Heading Back to School, Looking Forward to College Admissions

Back to School Tips For many high school students, school is back in session. Whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior (or the parent of a high school student), it is important to hit the ground running this fall. If your goal is to gain admission to a selective university, you need to create a four-year plan. Colleges look at all four years of a student's academic and extracurricular record, so focus on putting your best foot forward from day one. The expert counselors at have compiled these back to school tips so that you can start the school year strong! Ace those tests Schedule your standardized tests including the SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests (give yourself time to take them twice, if you can), and study up! Now that school's back in session and you've got all that sunbathing out of your system, you'll finally be able to make yourself take those practice tests and study those vocabulary cards. Make friends with teachers You don't have to sit with them at lunch, but remember that at least two of your teachers will be writing your recommendations. Forge strong relationships-stay active in class discussions and keep them posted on your extra-curricular activities and achievements. The better they know you, the more praise they can bestow. Manage your time Winning essays aren't written in a weekend: brainstorming, drafting, editing, and sharing your work can take months. Leave yourself plenty of time to work on your essays, even if it means TIVO-ing a few season premieres. A fat envelope in the spring will be worth it. Study your schools The best applicants know their top choices – the name of the library, where students hang out for coffee after class, a star professor they'd love work with. Go beyond the basics of class size and location and find out what makes your school special. The extra effort will shine through in your application. Challenge yourself If you love science, take the hardest science classes offered at your school. If writing's your thing, freelance for a local newspaper. Go above and beyond; show you're not afraid to be passionate and take risks. This is one tip that won't just get you into college, but get you through life.