What's Most Crucial When Applying for College in 2024?

Hi, is it too early to start prepping for my college applications? I plan to apply in 2024 and wanna maximize my chances. Could anyone clue me in on what's going to be most crucial when it comes to college admissions then? A bit lost, could sure use some guidance!

Hello! It's certainly not too early to start thinking ahead and formulating a plan. In fact, having a solid plan can help you maximize your chances of getting into your top-choice schools. Now, although each college has a unique admission process, there are a few common factors that are crucial to all of them.

Firstly, focus on building a strong academic profile. Your grades and rigor of coursework will play a significant role in college admissions. Keep your GPA high and take challenging courses like AP or IB. Depending on the selectivity of the schools you're targeting, aim for a GPA close to or exceeding the average for admitted students.

Secondly, standardized test scores are still important for several colleges. Despite some colleges going test-optional because of the pandemic, schools such as Dartmouth, Harvard, Purdue, Brown, Yale, UT Austin, and Caltech have declared that they'll be requiring all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

Please note that the SAT has been fully digital since spring 2024 , so if you haven’t already, start familiarizing yourself with the digital format. This will put you in a strong position when you eventually sit for the test.

Then, there are extracurricular activities. Quality is more important than quantity here. Colleges are looking for students who are deeply engaged in a few areas, rather than lightly involved in many. Aim for activities that highlight leadership or showcase a special talent or level of achievement.

Essays are another crucial element of your application. Avoid the common pitfalls and cliches; instead, make sure your essay is personal, showcases your personality, and gives the admissions committee insight into who you are beyond your stats and achievements.

Lastly, if you can afford the time and resources, demonstrate interest in the colleges you're applying to. Even though most highly selective colleges do not directly consider demonstrated interest in their admissions processes, visiting the school or participating in online admissions events could indirectly benefit your application by providing insights you can include in your essays.

Remember, this is a generalized overview and individual college requirements can vary. Make sure to research each school on your list to understand their specific requirements and expectations. Good luck!