Applying to university can be an overwhelming process. You are bound to face tough competition especially if you are targeting some of the best schools around the world. Most institutions have a rigorous yet common admissions process; however, it’s not just excellent transcripts (the weightiest document in your application) and test scores that help you secure an acceptance into your dream college, there’s a lot more to it!

The admissions process is not just quantitative but also qualitative! Here are some tips to help you get started:

● Challenge Yourself Academically

Take up Advanced Programs (AP) and Honors classes to show the prospective universities that you challenged yourself academically. Most admissions officers look at AP, IB, Honors, A Levels and other college prep courses that you take to judge how well you handled the course load.

● Ace the Standardised Tests

Yes, admissions officers want to know more about you and what makes you stand out from the crowd. However, standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are the gatekeepers along with your high school GPA to get you into college.

● Ramp Up Your College Essay

Your college essay provides a unique opportunity for you to describe aspects about yourself (in relation to the prompts) to the admission committee. Make sure to be authentic and articulate while expressing yourself and your story.

● Request for Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are another key factor: make sure you choose the right people who know your values, character, grit and perseverance inside and outside the classroom. It certainly helps to actively participate in class and build healthy relationships with your teachers.

● Pursue Your Interests

What you do with your time speaks volumes about who you are and what qualities you will bring to the table. Pick extracurricular activities that interest you and commit to them religiously.

"Each year we admit about 2,100 applicants. We like to think that all of them have strong personal qualities and character, that they will educate and inspire their classmates over the four years of college, and that they will make a significant difference in the world after they leave Harvard." says William R. Dean of Admissions at Harvard College.

“Top schools are looking for students who are capable of accomplishing world-changing feats and can contribute positively to their communities. Your job is to convince the school that you're that person!”, says Pradeep Singhal, Regional Manager ScorePlus Education Middle-East. “The best predictor of future achievement is a record of past achievements. If you make outstanding and impactful achievements as a high school student, it will show the college that you are capable of achieving greatness in the future.”

For more than 35 years, students and parents have trusted the Princeton Review to help them get into their dream schools. In case you haven’t taken the SAT/ACT yet, sign up for a free online practice of the SAT/ACT with ScorePlus. Find out your baseline and compare it to the typical scores at your target colleges. You may contact them at: 4436-8580/3067-9488 or email them at [email protected] to book your free test.

Source: Press Release

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