Get prepped early

To ultimately assemble a strong application, start planning as early as 8th grade. 

 

Create a personal action plan

From coursework to extracurricular activities & summer experience, commitment

to your overall academic success begins with a structured roadmap.

 

Target "best fit" schools

Don't apply to name-brand schools for vanity's sake.  With over 3,000 colleges in

the USA & Canada, check out schools which may actually fit you much better.

 

Stay organized

Keeping essential documents, transcripts & schoolwork in proper order will

lessen your stress throughout high school & the college application process.

 

Get involved

Participation in extracurricular activities will speak volumes about your ability

to contribute to the community & potential to work well and/or lead others.

 

Focus on the love of learning

Investing time & effort in acquiring knowledge always pays off in the long-term.

Never obsess about grades.  Obsess about learning.

 

Discover & follow your passions

Spend time to think about what you really love doing.  Consider what type of environment would be ideal to suit your true interests & nurture them.

 

Compete against yourself, not others

Instead of comparing yourself against what others are doing, ask yourself a simple question : what impact do you want to make with your own life?

 

Be self-aware

Soul-searching. Self-reflection. Call it what you want. The object is to constantly question who you are, what inspires you, and who you want to be.

 

Showcase your authentic self

Personal essays & interviews provide the opportunity to distinguish your true self. Providing an honest portrait will work wonders to demonstrate your merits.