Getting into university, especially a prestigious one, can prove a lot more challenging than you probably anticipated. Many of the country’s respected institutions have an acceptance rate of less than 20%! This means that you need to work especially hard in order to ensure that your application stands out from the rest. Here’s how to go about it.
Double Check All Requirements
Wondering how to get into UCLA or another similar respected university? The secret lies in familiarizing yourself with the various application requirements, such as on the CampusReel website. These will vary somewhat from institution to institution, so be sure to double check before hitting that ‘submit’ button. If you are missing an important document or you have submitted a college essay that has not properly adhered to the guidelines, it is highly unlikely that your application will even be considered, never mind accepted.
Consider Applying for Early Decision
Do not take this approach lightly, though. If you do apply for early decision and you are accepted, you will be legally bound to attend the university in question. The good news is that you have a much better chance of acceptance by applying for early decision than you do by applying at any other time. This is a massive relief if you have your heart set on an institution and you are very sure that you won’t change your mind in the near future.
Apply to More Than One University
Only do this if you have opted out of applying for early decision. Obviously, the more universities that you apply to, the greater the odds of being accepted into at least one. You might even be accepted into multiple schools, which means you will have your pick of the best fit based on your circumstances and goals.
Apply to a Family Member’s Alma Mater
Have you ever heard of the ‘legacy advantage’? It basically means you have a significant advantage (estimated at around 50 additional points on your SATs) of being accepted if you apply to the university that a close family member attended and graduated from in the past.
Include an Excellent Letter of Recommendation
This letter can work wonders when it comes to your chances, especially if it is written by a well-respected individual, such as a teacher, a doctor, or a community leader.
Demonstrate Your Interest
Be sure to visit the campus of your dream college and speak to as many administrative members and employees as you can. Do your best not to come across as desperate but do show your enthusiasm and don’t hesitate to ask any questions. It is also worthwhile to like the various social media pages of the college for the latest updates that could help to boost your application.
Have a Back-Up Plan
Sometimes, life just doesn’t work out quite the way you expected. It is always smart to have a back-up plan, just in case.
Stay positive and go for it! Now is when all your hard work is going to pay off.
