10 ways to improve your admissions chances

Whether you have your heart set on a particular college or you have several in mind, there are several ways you can improve your admission chances. Grades and standardized test scores are only part of the bigger picture. Here are some ways you can find the best colleges for you and submit standout applications to each one.

What affects your admission chances?

Each college has an "acceptance rate," which is the percentage of students who were accepted out of those who applied. For example, if a school received 10,000 applications and accepted 1,000 of the students, that's a 10% acceptance rate. The lower the acceptance rate, the more selective the school and the more competitive the application process.

Generally, a stronger application will improve your admission chances. Colleges look at your high school GPA as well as extracurriculars, academic rigor, essay, and more. Some schools consider additional factors such as an interview, religion, location, and class rank. You can see what your colleges are looking for in a prospective student by visiting its website and reviewing its Common Data Set.

10 ways to improve your chances of admission

A well-rounded application and a solid approach to researching colleges are two keys to improving your chances of college admission. Here are 10 ways to do just that:

1. Maintain a strong GPA

Your grades are one of the most important parts of your college applications. You should work hard throughout your high school years to maintain and/or improve your GPA. If you're ever struggling in a class, talk to your teacher or academic advisor right away.

2. Get a high ACT/SAT score

Although some schools don't currently require an ACT/SAT score, most do. In addition, even if it's optional, the college likely still recommends you submit yours. Sending your ACT/SAT results can also set you apart from other applicants who didn't.

Many colleges look for ACT/SAT scores above a certain range. You can use our College Match tool and see the test scores you should aim for to get into your choice schools.

3. Focus on academic rigor

Colleges want to see that you have been able to complete academically challenging courses – also known as academic rigor. It shows that you are willing to challenge yourself and are prepared for the demands of college work. Talk to your guidance counselor about AP and college courses to get a head start on college, too.

4. Participate in extracurricular activities

When it comes to extracurricular activities, it's not about the quantity. Choose activities that you enjoy. Yes, colleges want to see that you are dedicated to your schoolwork, but they also want to see what makes you unique beyond your academic record. Whether it's sports, clubs, a part-time job, or volunteer work, extracurriculars can help you stand out from the crowd.

5. Use College Match

While you could technically apply to a hundred schools, you probably shouldn't. Instead, you want to find colleges that match what you're looking for to give yourself the best chance of acceptance.

Here are some questions to get you started:

• What would you like to major in?
• Do you have any career goals?
• Would you do well at a larger school or smaller college?
• Do you want a large campus in the country or a small campus in the city?
• Do you want to stay within your home state or go to college far away?
• Are there any clubs or facilities you'd like on campus?

Once you know what you're looking for in a school, you can start researching colleges. But with thousands of schools in the United States, how do you find the ones that fit you?

Find colleges the smart way using College Match from College Raptor, Citizens' college planning platform. This tool takes your preferences and achievements and finds colleges that fit specifically what you're looking for. You'll be able to see acceptance chances, how you stack up to previously accepted students, cost data, and more. You can also favorite schools that catch your eye – even if you weren't previously "matched" with them.

Research and compare each college that interests you so you can start developing a game plan for your applications.

6. Create a list of colleges

Next, create a list of colleges that meet what you're looking for, sorting them by match, safety, and reach:

• Safety: You surpass what the school is looking for in a student. You have a high chance of receiving an acceptance letter.
• Match: You meet most or all of what the college wants in a student. You have around a 50% chance of getting accepted.
• Reach: You have a chance of receiving an acceptance letter, but the odds are low, either because you don't quite meet what the school is looking for or the school is highly selective.

By creating a solid mix, you increase your chances of getting an acceptance letter. Even if you don't gain admission to your match or reach choices, you'll likely get accepted to your safety school(s).

7. Visit your top schools

You should research each of your colleges online, but don't underestimate the value of an in-person visit! Colleges show you what they want you to see online. Visiting campuses allows you to see what the school is about and find out if you can envision yourself there.

If you can't afford to visit colleges before you apply, make sure to visit them after you've received an acceptance letter.

8. Write a standout application essay

Your application essay shows the admissions committee who you are as a person and what drives you. It's your chance to communicate your personality and reassure the college that you're a good match for their campus.

Here are some tips for writing your personal statement or college application essay:

• Read over prompts as soon as you can so you can start brainstorming topics early.
• If you struggle with what to write about, ask family, friends, teachers, and other trusted adults for ideas.
• Take your time writing it and be sure to edit it carefully.
• Have others read over your essay to give feedback.
• Always stay within the guidelines of the prompt – straying too much could disqualify you.

9. Ask early and politely for recommendations

Don't wait to ask for letters of recommendation from your teacher two weeks before your applications are due. They have a lot on their plate – and other students are asking them for letters, too.

Request a recommendation as soon as possible from teachers or other leaders who can accurately describe your skills, accomplishments, and personality in a positive way. Always ask politely and send a thank you letter after you've submitted your application.

10. Prepare for interviews

Some colleges require an interview as part of the application process. If you apply to one of these, you'll need to prepare for the interview. Also, you should always accept the interview, even if the college says it's optional. Not accepting the interview can be perceived as demonstrating a lack of interest – and could potentially hurt you if you decline without a solid reason.

Ask a guidance counselor, friend, or family member to hold a mock interview for you. Keep an eye on your body language and think about your responses carefully. However, don't memorize your answers – the interviewer can tell. Be prepared to answer common questions, such as:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why did you choose your major?
• Why did you choose this school?

To build a strong college application, start by focusing on your grades and getting involved outside the classroom. Take your time while building your college list to find the schools that interest you the most. A good match will increase your chances of an acceptance letter. Once you're ready to start applying, give each application due diligence so you're always putting your best foot forward.

You can see your acceptance odds at thousands of schools using the College Match Tool. Simply sign up for an account, enter your GPA and test scores, and select the schools you're interested in. Try it now for free!