What is the most important thing to focus on while complete college applications?

Hi Katherine,

It is great that you are being proactive in the college application process! It is definitely a daunting process, with many components to manage simultaneously.
When it comes to the application itself, the ultimate goal is to stand out from the crowd. This involves sharing your "story" through personal statements and essays. There are a lot of things you can focus on as well, like maintaining your GPA, getting involved in extra curricular activities, finding volunteering in your community etc.

When it comes to crafting your story, try to pull all of your "extra" hobbies, activities, and volunteering into a complete picture of you! For example, when I applied to college, I was interested in medicine and technology. A LOT of my outside activities centered around those topics. In my essays, I tried to always direct the main theme of my story back to my passion in those fields, and how my volunteering in a hospital as well as in a robotics club contributed to that dream. So, try to think how your current activities or favorite subjects can contribute to your career/college goals. If you are undecided in a field of study, that is okay too! You can express how and what you want to explore. Beyond good grades, colleges want to build a class from unique perspectives, and diverse people and interests.

I hope that this answer helps you gain a foundation in the process, and feel free to reply if you have any follow-up questions!

Best,
Kelly LaBuff

Hi Katherine! One of the best things you can do for your college applications is to have a few people look over them for you, especially the essay portion. For example, you might ask your English teacher (or any teacher who knows you well) to look over your essay to check for any errors and provide suggestions. After writing an application essay, step away for a while and then come back and re-read it. Give yourself plenty of time to make edits, and try reading your essays out loud to yourself or someone else to see if it sounds good to you.

If there's a hobby, topic, or activity you care a lot about, make sure you communicate that in your application, even if it doesn't feel "important."

Good luck!

Hi, This is a great question. This shows that you are already thinking ahead and is a trait of a very successful person. Study hard and keep your grades up. Grades are always important when applying to college. But apart from that, you need to be genuine in your essay to colleges. Have a powerful message that reflects how you have lived your life and how the college you are applying for will further enhance your goals and aspirations.

I have seen this work for my son and many of his friends who are all in great schools today.

Hi Katherine!

The most important thing to remember is to be yourself. Convey your story and your hopes and dreams. You are not doing this to impress anyone!!! You are doing this to represent who you are and who you want to become!!! Honesty and sincerity will get you where you want to be.

Your school counselor and your favorite teachers can be great assets in completing this task.