In today’s fiercely competitive college admissions scenario, it’s helpful to do everything you can to create an application that will stand out from the rest of the competition. There are plenty of things high school juniors can do towards this end, but these 10 college admissions tasks carry the most weight.
Flickr user Aaron Osborne
1. Make a note of testing deadlines
One of your very first college admissions tasks is to determine which tests you need to take, make a note of the deadlines, and start preparing.
Every college has different test requirements. Taking the SAT is a mandatory requirement of some colleges, whereas others may require you to submit your ACT scores and of course some colleges are test optional. Depending on which program you are applying for, you may also be required to complete AP or subject matter tests.
Where you can, try to get these tests over and done with as early as possible. If necessary, you’ll also have time to retake them and improve your score.
2. Attend college fairs
Schools and other learning communities usually organize college fairs before the summer vacation. This is a great opportunity to meet representatives from various colleges. You also get more information about the institutions you are interested in and get to know more about colleges you may not have heard of before.
Find out which colleges will be represented at the upcoming college fairs in your school or your neighborhood, go online to learn more about the programs these colleges offer. Don’t forget to make a note of questions to ask so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
3. Get your letters of recommendation
Getting your letters of recommendation done on time is one of those college admission tasks that is often overlooked. But, recommendation letters play a major role in the selection process. The key to getting a good one is knowing who to approach, and a great time to do this is before you leave for the summer.
Select one or two teachers who know you well and who have a good rapport with you. Let them know that you’d like to ask them to write your letter. Give them all the information they need to draft a compelling letter highlighting your strengths and your accomplishments. Most important of all, give them sufficient time to write out your letter of recommendation. And don’t forget to thank them.
4. Think about your essay topics
Writing the essay can be a time consuming and challenging part of the application process but there’s no escaping it. It takes time to brainstorm an appropriate topic and then compose an outstanding essay around it. The earlier you start, the more time you will have to mull over ideas and also change your mind if need be.
Starting the process too late can leave you feeling overwhelmed and under tremendous pressure. The college essay is important so give yourself some time to think it through and write a great one.
5. Explore summer classes
It may not be the most fun thing to do over the summer break but taking a summer class to boost your academics can earn you huge brownie points and is well worth it. There are no rigid requirements when it comes to enrolling in a summer program and there are various options you can explore.
You can take one through your high school, community college, online or an academic program at a university. When choosing a program, you can either choose one that is geared toward your particular area of interest or you can use this opportunity to explore other fields such as business, engineering, journalism, medicine, or any other.
6. Find volunteering opportunities
Volunteering offers several benefits, from that feel-good factor to boosting your application. From hospitals to animal shelters, soup kitchens and museums, there are no limits to the kind of opportunities available. If you have a particular skill, you could even choose to use that to help others. For example, you could help ESL students improve their English, coach a youth team or help the elderly learn basic computer skills.
Whatever you choose to do, it is important that you work at the same activity over a few months at least to show your commitment to a cause. Find what you like to volunteer at and stick with it. It’s great for your application, your community, and your soul.
7 Explore internship opportunities
Spending time in an internship gives you hands-on experience so you can make more informed decisions about which major to pursue. You can either do an internship in the field you wish to pursue, or you can explore new fields to determine if they are a good fit for you.
Internship opportunities are not always easy to find. Starting early will give you more time to look around. Teachers, parents, and coaches can be great resources in this regard so be sure to ask.
8. Apply for summer jobs
Working a summer job is one of those college admission tasks that offer multiple benefits. For one, it’s a great way to get work experience, but better still, it’s an excellent opportunity to earn some money that you can use towards your tuition. Wouldn’t it be a relief to be able to apply for a smaller loan?
Not only do summer jobs give you necessary work experience and extra money to save, but they also help you develop those soft skills employers love like communication, teamwork, and time management. Whether you have time for a full-time or part-time gig this summer, either one will look great on your college application.
9. Start building your online presence
Building your online presence doesn’t mean you should go overboard on Twitter or Facebook. The idea of building an online presence is to give admissions authorities a glimpse into a side of you that they would not be able to see by looking at your grades or your transcripts.
Click away from Facebook and instead create a detailed LinkedIn profile that highlights your strengths, capabilities, accomplishments and work experience. A strong—and relevant—online presence can have a major impact on your acceptance into the college of your choice.
10. Enjoy extracurricular activities
Whether you are an amateur pianist, a budding painter, or a talented soccer player, make time to participate in activities you enjoy and improve your skills. Colleges prefer to admit students who have outside interests and are not just buried in their books.
Participating in multiple extracurriculars can show versatility to admissions officers. If you have one passion, that’s great too. Participating consistently in an activity for an extended period shows admission authorities that you can commit to a particular activity. Tip ten is one of the more enjoyable college admissions tasks as it involves doing something you love.
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