Don’t rush out this fall and create a club just so you can put it on your college application. Last-minute additions don’t move college admissions officers. If you’re looking to improve your chances of admission, here are five effective ways to do it:
1. Take the most challenging course load you can handle.
Colleges will look at the courses you’re taking—and are planning to take—during the senior year. Are you taking math? A fourth year of language or science? Honors or AP classes? You don’t necessarily need to take the most difficult classes to get into college, but you should still challenge yourself. When in doubt, follow your favorite subjects.
2. Do well next semester.
Many colleges, especially private schools, will ask to see your grades from the first semester of your senior year (the 7th semester) before they make an admissions decision. Check the admissions sections on colleges' websites and see if they'll ask for 7th semester transcripts for admissions. If they do, it means they’ll evaluate those grades.
3. Consider retaking the SAT/ACT.
If you’ve already spent significant time, money, and/or energy on preparing for the SAT, ignore this tip and let those tests be part of your past. But most schools will accept test scores from fall test dates (unless you’re applying in an early application program). So if you haven’t put the effort into raising your scores, consider doing some focused prep and retaking the test. If you’re not sure if it’s worth trying again, here’s a past post to help.
4. Make an impact in a current activity.
Instead of adding something new to your resume at the last minute just to lengthen the list, make an impact in an activity you’re already doing. Even if it’s too late to run for an office, you can take on the decorations for the homecoming dance, play an important role in a fundraiser for the French Club, or plan the first fall trip for the ski club. You don’t have to be in a leadership position to make things happen.
5. Make time for applications.
I’ve met a lot of students who spend three years of high school making themselves competitive college applicants and then wait until the last minute to complete their applications. That’s like spending three years training for the Olympics and then going to an all-night party the night before the big race. Applications and essays are important. It takes time to do them well. Don’t put them off and end up racing to meet the deadlines. You’ve worked too hard to submit anything less than thoughtful applications that make you proud.