How to build a great college application

Academics

Strong academics are a minimum requirement for admission to any college. However, to gain admission to the top 100 colleges in the USA, you will typically need a GPA of 4.00 or higher.

• Rigor of coursework: Several colleges also pay attention to the rigor of your coursework. Most students enroll in on-level courses. But if you excel academically in middle school, you will be admitted to advanced courses. Exceptional students are admitted to accelerated courses, which are one or more grade level ahead.  Students who qualify for advanced and accelerated courses in middle school are eligible for honors and advanced placement courses sooner. That means they can take more of these rigorous courses.

• Honor classes: Honor classes are designed at the school district level for the most rigorous curriculum. Some school districts give a 4.5 GPA for an A in honors course. Even if a school district doesn’t give extra weight, having honors classes on your transcript is still valuable.

• Advanced Placement: Advanced Placement or AP courses are college-level classes that you take while you are still completing your high school degree. AP courses will clearly boost your GPA since those are grades to scale of 5.0. Due to a current loophole, some students—particularly valedictorians—take numerous AP courses without taking the corresponding College Board exams, yet still receive a 5.0 GPA

• International Baccalaureate: International Baccalaureate or IB programs offer curriculum frameworks and courses that are broad and balanced, conceptual and connected. IB courses will clearly boost your GPA since those are grades to scale of 5.0.

• Dual enrollment: Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to take college courses taught by college professors, either at their high school or on a college campus. The dual Enrollment is a viable option for on-level students to boost their GPA, as the most Dual Enrollments are graded to a scale of 5.0.

You can opt for rigorous courses, but it is up to each college to review transcripts for rigor and conduct. Nonetheless, having a higher GPA is always advantageous.

Standardized tests

Colleges consider standardized tests important because they provide a common baseline to compare students from various school systems. The SAT and ACT are the two most common standardized tests used by U.S. colleges. Most top-ranked colleges require SAT scores above 1500 for their competitive programs, while mid-tier colleges, typically expect scores above the 1400s. For ACT, most top-ranked colleges have a perfect ACT score for 75th percentile students, while mid-tier colleges, typically expect scores above 32. For more details, check out our other videos on SAT and ACT preparation, which is a topic in itself. Students can gain experience with the SAT by taking the PSAT during their freshman and sophomore years. The PSAT results highlight areas for SAT preparation and also qualify students with high scores for the National Merit Scholarship.

Academic and Social Clubs

Most students enhance their resumes by forming or joining academic and social clubs. It is typical for students to be a member of 2–3 clubs on average. These clubs help students develop their artistic, social, and management skills, which are important later in life. Established clubs such as TSA, HOSA, DECA, and FBLA host competitive events throughout the academic year, where students can earn recognition by winning events. Students can also create new academic or cultural clubs that are unique and address significant issues. Each club requires sponsorship from a high school teacher. Running a school club involves a lot of effort, so make sure it holds perceived value for colleges. Leadership positions in academic clubs are generally more valued than regular membership roles because they reflect a deeper commitment to intellectual pursuits, demonstrate leadership skills developed in an academic context, and signify initiative and engagement with a specific academic field.

Sports

Everyone envies full-ride scholarships given to exceptional athletes. But, Colleges benefit more from athletics programs since student athletes contribute a lot of college finances, potentially funding other academic programs. One in two high school students participate in sports. A typical high school sponsors teams for cheerleading, cross-country, softball, volleyball, football, basketball, swimming and diving, baseball, lacrosse, golf, wrestling, tennis, track, soccer, and gymnastics, administered across the fall, winter, and spring. These teams are organized into Varsity and Junior Varsity levels. Many students participate in multiple sports. Exceptional athletes usually get scholarships; otherwise, playing sports is similar to any other extracurricular activities. But sports can provide much needed physical exercise and mental relief. However, participating in a high school band and cheer leading is particularly beneficial, as colleges with strong athletic programs often allocate resources for these activities.

Commitment

Colleges also appreciate long-term commitment or dedication to programs that demonstrate sustained dedication, leadership skills, community service, and the ability to achieve goals through a structured program.

• Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts are the most common types of commitment programs that usually take a lot of middle and high school.
• Attaining professional ranks in music, martial arts, or similar professional ranks by passing several levels of exams are other examples of commitment activities.
• Volunteering is a positive addition to college applications, and it can also help with scholarships. Social Work with Global experiences will also stand out in college applications.

Work Experience

Colleges value work experience, particularly because students must go through a selective process to qualify for such opportunities and complete these programs to the satisfaction of professionals.

• Internships often provide access to mentors who can offer guidance and advice and develop professionalism and work ethic, by learning how to navigate the workplace.
• Summer jobs or part-time positions in professional offices, such as those of doctors, veterinarians, and lawyers are valuable. Jobs in service industries, like coffee shops and ice cream parlors, are also valuable. In addition to gaining experience, these jobs also provide much-needed cash.
• Some students pursue competitive professional certifications to demonstrate their ability to master complex topics 

Differentiators

To be selected for this highly competitive program, you must excel in national or international competitions, or successfully complete a Passion Project.

National and International Competitions

Various professional and research organizations across the world organize several competitions where students can participate individually or as a team and win awards. In addition to recognition, some of these competitions offer awards and scholarships, which are highly valued in selection criteria.

Passion Project

Highly selective colleges often receive applications that showcase significant achievements, such as research projects, technical innovations, or early-stage entrepreneurial ventures. Passion projects demonstrate students’ ability to lead independent projects in the future, and colleges seek these qualities in their alumni. Some of these passion projects make great college essays and can potentially connect you with esteemed individuals who can write strong recommendation letters.

Recommendation

It is not feasible to participate in all these activities, so you should select a few that you are passionate about and have the support system to succeed.