It’s that magical time of year again. There’s snow on the trees, holiday carols floating through the air, and tens of thousands of high school students across North America stressing out over post-secondary applications.
That’s right. The deadline for following-year college and university applications is fast approaching in many locations. Therefore, it’s an ideal time to review a few ways to make a college or university application stand out. Whether you’re applying in a few short weeks, or are attempting to organize your application resources ahead of a distant application deadline, this article can help.
Below, you’ll find four top tips for strengthening your college or university application. Some of these apply to a last-minute application process, but most tips will work best if you give them some time and consideration. Let’s get started!
Take Upgrade Courses Online to Boost Your Overall Grades
It’s true that most post-secondary institutions consider the holistic merits of an application (personality, value to community, passion, personal history, etc.). But the bald fact is that schools inordinately weigh one facet of your application: grades.
It makes sense. Your grades are the closest, quantifiable record of your student career that a university can measure. But grades aren’t a perfect measure; often, they don’t take into account your capabilities and potential. If you believe you can improve your grades before your application deadline, you should consider taking upgrade courses.
Essentially, upgrade courses are a second chance to revisit material and assignments and hopefully demonstrate a deeper understanding of the concepts therein. Once completed, the higher grade of your two attempts will appear on your transcript. You can flexibly complete these upgrade courses at quality online schools like Ontario eSecondary School – even as you complete a current semester of courses.
Set Timelines for Your Application Essay, Including Editing Rounds
An application essay is your opportunity to speak. It’s your opportunity to fill in the missing gaps of your application – all of the information not covered by your transcripts, work history, achievements and volunteering. Are you so passionate about mechanical engineering that you rebuild engines in your spare time? Do you complement your love of English literature by writing and submitting short fiction away from school? Now’s your opportunity to advertise these passions and enthusiasm.
Before you write an application essay, set a first draft due date for a month before the application deadline. Then, spend a month revising, strengthening and polishing your essay in subsequent editing rounds. Hand it to loved ones or friends to read too!
Research Volunteer Opportunities in Your Community
There are several good reasons to volunteer in your community: meeting new friends, helping others, gaining real-world experience in various roles, etc. But one additional benefit is that it looks terrific on a university/college application.
If you have a few months before the application deadline (or better yet, a couple of years), involve yourself in charity and volunteering. Help others. Post-secondary institutions love to see a pupil dedicated to bettering the surrounding community.
Make Ample Use of Tutoring Services
If you attend a quality online school, chances are you have access to 24/7 tutoring services. Make use of these services as you prepare for standardized tests and end-of-semester assignments. And if you don’t have ready access to tutoring through your high school, seek out an experienced tutor.
With these straightforward tips, your application should stand out from the pack. Best of luck on your journey between high school and the rich academic career to follow.
