Get in touch: +1-800-991-0126
Get in touch: +1-800-991-0126
Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University
Reviewed: 4/15/24
Considering the next steps after high school? Keep reading for our in-depth guide on how to get into college.
While it may not be for everyone, many students view college as an exciting first step toward their preferred career path.
The hustle and bustle of rounding up your application materials paired with picking a dream college can prove to be quite exciting - and simultaneously terrifying!
Some students have known for years where they imagine themselves going, while others begin by researching local colleges through the Common App or other sources to figure out what’s available to them.
An important first step is to assess how you're doing academically in high school. The good news is that as long as you’re making decent grades, you should be able to begin your college journey. That said, there's much more to getting into college than just the numbers.
Here we’ll discuss our tips on where you should start and how you can get into college by playing to your strengths. Let’s get started!
It can be challenging to pinpoint exactly what looks good on a college application, as the “ideal application” will look quite different from person to person. However, there are a few consistent things we can nail down as pillars of success:
Remember, colleges review your entire application, not just the numbers. If one aspect of your application is subpar, you can always compensate by knocking it out of the park in other areas.
Deciding to pursue higher education is just as important as figuring out which schools to add to your college list and what major you want to pursue.
However, there are a number of strategies and general good habits that will help you stand out in your application, especially if you’re looking into how to get into a more prestigious program. Below we’ll discuss everything you need to know about getting into college.
Your GPA should be your priority in high school. The higher it is, the more choices you will have. Aim to get at least a 3.0, but the closer to 4.0, the better. Here are a few ways to help boost your grades:
Not every subject is the same level of difficulty for everyone, so give your weaker subjects more time as needed. If you’re falling behind in a course, don’t hesitate to talk to your teachers. Remember, their job is to help you!
If possible, make sure to take advanced high school courses. Colleges pay attention to your high school course selection, so higher-level courses coupled with a high GPA will maximize your likelihood of getting accepted.
You probably need to take either the ACT or SAT unless all the schools you’re applying to are test-optional. You may take both, although they both require fees and dedicated study time on separate material. Doing well on your standardized test(s) will greatly increase your chances of acceptance.
While the SAT focuses more on your math skills and language abilities, the ACT puts a heavier emphasis on math and science with less on language and writing. Both tests are about equal in difficulty; however, their emphasis on specific subjects should be the driving factor in choosing between the tests.
The most important study tip for these tests is to not stress yourself over them. You are free to take them as much as you want and send your results to your college as you improve your score. While you may have to pay the fee again, a higher score will pay off; it may help you get accepted. Practice testing skills if you feel overwhelmed.
A great way to look good on a college application would be to volunteer! There are many community service events that you can participate in that could help out your college application, push you in the direction of potential scholarships, and potentially point to a career path for the future.
Your school may offer a beta club, national honor society, or host a scout troop. Participating in any of these will help round out your college application and show that you are more than just your academic achievements; you’re willing to put in hours of service toward making your community a better place.
Don’t underestimate extracurricular activities! Sports, after-school programs, and creative endeavors look good on a college application. Showing your commitment and leadership skills will look good on any college application.
However, it’s important to only participate in activities you actually enjoy — not just ones you think will look good on an application.
Extracurriculars may provide you with scholarship opportunities as well. Exceptional ability of any kind will get you noticed, so don't hesitate to participate in activities you have a talent or special interest in, and don’t worry about it being conventional.
Your unique interests and skill set may be just the thing that sets your application apart from other candidates.
You’ll need to write a personal statement when you apply to college. Your personal statement is sent to every school you apply to, so it must be compelling!
Most colleges also ask you to write additional essays as part of your application. These supplemental essays can vary in length but expect to write something short that reveals who you are outside of academics.
For students looking to surpass the tough competition, writing a unique, thoughtful essay is essential.
If you're not as confident in your writing ability, give yourself time to practice. Take time to choose a college essay topic you can answer best. Looking at college essay examples can also help you determine what top schools expect from applicants.
In your essays, you can tell your story and share significant experiences that have defined who you are. Remember to end your essays in a way that wraps up your narrative!
Another great way to stand out in your college application is to build your resume. As a high school student, colleges aren’t expecting you to have much work experience so far.
However, demonstrating volunteerism, job shadowing, tutoring, interning, or any summer job you’ve been able to acquire is an excellent way to show responsibility, leadership, and commitment.
If you already have an idea of what you want to do career-wise, a student internship or a co-op opportunity may be a good use of your time.
Don’t feel limited because of your age. At this point, you could do anything from lifeguarding to setting up a small business of your own; the world is your oyster!
Networking of any kind can be extremely useful for college students. You never know who could help you get a job down the line! Remember to maintain respectful, professional relationships with your teachers, bosses, coworkers, etc.
Letters of recommendation are important. These can be written by a boss, manager, or teacher that likes you as a student and person. You may also reconnect with the same individuals for internship opportunities, connections, job references, and more. Never underestimate the power of networking!
After you’ve decided to go to college, you’ll have to define what exactly you need to do going forward to get there. A few things are obvious and should take priority. Make sure to take the SAT or ACT.
Your to-do list might look something like this:
One easy way to keep track of what you need to do is to download one of our college planning checklists below! We’ve got custom checklists for Grade 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, & 11 students!
While your success may vary, a lot depends on your test scores and how good your application looks. For students wondering how long it takes to get accepted into college, the answer is about a month to a month and a half. Don’t stress yourself out too much while waiting.
The best option for students dreading potential rejection is to build a list of potential schools and apply to a good number of them. Tailor your list to what criteria you value the most. Here are some important questions to ask yourself when listing schools:
Taking a school selection quiz can also help you begin to make your list. Make sure the colleges on your list check most of these boxes and the personal ones you include. This is a big decision; take your time making it!
Every college has its own unique admission requirements listed on its website. They may require a specific GPA or may or may not require SAT/ACT scores. Make sure you follow the directions listed carefully, as missing a single requirement could lead to rejection.
If you have questions regarding the rest of your college application, contact an admissions officer via email. They should be able to help with specific questions regarding your essay, where you can submit information, and more. However, try not to ask questions that you could find the answers to on the college website.
By far, the most important part of applying to college is to start early. You don’t want to get behind and put out an application that misses the deadline. Learn each of your target school’s deadlines and plug them into your calendar as early as you can.
If you’re still not sure about what college to attend, you take our What College Should I Go to? Choose the Right School quiz. It’ll help you narrow down which schools you should go to.
No, not all colleges have the same approach when admitting students. Each college has its own set of criteria and priorities for selecting students. Some colleges might focus more on academic achievements like grades and test scores, while others might consider extracurricular activities, personal essays, letters of recommendation, or even interviews.
Additionally, factors such as the size of the school, its location, and its mission can also influence the admissions process. So, it's important for students to research and understand the specific requirements and values of each college they're interested in applying to.
Still have more questions about how you can get accepted into college? Take a look at our answers to these frequently asked questions.
Beyond applying and meeting all of the requirements, make sure to consider what makes you a uniquely qualified candidate.
Your application shouldn’t be too extensive; you can elaborate more in your personal statement, essays, and interview.
It depends on what school you’re trying to get into and what your grades are like. If your GPA is low, you’ll have fewer options for college. On the other hand, if you’re looking into how to get into a good college, that process will be way more difficult.
Higher-ranked schools, like those in the Ivy League, have more strict entrance requirements.
The best GPA to aim for is between a 3.5 and a 4.0. If you want to get into a college, a 3.5 GPA should be your aim. Schools that aren’t as prestigious, typically state colleges, will be the most likely to accept you.
A lower GPA might get you into a community college that you can use to work your GPA up in the first two years to be able to transfer to a better school.
Most students apply to anywhere from 4-15 colleges. You should apply to as many colleges as you have time for and that you would be happy to attend. The more options, the higher your odds of getting into a program.
You can apply for college as a junior, but you are less likely to meet the high school class requirements that your college may want on top of not having your diploma. Generally, it is best to apply during your senior year so you can flow into college with your graduating class.
To get into a school, you’ll need a high school diploma (or equivalent), good grades, and scores from standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. Most colleges also require letters of recommendation, essays, and/or an interview.
Additionally, many colleges have specific requirements or prerequisites for certain programs or majors.
If you have a low GPA in high school, there are still options for you to pursue higher education. Community colleges, colleges with open admissions, schools that don't require standardized test scores, and trade schools or apprenticeships are all great options for low-GPA students.
It is also important to note that most schools consider more than just grades when making admissions decisions, such as extracurricular activities, work experience, interviews, and essays. You can still get into plenty of universities with a low GPA by focusing on improving the other parts of your application.
Colleges typically do not look at grade 7 marks as part of their admissions process, so there’s no need to worry if you had lower grades at a younger age. Colleges primarily focus on high school grades and standardized test scores.
College stands as the next step for most high school students. Your secondary education marks the direction of your career and the start of your adult independence. While college may not be for everyone, if you get in, you’ll likely be prepared to find your place in the working world.
Don’t let college scare you. Getting in is fairly easy if you take the application process seriously. How well you can communicate your values, goals, and dreams is a big part of getting into college.
You only need to meet the requirements. Don’t hesitate if you want to go. Make that commitment to yourself. Good luck!
