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You already know that your admissions essay can make or break your college application, your senior year courses and grades do count, and you're better off demonstrating commitment to a few activities than listing superficial membership in many organizations.

So what can you learn about getting into  

top-rated colleges

  that you don't already know? Here, CollegeBound.net shares six secrets of college admissions success:

1. Put a face to a name.
Distinguish yourself from the piles of paper by attending college fairs and going on campus visits, where you can introduce yourself to and interact with college admissions and administrative staff. Ask good questions, convey your interest, and be sincere. Follow up with a thank-you note, and you'll set yourself apart from myriad faceless applicants.

2. Get connected ...
Make friends with your guidance counselors, many of whom have great connections. After all, it can't hurt to have an experienced college admissions veteran on your side. If a college admissions officer is a family friend, be sure to tap that resource, too. And of course, if a family member is an alum of the school you're pursuing, make that known as well.

3. ... but not at a price.
Organic connections can help your college application, but paid college admissions consultants can actually hurt your chances. Often, colleges do not look favorably upon these for-hire professionals; you're better off gathering all the free wisdom (and there's plenty out there) you can.

4. Check the competition.
You're well-aware that your college application is being measured against every other application to that particular college, but that's not your only competition. You're also specifically compared to other applicants from your high school. So if you already know that 10 of your higher-ranked classmates are applying to certain top-rated colleges, consider looking elsewhere and uncovering an untapped college gem.

5. Be enthusiastic.
Decide which top-rated colleges are your top picks early on, and convey your commitment and enthusiasm to those schools. Since colleges are concerned about their yield rate, they're seeking students who, if accepted, will attend their school. With your enthusiasm, demonstrate that you would be one of those students.

6. Maintain a sense of humor and perspective.
Even if you do everything right, you still may not gain acceptance to the top-rated colleges of your choice, because admissions decisions are often subjective. Consider it serendipity, and accept the freedom to pursue other top-rated colleges you may have overlooked in your quest for a select few.

Best of luck to you!


Robyn Tellefsen is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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