As cliché as it sounds, the college application process is no joke! Maybe you’ve just started thinking about it and don’t know where to begin. Or perhaps you’re just feeling stressed out and need some reassurance.
It's no wonder many high school students feel overwhelmed by the process. With so many things to keep track of, it's easy to feel over your head.
But don't worry—we’ve got your back! The process might sound scary and intimidating, but with these dos and don'ts in mind, you'll feel more confident about your application!
DOs
Start early
Starting early is the key to a successful application process. There are many forms and deadlines, but starting now will allow you plenty of time for revision before submitting your essays or other written work. The earliest you start, the better!
But of course, this doesn’t mean you have to have everything figured out immediately. In fact, it’s perfectly okay to change your mind about things as you go along. The important thing is that you give yourself enough time to explore your options and make an informed decision about where you want to apply.
So if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process, keep in mind that our team here at Mr. MBA will help you throughout the process. So, take a deep breath and remember that taking things one step at a time is the best way to get through it! We can do this!
Get good grades
It's no secret that colleges are looking for students who have demonstrated academic excellence. After all, your grades are one of the first things they'll look at when considering your application. So, if you're hoping to get into your dream school, it's essential to challenge yourself academically and get the best grades possible.
Of course, that can be challenging. But with hard work and dedication, you can reach your full potential and set yourself apart from the competition.
Plus, we are here to help you every step of the way as you prepare to take your test. As our job as your college admissions consultant, we will create a study plan tailored just for you, help monitor your progress, and provide general guidance and support. We got your back!
Know your options
There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best school. It will depend on your unique interests, goals, and personality. That's why doing your research before making any decisions is essential.
Once you know what you're looking for, we can start narrowing down your options and making informed decisions. We will help you find the perfect mixture of colleges to apply to- both schools that you have a realistic chance of getting into and safety schools. With our Mr.MBA team on your side, your odds of getting into your dream school will significantly improve!
Visit schools
Once you've narrowed down your list of potential schools, it's time to take a visit. This will help you get a feel for each campus and see if it's the right fit for you. Keep in mind that you're not just choosing a school; you're choosing a potential home for the next four years (or more!).
Campus tours are really fun! This will allow you to meet with professors, students, and staff. You can also check the facilities and get a feel for the campus culture. So don't hesitate to schedule some visits!
Be Yourself in Your Interviews
Colleges are always looking for the right fit. That's why an interview is such a vital part of getting accepted. This can also be an opportunity to ask questions about the school and better understand whether it's right for you.
When preparing for your interviews, review common interview questions so that you can have thoughtful responses prepared in advance. And remember that we are here to guide you! As your admissions coach, we will help you brush up on your interviewing skills and provide tips and tricks to ace those tough questions. No matter what they throw at you, you'll be ready with a charismatic, well-thought-out response.
So there's no need to put on an act during your interview. Just relax and let your personality shine through!
DON'Ts
Procrastinate
As the old saying goes, " Procrastination is the thief of time." And when it comes to applying to college, that couldn't be more true! Trying to complete everything at the last minute will only increase your stress levels and decrease your chances of getting into a good school. The earlier you start the process, the better off you will be. You will have more time to perfect your essays and ensure that all your materials are in order.
And, of course, with our consulting services, you can focus on your senior year and not worry about every little detail of your application. We have you covered!
Rush your essays
Believe it or not, the essay is one of the most critical parts of your application. While your grades and test scores give colleges a sense of your academic abilities, your essay provides an opportunity to show them who you are beyond the numbers.
So take your time with it! Don't rush through the writing process just to get it done - this is an opportunity to really show who you are, so make sure that your essay is thoughtful, well-written, and showcases your best qualities. And don’t worry; we will help you create a one-of-a-kind, personal story that will grab the attention of the college of your dreams and make you stand out from the thousands of other applicants!
Worry about filling all of your applications with "meaningful" experiences
Your activities don't have to be world-changing or life-altering to be impressive—they just have to show that you're dedicated and committed. So don't worry if you don't have any earth-shattering experiences to write about; colleges are most interested in seeing what kind of person you are and whether you'll be a good fit for their community.
Instead of trying to impress with big words or grandiose plans, focus on being genuine, authentic, and reflective.
What's your passion? What have you learned from the experiences in your life so far, and how are they shaping who you are today?
Your insights will give them a better sense of whether or not this person would thrive with them, but it'll be more than just an impressive headline-grabbing activity!
Rely on sports or other extracurriculars
Extracurricular activities no doubt look great on your application. Participation in sports, clubs and other organizations can demonstrate leadership skills, a commitment to community service, and a wide range of interests. But don't rely on them too much!
Remember that grades are still the most crucial factor. Colleges are looking for students who have demonstrated academic excellence, and extracurriculars won't make up for poor grades.
So if you're struggling in school, don't rely on your extracurriculars to salvage your application. Focus on getting your grades up. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve academic success. You got this!
Rely on Your Parents or Teachers to proofread Your Essays
You might think that your teachers and parents will be able to give you the best feedback on your essays, but this could not necessarily turn out well for at least two reasons.
One, they already know about all of your successes which makes it difficult for them to provide objective criticism; And two, they might not know the current process and what ADCOMs are looking for!
So, instead of relying on them, let our Super Board & Advisory Team give you constructive criticisms. With our college admissions coaches, we'll help you proofread your essays, ensure you're up to date on the latest requirements, and answer any questions. We got you!
Final Thoughts
We all know it's a competitive world out there, and getting into the right college can make all the difference. Yes, the process can be confusing and overwhelming. But by following these dos and don'ts and Mr. MBA on your side, you can guarantee to get into the school of your dreams!
So what are you waiting for? Let us take care of the nitty-gritty details so that you can focus on what's really important: enjoying your senior year. We know the admissions process inside and out, and we'll work with you to create a personalized counseling plan that maximizes your chances of getting into your top-choice school.
So don't wait - contact us today!