Review more industry related articles by Chris Stout at CareersandEducation.com. Chris Stout is a CareersandEducation.com feature writer that often covers topics relating to Campus and Online Degree Programs and Career Planning.
Every year, admissions officers are bombarded with standardized applications from a variety of applicants, some qualified and some not so qualified. To really make your application look attractive, you have to have a well-rounded, organized and confident presentation.
Here are five ways to make your college application stand out.
1. Write an original, thought-provoking essay.
Make sure your essay is amazing. Start early. Spend plenty of time brainstorming. Organize and reorganize your ideas until you have come up with the most logical structure to present your argument. Have a clear thesis statement, and develop your points with supporting evidence. Be original, but be honest. You can highlight your accomplishments without having to over-embellish them. Just answer the topic completely and be confident in your ability to communicate effectively.
2. Include enthusiastic letters of recommendation.
Your letters of recommendation need to be excellent. You have to choose the right people to write them. Approach a teacher you respect, trust and communicate with frequently. Ask this person (or an employer, counselor or other authority figure) to do this favor for you, and if they hesitate at all, find someone else. You need to know that your letters of recommendation will be wholesale endorsements of your scholastic prowess and academic potential. They must be positive and powerful, so find the right people, and give them time to craft their encouraging endorsement.
3. Have a transcript that you can be proud of.
You need to have a transcript that looks spectacular and challenging. Your GPA has to be solid, and you should be sure that you meet the minimum GPA admission requirements. Your transcript has to be packed with challenging classes and college prep courses. If you get straight A's in less than challenging classes, your GPA will look marvelous, but your schedule will have been average at best. You need to really challenge yourself in high school. Take hard courses and perform excellently, and you’ll have a transcript that you can be proud of.
4. Achieve high standardized test scores.
Just like your GPA, most colleges have minimum admission requirements when it comes to your standardized test score. Make sure you’ve performed well on these exams. Take a test preparation course or hire a tutor to maximize your scores. If you feel like you could’ve done better, then take the tests again.
5. Show that you have accomplishments outside of the classroom
Your application needs to prove that you’re not just a whiz in the classroom. Show off your interests. Tout your involvement in organized sports, music, clubs, community affairs, volunteer work and church activities. Don’t just make a laundry list of responsibilities and associations. Show that you are dedicated to these endeavors. Let the admissions officers see that you are capable of being dependable.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Ways to Make your College Application Stand Out
- Moving Your College Application Essay From The Junk Pile To The Dean'S Desk
- Ideas to Make the College Admission Process Easier
- College Essay Vs Personal Statement
- College Admission Chances
- GPA - How It Helps In College Admissions
- Writing your College Essay - 5 Tips to Success
- College Scholarship Essays: 3 Tips to Write Better




Photography Course
By: erick | 11/11/2009At the aica education we aim to offer the best environment, the best teachers, and the best facilities. We aim to provide the best inspiration for personal and creative development to empower you with the knowledge and skills you will require to excel in todays dynamic world of art and business.
Tips to get your accredited degree at home or through distance learning Center
By: Graham Randall | 11/11/2009Home Learning College Advanced education is a necessity in order to advance your career but is a very difficult pursuit as most people have very hectic lives in which going back to school is really hard. A distance learning program which is accredited is a good option to aid you in getting ahead in your career and broadening your personal knowledge. There are several subjects offered in the programs, thus locating ...
Ashtonbee takes delivery of Dash 8 aircraft
By: Marcus | 11/11/2009This Toronto College has managed to catch hold of the Dash8 aircraft for the benefit of their students so that they can practice upon it and horn their skills in aeronautics.
How To Choose The Best Online Assessor Training Course
By: Gen Wright | 11/11/2009If you are in the education field you need to make sure that you keep up to date on all your credentials. This could affect your employment.
What is AARTS Transcript
By: Jake Kim | 11/11/2009Soldiers in the United States Army can get a jumpstart on making their transition to the civilian workforce by requesting a transcript compiled by the Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS).
Scholarships for New Moms – Some Great News for You
By: Jennifer Langston | 10/11/2009First of all, congratulations on your new mom status! You must have just figured out what happiness really means by now. Now that you have an additional member to take care of, do you think your salary is going to suffice all your needs and your kid's needs?
Government Grants and Scholarships for Moms
By: Jennifer Langston | 10/11/2009Who said moms cannot go back to school again? Here is an opportunity for all the stay at home moms, workings moms, single moms, teen moms, and teen women who wish to study further and hone their skills. Never mind if you cannot find a way to fund your academic program.
Sell Used Books – New Homes for Unwanted Books
By: SaBrad | 10/11/2009Sell your used books, recycle and be green, and make some quick cash all at the same time.
Ways to Make your College Application Stand Out
By: Chris Stout | 21/12/2006 | College & UniversityMillions of people apply to college each semester. There are ways to make your application stand out above the masses.
Five Steps for Starting a New Club in College
By: Chris Stout | 21/12/2006 | College & UniversityStarting new club is a great way to stay balanced while you are amidst the rigorous studying and stress of college life. Here are a few ways and ideas to start a new club.
Start Planning for College Early
By: Chris Stout | 21/12/2006 | College & UniversityIt will not hurt you to start planning early for college. The day comes up faster than you know it when you are packing your things and getting ready to head to your dorm. Here are a few helpful ways to get a head start.
What you Need to Know About College Before you Actually Get There
By: Chris Stout | 21/12/2006 | HomeschoolingThere are several things that your parents and your counselors may not know or tell you about college. The following article is an insider’s look at a few things that you may not know and may be helpful for you to remember.
Five Reasons Why you Should Consider an Online Degree
By: Chris Stout | 21/12/2006 | Online EducationIf you are considering getting a college degree, more power to you! You have the choice between an on campus degree or an online degree. Here are 5 reasons why an online degree is a good option.
What to Include in your Application
By: Chris Stout | 21/12/2006 | College & UniversityEach university will have their own set of items that you will need to enclose with your application. Here is a compilation of the more general items so you can get a head start at getting them organized.
What you Can Do With your Online Degree
By: Chris Stout | 21/12/2006 | Online EducationHaving a degree sets you apart from those who don’t. Getting an online degree is a great option if going to a traditional university presents challenges. This article highlights what you can do with an online degree.
What you Can Do With your Undergraduate Degree
By: Chris Stout | 21/12/2006 | College & UniversityYou can do significantly more with a degree than without a degree. Doors open a little easier if you have shown a commitment to getting a degree.