Whether you’re soon to graduate high school, or you want a change of direction, going to college is huge for your career prospects. An undergraduate degree instantly makes you more attractive to employers. You may even want to take your education further with a master’s degree. Either way, once you choose the right career path, you should be considering college.

There are college and university programs for whatever direction you plan to go in. It’s best to do your research and find which are the best for your chosen subject. But to get into the best colleges, you’ll need to create a shining application to stand out. Here are some useful tips to help you out.

Get Counseling

A college application is something you must write yourself. However, an admissions counselor can help you with expert guidance for every step of the application.

A counselor will have experience in helping students to get into the most prestigious colleges. Wherever you plan to go and whatever you plan to do, they can give you advice based on experience. Many services offer private counseling for college admissions.

It’s worth seeking mentorship before you start your application. Having a counselor who knows all about the admissions process will help you get in on your first try.

Ace Your Tests

Your test results are important for getting into competitive courses. Focus on keeping your grades up and do well on your SAT/ACT tests.

If you’ve already finished high school, some colleges will still need you to take an admissions test. You should also make sure you have your high school transcripts to show.

Even if you don’t have the best results, don’t worry too much. Many colleges require applicants to write an essay as part of the process. This will give you an opportunity to show your knowledge and dedication, so take it seriously.

Get The Best Reference

A reference is a major factor in making an application stand out. Having someone to vouch for your work ethic and practical skills shows colleges you’re ready to take on a degree.

The best choice for high school students is one of their teachers. Choosing one whose class you do well in would be smart. People who are out of high school may want to use an employer or a teacher from their previous education.

Perfect Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement might just be the biggest part of your application. It’s where you explain why you deserve to be accepted and what you have to offer. This gives you a chance to explain your passion and what you have to offer. Make sure you explain why you chose the college and course you’re applying for.

Include what you learned in school and how it can be applied to your course. Even if you had bad grades, this gives you a chance to explain the skills and knowledge you picked up. The same should be done with any jobs you’ve had. Even if you’ve only had a part-time job, things like punctuality and team-working skills apply to all courses.

You should proofread and edit your application carefully. It’s also smart to have a mentor check over your application before submitting and let you know of any improvements you can make.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.