6 Tips for the College Admissions Process

October 31, 2025 byConnections Academy

5 min to read

For some students, the next step after high school is to go right into college. But wanting to go to college and getting into college are two different things.

Learn the top things you need to know to better understand the college admissions process and key tips for how to put your best foot forward.

What Are the Components of a Strong College Application?

In general, a strong college application tells the story of who the student is academically, personally, and socially while highlighting how they may contribute to the college. Typically a college application will share:

Your GPA

Any college credit you’ve already earned or advanced classes

A personal statement or essay

Volunteer work

Extracurricular activities or clubs

Sports teams or achievements

Standardized test scores

High school transcripts

Keep in mind that each university has their own process for selecting applicants and may have specific additional requirements, such as a portfolio, for art or design programs. Make sure you take note of anything you might need as you narrow down your choices for ideal schools.

6 Tips for College Admissions Process Success

The best way to make an impact in the college admissions process is looking through your application materials and identifying what you can highlight or sharpen to make your application stand out from all the rest.

1. Standardized Testing Requirements and Preparation

Taking your SATs and ACTs in the spring of your junior year of high school not only lets you knock these tests out early but gives you enough of a runway to take them again in the fall of your senior year if you want to try and get your score up before college applications.

During your research phase, check to see if the schools you’re interested in require SAT or ACT scores, and make plans to complete ahead of their application period.

2. Plan Ahead with High School Courses

You already know that the grades you get in high school can affect where you get into college, but you have the power to do more when it comes to working hard and getting good grades. In some instances, you can take college-level courses in high school that are designed to help you meet—and even exceed—college admissions requirements. 

Specifically, you should consider enrolling in college preparatory courses such as Advanced Placement* (AP) courses. AP courses are college-level courses you can take in high school to demonstrate to college admissions officials that you are serious about higher education and are capable of learning at a collegiate level.

3. Participate in Extracurriculars

After-school activities or clubs are more than just fun places to spend time—they can be real drivers on your college applications. Being involved in sports, a theater group, a robot-building club, or anything else gives you a chance to learn essential people skills, figure out how to collaborate, develop leadership potential, and show schools that you’re an active participant in your life, your community, and in your future.

4. Speak to College Admissions Counselors

Many colleges and universities have counselors or other admissions department representatives who are available to speak with students interested in applying and give you information on their college selection criteria. Take advantage of this during your junior or senior year, since it can help you get important information that research alone can’t provide. 

A conversation with a college admissions counselor can help you ascertain what exactly they look for in a student (what values or skills they look for, volunteer work or activities outside of academics), which can help you tailor your admissions materials to the preferences and needs of each college you’re applying to.

5. Speak to Your High School Counselor

For many students, their school counselor is their go-to resource during the admissions process. School counselors can guide students and families through every step as they can help students choose the right courses, explore options, complete applications, and stay organized and confident along the way. Counselors also write recommendation letters, share resources, and make sure students understand deadlines and requirements. In virtual schools, they connect with students through online meetings and college events to ensure every learner has the support and guidance needed to reach their postsecondary goals. A school counselor can also help you better understand the application and financial aid process, help you put together a schedule to ensure you complete all the admissions steps on time, answer questions, and even give you admissions essay tips.

6. How to Get Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation require plenty of time. The person you ask to write a recommendation may be writing them for multiple students or may have a busy schedule, so giving them a month or two of runway can help ensure they finish on time and that the letter they write is well-written and thoughtful.  When requesting a letter of recommendation, it can be helpful to provide a high school resume and/or a list of your accomplishments, recognition and awards, future goals, interests or passion areas and any other information they may not be aware of.

College Admissions Timeline and Deadlines

Deadlines for college admission requirements will vary based on each institution. Double check to make sure you have all key deadlines noted for things like transcripts, written essays, or recommendation letters, and plan out how long it will take to complete each step in the admissions process.

Building a calendar or an application deadline management folder on your computer or on a physical calendar you can easily reference is a great way to stay organized and on top of key dates, application needs, and copies of letters, essays, or portfolio pieces. Give yourself more time than you think to leave wiggle room for delays.

Finally, schedule something fun for when you’ve met all your admissions deadlines. Having a reward to look forward to is always motivating. Besides, if you’ve completed these steps, you’ve worked hard and have definitely earned a celebration.  

Thinking About Online School for College Prep?

Explore how online school can support your education and boost your college application through summer college-level courses, AP classes, dual enrollment, and more. Families can request information or contact us to speak to an enrollment specialist to learn more about online high school.