3 Steps to University Acceptance

graduation woman portrait smiling and looking happy outdoors

As bachelor's degrees creep closer in ubiquity to the high school diploma, conscientious students can't afford to not go to university. The following tips highlight how to prepare, choose a school, and get accepted.

1. Start Preparing in High School

Ideally, preparing for higher education begins at the freshman level in high school. Realistically, there are usually a number of other priorities consuming the minds of high school freshmen. Either way, every university requires a minimum GPA and SAT or ACT score. Prestigious universities, for example, may require a minimum GPA of 3.5 and an ACT of at least 26 for consideration. As such, high school students need to study a bare minimum of 2 hours a day to maintain high grades and score well on the standardized tests. Often times, it is not aptitude but a lack of organization and motivation that compose the main stumbling block, which is why establishing a schedule early on that allows for school, studying, and fun is highly recommended.

Aside from grades, internships and fellowships are increasingly required for consideration by many universities. Chiropractors, dentists, and other allied health professionals are often required to take on so many interns per year. A simple phone call is all it takes.

2. Narrow School Choices

Choose a university close to home. This makes for a much more cohesive freshman year of college. Culture shock on top of the adjustment to university-level coursework is often too much for new students. A good policy is to stay within the same state as family and friends.

The cost of university should not deter motivated students; education truly is the highest-yield investment in the world. Students who stay in the same state, apply for scholarships, and use financial aid have no excuse to not apply to their dream school.

Finally, selecting at least 3 universities to apply to keeps options open, should the first and/or second choice fall through. This also guarantees that there is no sabbatical after high school.

3. The Application Process

When it's time to apply, consolidating all required documents such as high school transcripts, contact information, addresses, workplace information, and credentials will ensure a timely application process.

Also, researching school websites or talking to alumni is a great way to find out if there is a writing requirement on the application to prepare for. After every question has been filled out accurately and to the fullest, the only thing that remains is an awkward series of vigils standing by the mailbox.

The cost of university should not deter motivated students