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Millions aspire to higher education—to attend college and pave the way for successful future careers. However, starting university and navigating the college admissions process is complicated and often confusing for high school students and their families. Students shouldn’t go in alone. Becoming familiar with the admissions process and strategising their academic journey is the first step to achieving success in higher education.
1. Experiment Throughout High School
High school is a time for students to discover their interests by exploring different classes and clubs. While focusing on academics is important, students should also engage in extracurricular activities to find new pathways. Knowing what to do before starting university is crucial for building a well-rounded profile that appeals to admissions officers at top US schools, who conduct holistic reviews of each candidate.
With the admissions process becoming more selective, students need to set themselves apart beyond academics. Pursuing unique interests, taking leadership positions, and forming new connections are key things to do before starting university. Building a compelling student profile starts early and showcasing positive character traits alongside academic excellence can significantly boost a student’s chances of acceptance.
2. Find Your Area of Interest
Along with experimenting throughout high school, students should narrow down their field of study. Many students go into college not knowing what they want to study, but they should find their interests early on and work to pursue their field beforehand. Knowing what to do before starting university can significantly influence their future success.
A student who knows which major they will study and has a solid profile of extracurricular activities and projects in that field will find it easier to apply to schools. They will also have paved the way for their academic and career success earlier.
For example, a computer science student in the 10th grade has time to:
- Join clubs (or create them)
- Participate in coding competitions
- Join robotics leagues
- Design their projects
- Conduct research
- Get involved in their school and tech community
Students can accomplish a lot in the 1-2 years before starting university, enhancing their resumes and impressing admissions officers. These achievements provide valuable experience and knowledge for future success in college. Forming a plan early allows for flexibility; for instance, a computer science student can pivot to different fields based on their experiences. Conversely, students deciding on their majors late may have fewer options if they change their minds.
3. Create a School List
Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions a high school student will make outside of finding their field of interest. Starting university can drastically affect the connections they make, the experiences they have, and the education they will receive. Which school is best will vary depending on the student. Applicants must consider factors such as:
- Location
- Tuition
- Campus Life
- Programs
- Acceptance rates
- House and boarding
- Alumni opportunities
Before starting university, students should focus on a few schools they are genuinely excited about rather than applying to as many as possible. Each application requires individual attention, so targeting a small number of valuable schools is a better strategy. Choosing a school that aligns with a student’s interests and values is crucial, as attending the wrong school can be worse than not attending college at all. If rejected from their top choice, students can always reapply, making it essential to find the right school from the start.
4. Visit Campuses
Once students have a solid list of schools, it’s highly advised that students do campus visits.
Campus visits allow students to experience a school in a way that cannot be done online or through phone calls. Being on campus, speaking to representatives, and learning about the school’s culture from those who are there daily can shed light on the school. It also gives students a new perspective.
Students might realise that they don’t like the school, aren’t excited about the city or campus life, or find the courses less interesting than expected—or they might become even more enthusiastic about attending. There is a quality to each academic institution that can only be experienced by having your feet there on the campus. And if a student is especially serious about a certain school, then it’s even more important that they see it for themselves before starting university.
5. Take Your Standardised Tests
Many schools use standardised tests like the SAT and ACT to measure academic performance. As students prepare for starting university, they should be aware that, while some schools have adopted test-optional policies, many, including Yale, have reverted to requiring standardised tests. This shift reflects a trend toward traditional testing requirements.
For high school students, knowing their SAT/ACT scores is crucial for college applications and understanding what to do before starting university. These scores help determine which schools are reach, target, or safety options based on published averages. To improve their chances, students should consider taking the tests multiple times or enrolling in test prep courses, as every point can impact their college prospects.
6. Consider Your Financial Aid Options
Starting university can be costly, with tuition increasing for higher-ranked schools. When creating school lists, students should consider the price of admission and explore financial aid options available through FAFSA. The amount of aid, interest rates, and the types of loans and grants vary based on individual circumstances.
For example, subsidised loans don’t accumulate interest until after graduation, while grants don’t need to be repaid. These factors can influence school choices. Before starting university, students should consult their advisors and the FAFSA website to understand their financial aid options and eligibility.
7. Get Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation help give credence to a student’s accomplishments and personality traits. For the best letters of recommendation, students should reach out to:
Students should aim to get letters of recommendation from individuals who have been closely involved in their activities and can offer insight into their personality and accomplishments. When preparing to start university, students should avoid asking friends, relatives, or acquaintances who don’t know their work well enough to provide a strong endorsement.
The purpose of a letter of recommendation is to give college admissions officers a view of the student from an external perspective. Therefore, for things to do before starting university, high schoolers should select recommenders who can provide a favourable and insightful perspective on their character and achievements.
8. Find Your Story
In the college admissions process, where officers review hundreds or thousands of applications, making a strong impression is crucial. A compelling personal narrative can significantly boost a student’s chances of acceptance when starting university.
Students should craft a unique and memorable story for their application, such as being a first-generation immigrant passionate about US football or a computer science major focused on robotic prosthetics for animals. Developing a distinctive theme helps students stand out and leaves a lasting impression on admissions officers, which is essential for things to do before starting university.
9. Write a Compelling Personal Statement
The personal statement is where students can fully express their application theme. Unlike other sections, it allows students to showcase their personalities and unique traits, giving admissions officers insight into who they are beyond their achievements.
A compelling personal statement can be a student’s strongest asset in the admissions process. It’s their opportunity to present a cohesive narrative that ties together their theme, activities, and aspirations. Students should focus on crafting a unique story that only they can tell, often spending weeks or months refining their essays with mentors to make the most impactful impression.
10. Work With an Admissions Counselor
One of the biggest mistakes students can make is believing that they must do everything alone. The greatest individuals in history didn’t become successful alone; many had help from friends and allies.
The college admissions process can be complicated, with many challenges and pathways that can prove difficult for students to overcome—especially when trying to maintain their grades, extracurricular activities, social life, and mental health. Let someone take the pressure off your shoulders by working with an admissions counsellor.
With programs such as InGenius Prep’s Application Counseling and Candidacy Building Programs, their team of Former Admissions Officers from top US universities know exactly what admissions officers are looking for. With their guidance, students can create stand-out applications and give themselves the best chance of getting admitted into the school of their dreams. Schedule a free call with an InGenius Prep Advisor to learn more about their programs.