It's that time of year again – college applications! This is an exciting time in your life. You've been working hard in school, and now it's time to put your best foot forward.
The process can be daunting with no sugarcoating, but you can do a few things to make it a bit easier. Make sure you include these five items in your application to give yourself the best chance of being accepted!
#1. Your Transcripts
When it comes to college admissions, your academic history is one of the essential factors that committees will consider. That said, be sure to include transcripts from all four years of high school in your application to show them how you've progressed over time and what kind of student you are.
In addition to your transcripts, you can include any relevant course descriptions and any awards or honors you've received. With this complete picture of your academic journey, you'll be sure to impress the admissions committee and increase your chances of being accepted to your top choice school.
And don't worry! Though your grades aren't perfect, here at Mr. MBA, we will comprehensively analyze your transcript to identify strengths and weaknesses and leverage points to create powerful winning stories! So don't hesitate to include them in your application!
#2. Solid Test Scores
Just like with your transcripts, your test scores are an important part of your academic history.
Your SAT or ACT score (or both if you've taken both tests) is one of the first things colleges will look at when reviewing your application.
They are standardized tests students can take to demonstrate their academic abilities. Most colleges will accept either one, so it's up to you to decide which test is right for you. If you need help deciding which one to take, we recommend taking a practice test for each and seeing which one you perform better on.
If you're not happy with your score, don't panic! You can always do a retake. And that being said, our team will help you plan your studies, monitor your progress, and provide general guidance to ensure you ace the test!
#3. A Standout Essay
Most colleges require applicants to submit an essay. This is your chance to show admissions officers who you are and why you would be a great addition to their school.
The best essays are the ones that feel like a conversation between the writer and the reader. So channel your inner dialogue and start writing! Once you've got the first draft, read it and make sure it flows well and sounds like you. After that, be sure to edit and revise it until it's perfect; it's just a matter of polishing up your language and making sure there are no errors.
Remember to stay on topic and stay true to yourself. Admissions officers can spot a generic one from a mile away; this is where you can rely on us. We specialize in creating amazing stories to make you stand out from the thousands of other applicants. We will help you WOW the ADCOMs and get into your dream school!
#4. Extracurricular Activities
In addition to your academic record, colleges want to see that you're well-rounded and have interests outside the classroom. That's where extracurriculars come in!
Admissions officers want to see that you're more than just a good student; they want to know that you're involved in your community and have various interests. So, include a list of any clubs or sports you participated in and any leadership positions you held.
But remember, colleges are looking for quality over quantity when it comes to extracurriculars; they would rather see that you're deeply involved in a few activities than barely involved in many. So don't try and join every club or team just for the sake of it; instead, focus on a few activities that you're really passionate about and make the most of them.
And like extracurricular activities, community service experiences are a great way to show colleges that you're well-rounded and involved in your community. Using this, we will take your passions and expertise into account to display your leadership and find those hidden gem stories that have the potential to inspire growth and change. This will surely give you some great material for your college essay!
#5. A Positive Recommendation Letter
Letters of recommendation can be beneficial in demonstrating your character and work ethic to the admissions committee. Ask a teacher or counselor who knows you well to write it– and make sure to thank them afterward! Be sure to give the person writing it plenty of time—at least 4-6 weeks—to write a detailed and thoughtful letter on your behalf.
Remember, a positive letter of recommendation can be the difference between getting into your dream school and being waitlisted, so don't underestimate its importance. If you have the slightest inclination that someone might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you, act quickly and ask them while they're still enthusiastic about your future success.
Let’s say you’ve received a lot of it. There’s no way you will include all of it in your application. Our consultants in Mr. MBA will help you identify your strongest recommenders and provide guidelines on what they could and should mention in your favor. We will also review final recommendations to ensure they capture your overall story!
Wrapping It Up
We know, we know. No matter how you spin it, the process is daunting. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! If you can check all these five must-haves here, you're on your way to a successful college application process!
But even if you're not quite there yet, don't despair. Mr. MBA is here to help. We offer personalized college counseling services that will help you every step of the way - from choosing the right schools to apply to, to writing a stand-out essay, to nailing your interviews. We've helped hundreds of students achieve their dreams of getting into top colleges, and we can do the same for you!
So what are you waiting for? Contact us today – we can’t wait to hear from you! Our team is always available to answer any questions or help out along the way.