Six Strategies for Filing Successful Applications

(Part 2 of Column Series)

In last week’s column, the first three strategies were enumerated on how to construct impressive college applications.  The advice was to write an impressive essay, personalize each application, and be sure to cover the basics (such as a solid GPA and notable SAT scores).  This week’s column continues with three additional strategies for increasing the likelihood of getting a “You’re Accepted” letter or email from your colleges of choice.

4) Start constructing a resume early in your high school years so you will have time to fill in the gaps that become evident when you put your life experiences in writing.  You’ll want to be sure to have a category for volunteer work.  Colleges offer limitless opportunities for students to engage in volunteer work, and they know that students who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to helping others during their high school years are much more likely to be altruists during their college years. It’s also ideal to have a “passion project” to highlight on your resume.  Have you launched a business, initiated a profitable charitable drive, written and published a book, hosted an art exhibition, or developed an impressive skill or talent?  Colleges are seeking a well-rounded student body comprised of students who have varying attributes.  Students who develop an impressive resume over the course of their high school years have a powerful tool to include on their college applications.

5) Recognize that “optional” really isn’t optional.  If colleges ask for something – even if they say it’s optional – do it, and do it to the best of your ability.  This comes up frequently in the form of supplemental essay questions for individual colleges.  Aside from the main Common App essay, many colleges list shorter, “optional” essays asking students various versions of why their school is a good fit and how students believe they would contribute to the campus community.  Realize that other applicants – your competitors – will be doing everything requested by the colleges, and you don’t want to be at a disadvantage. 

6) Get the advantage of doing things “early.”  If you have one top college, applying “early decision” is likely to greatly increase your odds of being accepted.  For all of the other colleges on your list, applying “early action” (if offered) will get your application reviewed early and get you an early response – typically by the time winter break rolls around.  If you get deferred or waitlisted, you still have time to send additional documentation (e.g. mid-year grades) to enhance your application.  It really takes the pressure off when you have college acceptances in hand early on in your senior year.

Susan Alaimo is the founder of SAT Smart. For the past 25 years, SAT Smart’s Ivy League educated tutors have prepared students for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, AP courses, and all high school subjects. Visit www.SATsmart.com or call 908-369-5362.