“What are the tips & tricks for gaining acceptance to top colleges in USA?”

This a question from a parent of a rising senior in high school. There are no tips and tricks. However, there is a strategy and preparedness method to gaining acceptance. This strategy includes a long term plan that helps prepare the young adult to successfully apply and gain acceptance to the Ivy League and top colleges of the country.

First, it’s to start thinking about this since middle school. This will allow the student to work harder and stronger on getting top grades and preparing early for the PSAT and then SAT exam. Grades and exam scores are the top two things to work on to achieve the highest possible numbers. We advocate for early start and preparation for the PSAT because scoring high on this exam can qualify you to win scholarship money and give you a head start for the SAT exam. To do well on the grammar and reading section specifically requires development of vocabulary and reading skills over months and years.

Second, when starting and progressing through high school, stick to activities that are within similar categories. Sticking through the same kind of activities and growing through them, shows consistency and development. For example, if your thing is writing and public speaking, stick to activities that develop those skills and show growth and development in those activities over the course of the high school years.

Third, take initiative and leadership roles within the activities of your choice. Again, going back to the example of writing and public speaking, think about an initiative you can take to help make a difference in your community. For example, a student who is passionate about writing and public speaking can give back to the community by starting a program at a community center or a school to educate kids on how to improve writing or public speaking skills.

Fourth, prepare your essay. Yes, there is now ChatGPT. However, use such things as a tool, not as a replacement of yourself. Write your essay in a strategic, step by step, process. The point of the essay is for the college to see you outside of your test scores and grades. It’s to show who you are, and why you should be selected. The general advice right now is to write a story that represents your character and what you will do with the education and skills you will gain from the school you are applying to. How will you make the college proud that they graduated someone like you? This story should be written in an interesting way that starts with an anecdote or a moment that changes something for you. And then develop it into what this anecdote/moment changed, and how it developed you into the person you want to become for the community moving forward. You want your essay to show your impact and who you are. I say that college essay writing is a cathartic and empowering experience because you get to see who you are. And there is only one you. So be yourself in this essay.

If you want more help with keeping up your grades, PSAT/SAT exam preparation or essay writing, we are here to help. Please reach out via phone call or text. 718-790-8911.

If you want to take on an initiative project where you impact your community by helping children become stronger readers/writers, we can help you with that as well.

Best of luck!

-The Spark Brain Learning Team-