top of page

Tips for Applying

About

The application process for college can get overwhelming and even confusing. That's why we are here to help! Feel free to get any of your questions answered about the application process wether its about writing your personal statements, how to stand out, or creating your college list; we are here for it.

Demonstrate Interest

Admissions offices track "demonstrated interest"—showing you're serious about the school.

​

How to show this:

  • Attend university-run summer programs or pre-college courses

  • Enroll in online courses offered by the university (Coursera, edX, etc.)

  • Take a campus tour or virtual tour

  • Subscribe to email newsletters and event notifications

  • Follow the university’s social media and engage with their posts

  • Join webinars or information sessions

  • Contact your regional admissions officer (if listed)

  • Attend college fairs and talk to reps

  • Reach out with thoughtful questions that show you’ve done research

​

Remember that in the end there will be applicants similar to you, but what can set you apart is showing that your committed to the university.

Create Impact with Extracurriculars

Selective schools want to see leadership, initiative, and real-world contribution.

  • Start a club, nonprofit, or project that solves a real problem

  • Publish writing, research, or creative work online

  • Compete in Olympiads, MUNs, science fairs, or national competitions

  • Volunteer regularly in your field of interest, not just general causes

  • Intern with local businesses, labs, hospitals, or NGOs

  • Apply for fellowships, youth boards, or ambassador programs

Academic Excellence

Grades matter, but strategic academic planning does too.

  • Take the most rigorous courses available (IB, AP, A-levels, honors)

  • Aspiring medical students course recommendations:

    • Considered essential:​

      • Biology​

      • Chemistry

    • Suggested:

      • Mathematics (mainly calculus and statistics, especially if you plan to conduct a significant amount of research).

      • Physics

      • Psychology​

  • ​Maintain a strong GPA, especially in subjects related to your major​

  • Prep smart for SAT/ACT if required (or SAT Subject Tests where optional)

  • Pursue academic research or independent studies

  • Participate in subject-specific programs (e.g. medical camps, biotechnology bootcamps)

  • Read beyond your curriculum—colleges love intellectual curiosity

    • Examples of sites which enable you to do this:​​

      • IXL​ - Free lessons in math, science, history, and SAT prep

      • Khan Academy - Interactive skills-based practice (especially math and English)

      • Brilliant.org - Interactive courses in math, physics, computer science, and logic

      • HHMI BioInteractive - Free animations, videos, and virtual labs in biology and medicine

      • PubMed and Google Scholar - Search academic research articles

      • TED-Ed - Animated videos on deep questions, history, science

      • Kenhub - Anatomy and physiology platform used by med students

Build a Cohesive Application Narrative

Your application should feel like one story, not a list of disconnected activities.

  • Identify your core passion early (e.g. medicine, politics, engineering)

  • Choose extracurriculars that relate to that interest

  • Reflect growth: how your passion developed over time

  • Show depth over breadth—commitment is more impressive than dabbling

  • Include experiences that show initiative, not just participation

  • Tie essays and interviews back to your narrative

  • Remember, showing long-term commitment and growth in one extracurricular is more impressive than short-term involvement in many.

Perfect the Application Materials

Personal Statement

​

Choose a topic that genuinely resonates with you and reflects your personal journey—not something generic or overused. Use a strong hook to grab attention, like a quote, life lesson, surprising statement, meaningful date, or even why a certain number or letter matters to you. Make sure your essay comes full circle—connect the beginning to the end for a well-rounded and memorable statement. Above all, be reflective, specific, and authentic.

​

Supplemental Essays

​

These essays are the school's way of asking: Are you a good fit here? Show that you are. Mention any direct experiences—campus visits, summer programs, webinars—and do deep research so you can reference programs, values, or lesser-known facts. The more specific you are, the more genuine your connection to the school will seem.

​

Letters of Recommendation

 

Ask teachers who know you well—those who’ve seen your growth, strengths, and challenges. Ideally, choose 2–4 recommenders:

  • 1–2 from subjects related to your intended major

  • 1 from your school counselor

  • 1 from outside school (e.g., a mentor, professor, or internship supervisor)

Maintain relationships with teachers even if they leave your school—you may need them later. Regular conversations with teachers and counselors also help build stronger, more personal letters.

​

Resume

 

Start building your resume early (Grade 9–10). Keep it concise, easy to read, and focused on impact—use action verbs and measurable results. A strong resume not only supports your application but also opens doors to internships, research, and leadership programs.

​

Portfolio (If Required)

​

Follow the school’s specific portfolio guidelines closely. Only include your strongest, most relevant work—quality over quantity. Provide context for each piece where needed to show your thought process, development, and passion.

Build Relationships and Use Resources

Leverage your network, school support, and online tools to strengthen your application and gain insight.

  • Ask teachers and counselors for feedback on your personal statement and supplemental essays. These are often the same people who will write your recommendation letters, so involving them early helps them understand your story and strengths better.

  • Use online platforms like:

    • CollegeVine – essay reviews, chancing calculators, mentorship

    • Reddit: r/ApplyingToCollege – peer advice, essay examples, deadlines, student experiences

    • Niche – school reviews and rankings from real students

    • LinkedIn – great for finding alumni, university pages, and building a student-professional profile

  • Find and connect with mentors who have gotten into your dream schools. They can offer firsthand insight into what worked for them, especially if they have a similar background.

  • Join online communities of students applying to the same schools or pursuing the same major. You’ll find support, accountability, and often resources like essay prompts and decision dates.

  • Reach out to alumni for informational interviews. You can:

    • Search for them on LinkedIn using your target school’s alumni filter

    • Ask your school counselors if past graduates went to that university—they often have access to this info

    • Email alumni through official university alumni networks or forums

  • Use your school’s college counseling services if available. Counselors can help with application strategy, timelines, and school suggestions—and they may even have direct relationships with admissions officers.

Time Management and Planning

Applying to universities is a long process—starting early and staying organized makes it much more manageable.

  • Plan backward from key deadlines. Begin months in advance to give yourself time to revise essays, gather materials, and avoid last-minute stress.

  • Create a master spreadsheet to track:

    • Application deadlines (Early Action, Early Decision, Regular)

    • Testing dates

    • Recommendation letters

    • Essay prompts

    • Submission status

  • Set monthly goals—break big tasks into smaller, manageable ones (e.g., finishing a draft, researching a school, prepping for SAT). After hitting each goal, reward yourself—this keeps you motivated and builds momentum.

  • Apply early (EA/ED) to schools you genuinely care about. If there’s a dream school you’re passionate about but think is a reach, consider applying Early Decision—it shows strong commitment and can significantly increase your chances of admission.

  • Build a well-balanced college list:

    • Reach schools – ambitious, but possible

    • Match schools – align with your profile

    • Safety schools – confident you'll be admitted

  • Stay connected with your community during the process. Talk with peers, family, counselors, and mentors—it helps with motivation, stress relief, and decision-making.

Got more questions about the process? 
Get in touch!

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page