Attention Sophomores and Juniors: When planning for college, an early start can provide a big advantage – it will give you time to define your goals, research schools, learn about student aid & scholarships, prep for entrance exams and take steps to make yourself a more attractive candidate. Consider these helpful strategies.  

Admissions officers, guidance counselors and college consultants agree that the academic record is an extremely important factor. InLikeMe puts a challenging curriculum and strong grades at the top of the list. A rigorous class schedule shows intellectual curiosity, a willingness to challenge yourself and that you are comfortable with hard work. There are compelling financial benefits too. A strong academic record can lead to merit scholarships and credits earned from dual enrollment, AP, and IB classes and CLEP exams can cut college costs.

All competitive colleges seek to build a diversified and interesting student body. In past years, most successful applicants were well-rounded high-achievers. These days, there is a growing preference for involved, high-achievers and leaders who also possess a special activity (pursued with passion) that sets them apart from other applicants.

You’ll often be asked for an email address when you attend colleges presentations, fairs and register to receive scholarship and school information. A professional looking email address (e.g. first initial, last name, graduation year – nwilliams15@.......) will help show that you are a serious candidate. Gmail, with its web interface and strong seach capabilities is very popular with college applicants.

Strong scores not only improve your chances of acceptance, they can also lead to significant scholarship money. The SAT and ACT are very different college entrance exams. Most colleges accept either (or both).  Many student have increased their scores significantly with preparation. Check out InLikeMe for more information.

Recommendations from your high school counselor and teacher(s) are required when you apply to many colleges and universities.  Plan ahead.  Begin to consider whom to ask, and how they can support your candidacy.

Most college students spend a lot of time reading and writing. Those with well developed skills have a distinct advantage over less prepared classmates. Enhancing your skills during high school will not only help you perform better on college entrance exams, it will prepare you for success in college. InLikeMe suggests regular reading of challenging articles and editorials from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and/or The Economist.

College Fairs are a quick and low cost way (often free) to check out many schools (on the same day) and meet admissions representatives without traveling far from home.   Learn how to make the most of the college fair with effective organization, note taking and planning.

If you are in the area of a college that interests you, check it out. It’s best to visit when school is in session, but you can get a feel for a college almost any time. If you are planning a vacation, or visiting relatives, think about nearby colleges that may interest you.

A college education can be an extraordinary investment that opens doors and eyes to interesting and lucrative career opportunities, probably not otherwise possible. It can also be one of the largest investments you'll make in your lifetime.   Fortunately, there are many opportunities for financial assistance – merit aid, scholarships, loans, grants, work-study -- to make college more affordable and help you pay the bill.     Before you cross a college off of your wish list due to “sticker shock”, understand that the real cost of college is the “net price” (list price minus the amount of financial aid) which may make the situation look a lot less dire.  Speak with you guidance counselor or scholarship coordinator and learn more at ScholarshipRoadMap.com. 

You’re not alone if you are a high school student without clear direction about your future. Most young people can benefit from self-assessment tools to help define goals and explore college environments, academic majors and potential careers.   InLikeMe provides useful advice along with helpful self-assessment tools.

# 11 Build Your College Admissions Team

Navigating the road to college can be a daunting experience. There’s no need to go at it alone. Building Your College Admissions Team  will help you benefit from the support and advice of people you know and trust such as your Guidance Counselor, Friends & Family, Teachers, Coaches, Employers, Club Advisors, Volunteer Activity Leaders and Local Alumni. Your counselor is a key team member. If you haven’t done so already, it’s a good time to meet with your counselor to map out a game plan and make sure you are on the right track. 

Your College Admission Resume is a special resume that highlights your accomplishments during high school. It can be a tremendous asset when you fill out applications, meet with interviewers, ask for recommendations and apply for scholarships. InLikeMe’s Composing your College Admission Resume will tell you how to organize your activities, awards, honors, community service, leadership positions, jobs & internships and present them in a compelling resume.

#13   Brainstorm on College & Scholarship Essays

Some students report a brain freeze when they sit down to write college essays.   You can ease the stress and enhance your raw material (activities, leadership positions, summer job, internship, college course, community service) with some up front planning. Colleges look for articulate, well-written, thoughtful essays providing insight into your personality, values, and goals.

Author: Lynn Radlauer Lubell is the Publisher of InLikeMe.com, and the Founder of Admission By Design, a College Consultancy, based in Boca Raton, Florida.