4 Ways to Get Ahead in the College Application Process
4 Way to Get Ahead…with Whitehead Learning Group
I don’t know about you, but once I dust off my red, white, and blue outfit and take photos of fireworks for the Fourth of July, it seems to signal the bittersweet wind-down on Summer. This year is no different (although we escaped the Atlanta heat over the long weekend!) Before you know it, it will be Back to School shopping, carpool logistics, early morning wake-ups, and structured schedules. This is my favorite time of year to take the opportunity to assess ways to get ahead before the frenzy of fall (and a new school year) even hits. Today, we’re sharing 4 ways to get ahead in the college application process. Tackle these 4 items on the checklist below and you’ll be feeling like a superhero by Labor Day!
Start Up
We share 4 items to check off your to-do list—before the school year even starts.
Essay: Lauded as the “difference between marginal applicants,” by College Board, the application essay is a facet of the process to prioritize and strategize. Though essay prompts will be officially released in August, realize that the Common App often recycles materials. Take a page from our playbook that recommends “beginning with the end in mind” when it comes to essay-writing. Understand that the essay should act as an opportunity to leverage a part of your story that is not in your application. What aspect of your character, personality, or passion do you want to bring to the table? Identify that specific element and then work backwards when Common App prompts are unveiled and leverage one that will work for you. Additionally be sure to spend some time on each school website and review requirements.
Recommendations: Now is the time to start leaning into your personal network for advice. Go beyond “who knows you best” and consider asking coaches, mentors, advisors, and teachers who can speak to a specific talent, passion, gift, or tenacity. Considering a Pre-Med track? Time to start talking to your Chem Lab teacher and Bio tutor. A good rule of thumb: Give recommenders a full 4-6 weeks to write your letter.
Common App: Changes are coming—make sure you are prepared. Log into Common App at minimum once a week. Start building a regular routine—whether’s it’s a notification on your iCal or a to-do item in your traditional planner, be sure to check your profile at the same time, same place every week. Create a user name and password that is easy to remember. Consider adding an advisor to your profile account (grants the access). Familarize yourself with the platform so you can put your best foot forward.
Resume: Recognize that it can be tough to remember all your accolades and awards from all of high school. Take time this summer to record volunteering experience, work experience, awards/honors/grades from HS.
2. Keep Up
Senioritis might be a real thing, but keeping up grades, responsibilities, and a predetermined ACT/SAT testing strategy is important. Admissions reps and committees are looking to see that senior year grades are consistent and demonstrative of continued growth all the way to the finish line. Push yourself academically while still leaving margin for clubs, leadership opportunities, sports, volunteering, and leadership outlets. Continue on the trajectory you’ve already established with your counselor in terms of senior courses and classes.
3. Clean Up
Take 5 minutes to clean up your Social Media. Yes, really. I meet with admissions reps all the time who share that committees, while they may not have the bandwidth to fact-check every applicant, will often refer to social media to learn more about a particular student or connect the dots within the application. When it comes to streamlining your digital footprint, a good rule of thumb is “If you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see it, it probably shouldn’t be online.” This means no political comments, evidence of cyberbullying, inappropriate language, or immodesty. It’s also a good rule of thumb to do an annual “purge” and take stock of your social media, in general—this will pay off dividends when it comes to sorority/fraternity rush, starting a new athletic team, landing an internship, or applying for a job interview.
4. Show Up
Show up to Meetings, on Emails, and on Tours. Every college counselor and college admissions rep I talk to says this is what separates applicants into two different pools. Show up when you say you’re going to show up—in school and out. Remember that emails have a 24-hour timeline; all messages should be responded to promptly and courteously. Be respectful in your greeting, recognize that grammar counts, and sign your name. Always send email from your school account. Add checking email to your daily routine— maybe at the same time as logging into the Common App! If you have the opportunity to tour a school, do it. Do your homework of each school so you can put your best foot forward. Show that you are interested, prepared, and grateful for the time spent with you while on campus.
There you have it—4 easy, tangible steps to get ahead in the college application process. Put these habits into practice today and you’ll be feeling a lot less stressed when school starts!