How A High School Student Got Into 19 Colleges
There’s no doubt that Gen Z is poised to take the world by storm, and not just because they make up over 30% of the world’s population. Their generation is smart, creative, ambitious, and plenty ready to change the world.
For many students, that first step to achieving your big dreams is getting into college, and it can feel pretty intimidating if you don’t know where to start. There’s so much to prepare for, and doing it alone is nearly impossible. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to, and that there are a number of resources that can assist you on this journey.
That’s why we want to introduce you to Aaron, a first-generation college-bound UPchieve student who got accepted into 19 of the 21 colleges he applied to!
Aaron is getting ready to head to Yale this fall, where he’ll major in political science in the hopes of becoming a policymaker in the government. Just like many of you who might be reading this, Aaron has big goals, and wants to work to change systemic immigration issues that are impacting his local community.
Watch Aaron’s video below, and then read on for five tips that will help you increase your own chances of getting into college!
5 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into College
Work with a college counselor. College counseling can be expensive but it’s free for qualifying students through UPchieve! College counselors can help you with everything from perfecting your Common App Essay to putting together a student resume that shows off everything you can offer potential colleges.
Take it from Aaron, who says, “In the end, the help I got from UPchieve coaches helped me feel confident enough to apply to 21 colleges.”
Be ambitious. While Aaron admits that he was anxious about the college application process, he went BIG anyways. What do we mean by that? Aaron applied to twenty-one different colleges, and he got into 19 of them, including 3 Ivy League schools.
This fall, Aaron will be headed to Yale to major in political science, all because he chose to bet on himself. You can accomplish everything that you put your mind to, so reach for the stars even on your worst days!
Make time for extracurricular activities. Studying is important, but so is having fun! Plus, colleges would prefer a well-rounded student with great hobbies and volunteer or work experience, rather than one that just has great grades.
Aaron kept himself busy by being on his high school’s wrestling team all four years, and enjoyed singing and playing the guitar in his spare time!
Be resourceful. According to UPchieve’s most recent student study, 85% of students have major responsibilities outside of school and extracurriculars.
These responsibilities cost students up to 10 hours of study time a week, and force them to focus on school work when regular tutoring services aren’t available.
Using 24/7 tutoring apps like UPchieve and self-led study tools like Khan Academy can help you succeed on your terms.
Stay organized. As you can imagine, applying to 21 colleges requires some major time management and organizational skills!Using both a college application tracker and the Pomodoro Technique can help you break your to-do list into manageable chunks. It’s easier to succeed when you’re not overwhelmed!
Additional Resources for Getting Into College
Ready to take Aaron’s lead and start tackling the college application process early? Check out these free resources that will help you get into the college of your dreams:
Make your college journey one to remember! It’s important to note that everyone’s journey looks very different, but, remember to keep yourself aligned with these tips, and you’ll be on your way to the big leagues in no time! We believe in you!