Introduction On How to Get Into Top Tier Colleges And Universities

1. It Is Important to Start Preparing Early

College may seem far away, but high school flies by quickly, leaving you with little time to prepare. Freshman year is not a practice run—many colleges consider your first-year grades to assess your progress. I’m often asked if freshman grades matter, and the answer is yes; some schools consider your entire high school performance. This means you need to be on track from the start, ensuring you can fit in necessary courses like advanced algebra by sophomore year and three years of a foreign language.

2. You Should Choose Your Courses Wisely

Grades in challenging courses still play the biggest role in college admissions. Students who can demonstrate success in difficult classes are more likely to handle the demands of college well.

However, this doesn’t mean you need to take every available AP class. It’s better to excel in challenging courses that align with your interests and strengths while ensuring you get enough sleep—eight to nine hours is ideal. Taking on too much can lead to burnout by senior year. Colleges will look at how well you challenged yourself based on your school’s curriculum profile, provided by your guidance counselor. It’s not just about taking the hardest classes; it’s about taking the right ones.

For example, a future journalist doesn’t need AP biology, chemistry, or Physics C but might benefit more from an advanced English course. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for engineering, prioritizing AP math and science is crucial.

3. You Should Focus on a Few Key Extracurricular Activities

If you’ve been joining numerous clubs just to look impressive, reconsider your approach. Focus on activities that come naturally and that you enjoy. Depth in two or three areas is more valuable than spreading yourself thin.

Colleges want well-rounded students who are deeply passionate about a few interests. Use your activities list to highlight different aspects of yourself, whether it’s sports, community service, acting, or research. Even if you need to work over the summer, make it count by using the experience strategically to build your story.

Remember, meaningful engagement doesn’t have to mean expensive enrichment programs. A summer job or local volunteer work can be just as impactful. For instance, if you play baseball, one summer could be dedicated to practice, while the next could involve coaching Little League.

4. You Should Develop a Thoughtful College List

Building your college list starts with researching and understanding what each school offers:

Take time to reflect on who you are, what you’re good at, and what type of learning environment you prefer. Do you like large lectures or small discussion-based seminars?

For each school, you should have five reasons for applying, then consult your guidance counselor to ensure your list is realistic.

Include a few safe schools in addition to considering early action (EA) or early decision (ED) options.

Early decision is a binding commitment to attend if accepted, while early action is non-binding. If you plan to apply EA, strong grades in your sophomore and junior years are crucial, as decisions are primarily based on these years.

Keep in mind that colleges prefer applicants who are a “sure thing” for attendance. Students who apply early may have better odds. However, ED can be limiting—you need to choose your top school very early, and it gives you less leverage when negotiating financial aid.

5. You Need to Demonstrate Interest in the Colleges

With the ease of applying online, admissions officers are wary of students who only submit forms without further contact. Demonstrate genuine interest by visiting campuses, taking tours, meeting admissions officers, and asking questions. If possible, attend a class or meet with a professor in your area of interest.

If a visit isn’t possible, attend local college fairs and connect with admissions officers in other ways. Showing genuine engagement can make a difference in how seriously your application is taken.