, you could volunteer in your community through activities like:
      • Deliver groceries to elderly neighbors
      • Volunteer at a local hospital, library, or nonprofit
      • Distribute food at a food pantry
  2. Work a Summer Job
    • Find a Job that Aligns With What You Want to Study: Finding a summer job in a field you would like to study could give you valuable insights to help guide your future career. You can experience first hand what it is really like working in that industry. There are so many work opportunities open to teenagers who have strong work ethic across several industries, including hospitality, healthcare, public service, financial services, and environmental sciences. You could also make strong connections that will benefit you after you earn your degree.
  3. Get Leadership Experience
    • By leadership experience, we mean everything that demonstrates a student’s ability to take initiative, lead their peers, serve as a role model or even create something new.
    • The website linked has 13 examples of leadership experience, such as planning an event, helping out in the community, and organizing a fundraiser.