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Academic performance plays a big role in determining whether or not you get into your university of choice. However, that is not the only thing they are looking for. To stand out from hundreds of other applicants, you need to present an all-around impressive profile. A well-articulated student profile can catch the attention of the university admission team.
Speak to a counsellor about building a strong student profile.
Common Basic Elements Needed in Your Application
It is important to understand the common components in a university application so that you know how to prepare. See the list below;
- Official Transcript: Showcase your academic prowess through your scores.
- Standardized Test Scores: Check to see which standardized tests your university of choice accepts and attach if you have any. These include MCAT, SAT, GRE among others.
- Statement of Purpose: This is a writing sample stating why you would like to go to that college/university. This is also a chance to showcase your creativity and personality.
- Extracurricular Activities: This is a list of clubs, teams, associations, or memberships that you were part of.
- Recommendation letters: These are letters of recommendation from respected members of society testifying to your positive impact on society.
- Awards and Accomplishments: This is a chance for you to brag about personal achievements and recognition you have received in the past. Were you the School captain?, Marathon finalist? Scaled a mountain summit? Put it all there.
- Community Service and Volunteer Opportunities: List any volunteer or community service activities you were involved in. It paints an impact-oriented mindset.
- Culture Diversity: Colleges like diversity in their campuses. If your culture is important to you, you have a chance to showcase why it is special.
How to Create an Impressive Application Profile
Start Preparing Early for the Application Process
Ideally, you should start thinking about your college life while still in high school. Be strategic and start as early. Find out what is needed in the application process.
Do your research and get the details of what will be required to complete an application. For example, you can create a checklist for all documents that will be required and start putting them together in readiness for when the process begins. You could also navigate through various application systems to familiarize yourself with the steps for a smooth experience when the time comes.
Familiarizing yourself with these systems also gives you knowledge of important things. For instance, whether or not you can edit your essays, or upload additional documents later.
Conduct Research on Your Chosen Field
You need to understand the career paths you choose to follow before you start applying for college courses. Conduct research to find out if it is in line with your career path, interests, and strengths.
Applying to college courses without prior knowledge or an idea of what the course entails may lead to frustrations. You may want to switch majors at some point in their course duration which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Check Out Various Course Options
There are many options as far as a career path is concerned; finance, medicine, engineering, architecture, law, technology, and many others. It can be very confusing choosing a course of choice, especially without prior guidance.
This is why you need to be self-aware. Discover what your interests and passion are. discover where your academic strengths lie then combine those qualities about yourself to make an objective career decision. Check out our Career Match Assessment Tool. It does just that.
Make Your Statement of Purpose Engaging
When creating a Statement of Purpose, remember that it is the perfect opportunity for your skills, passion, and interests to shine. Tie these attributes to your selected course and how you are fit for that specialization. Your crisp Statement of Purpose should introduce you, highlight your academic qualifications, and describe your career while showcasing all that you have been involved in the pursuit of your dream career.
Highlight Your Unique Selling Point
What makes you stand out? Remember that you will send an application alongside hundreds of other students with the same dream of getting that college admission. You need to talk about instances where you have used your skills and strengths successfully. Show them how you have excelled in both academics and projects you have undertaken. This will make you stand out more than just listing your skills.
Include Any Related Work Experience
Remember that the whole process is a competition and remember that everything that sets you apart gives you a competitive edge. Having practical experience in the field you intend to pursue is a plus for you. Ensure you highlight it in your resume. If you have had any achievements during your tenure highlight them as well and use data to show the impact you made.
If you do not have any work experience, especially if you’re fresh from high school, not to worry. Focus on other accomplishments and community service and highlight them as well.
Create a Strong Resume
A big mistake that most students make is taking the resume for granted since they are not applying for a job position. Your resume is a critical part of your student profile. It is what introduces you to the admission council and gives them a glimpse into what you have to offer.
University admission councils go through thousands of applications with each intake. Make yours stand out by highlighting what is important. Leave out any unnecessary information and dwell on aspects that make you stand out like those in the list provided at the beginning of this article.
Do All Universities Use the Same Criteria?
No. We have provided what is common in most universities. This is why research is important before you begin your application process. Our site offers all the information you need about local and international and our career counsellors can help answer any question you might have about the application process.
Talk to us today.
