In today’s highly competitive education scenario, the race to get into top universities abroad has become increasingly intense. High school students should start building their profiles early to stand out from the crowd. After completing their 10th board exams, students have a crucial two years to build an attractive profile that showcases their academic achievements, extra-curricular activities and personal strengths.
With the steady decline in acceptance rates in top universities over the years, students need to build a strong profile that sets them apart. Here are some insights on what admissions officers are looking for in their applicants and how you can increase your chances of getting into top colleges abroad:
challenge yourself academically
A strong academic background is important, as it indicates that the student has the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in rigorous academic programs. High school students can build a strong academic profile by challenging themselves with rigorous courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB). These courses are designed to equip students with higher-order thinking skills and can demonstrate their readiness for college.
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Additionally, high school students should focus on maintaining a high GPA. While a high GPA does not guarantee admission, it does indicate a student’s academic ability and work ethic. In addition, students should strive to do well on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, as these scores measure a student’s academic aptitude and potential. Challenge yourself academically.
get involved in extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities can reflect a student’s passions and interests as well as their ability to manage their time and balance multiple commitments. Students should seek out activities that interest them and participate in them for a meaningful period of time.
Take a leadership role in these activities and work to make a positive impact in your community. Students should pursue activities that suit their interests and talents and then use them to make a significant impact on an issue close to their heart.
For example, a student interested in environmental issues can participate in a local clean-up drive, start an eco-club at school, or run an awareness campaign. Similarly, a student interested in music can participate in the school choir, take music lessons, or perform at local events.
volunteer in your community
Community service is a great way to demonstrate a student’s commitment to social causes and leadership skills. Students should seek out volunteer opportunities in their community and choose a cause they are passionate about. They can volunteer at a local hospital, work with underprivileged children, or participate in a fundraising campaign. Volunteering not only helps students develop empathy and compassion, but it also shows their commitment to positively impact society.
develop cross-cultural competencies
Students can gain cross-cultural competencies by participating in summer programs at universities abroad, such as Harvard Summer School, Oxford Royal Academy, Cambridge Immerse, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, and Sciences Po Summer School. These programs offer courses in a variety of disciplines, opportunities to connect with experts and peers, and participate in cultural activities. They can build their openness to diversity by actively engaging with communities other than their own, and learning about their unique values, traditions, and ways of life. In this way, students can enrich their worldview and begin to celebrate the importance of diverse perspectives and identities in creating a new idea generation and a more inclusive world.
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write your profile
Universities want to know the person behind the application, not just a list of achievements. Let’s look at a profile example: Growing up in Mumbai, Priya excelled academically in maths and science along with being an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer. His passion for science and technology led him to participate in research projects on air pollution and water purification. She interned at a start-up focused on improving healthcare services for underprivileged communities.
Priya’s diverse experiences and exceptional academic record earned her admission to a top university abroad, where she earned a degree in computer science. Her profile reflects a passionate individual with diverse experiences and a desire to positively impact the world. It highlights the kind of applicant universities are looking for – someone who can provide a unique perspective and experience to their community. Finally, universities value applicants whose profiles demonstrate leadership, compassion, cross-cultural competence, a clear brand, and most importantly a desire to make a difference.
– Written by Prashiksha Agarwal, Co-Founder, Athena Education
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