It is time that a top charter school shares tips on how to get into your dream college. It must be noted that this will require a tremendous dedication and work ethic on the part of the applicant. In many ways, it is like landing your “dream” job and if it is truly a dream of yours, then everything that you do will not seem like work, but a journey towards your goal. The information below is a foundation to landing your dream college and comes from many years of watching several high school students make it happen.
Tips on to get into your dream college:
Have passion for something.
The words desire, motivation, energy, passion, love, commitment, etc… cannot be underestimated when thinking about your dream college. Throw yourself into learning EVERYTHING about your dream college, but more importantly; learn about what really “DRIVES” and makes you tick. Admission counselors want individuals that are well-rounded with a general understanding about the World, but they are really looking for students that are passionate about “ONE” thing and want to accept individuals that can show evidence that they have already started their own learning. Prepare to display your independent learning that you have completed on that very thing that gets you up in the morning and keeps you up at night.
Answer Why.
This may be one of the simplest, but hardest questions to answer. Case in point, during election season, ask your local politician, “why are you running for office?” You will be amazed at the responses and some will stick to make a favorable impression; whereas, others will make you feel like you just took a bath in dirty water. Similarly, you need to be prepared to answer that same question with authenticity when people ask, “why are you choosing that college.” Your response should NOT ever be any of the following: “It’s my dream college,” “I love the weather,” “My boy/girlfriend is going there.” You get the point! Be authentic and have it tie together the opportunities you see at the college and community around the school with your passion.
Be persistent.
The spring before your senior year in high school is the best time to get started. Start calling the admissions office and plan to put together a timeline for early admission into your dream college. Visit the college website and find the names of those in the department that you want to receive a major and try making contact with them. Get the names of those at the admissions office and departments and send them letters of thanks for taking time with you – a personal handwritten letter goes a long way. Go visit the college during the summer and plan to visit those that you have contacted in the admission office and departments. Be persistent and remember, if it is your dream college, then failure to get into the school directly out of high school should not stop you from applying as a transfer – keep trying.
Again these are some foundational tips on getting into your dream college and should be coupled with minimum grades, scores on SAT or ACT exams, and community involvement that is relative to what you are passionate about. Along the way, don’t be surprised that you may change your mind on your “dream” college as many people have done when taking a campus tour (don’t skip this tip – make sure you visit the college before going). As a top charter school sharing tips on how to get into your dream college, Nevada State High School is committed to successfully transitioning students to college into careers personally, academically, and social.
