myUsearch blog

With the competition to get into the most selective US colleges being what it is, many people are looking for that “edge” that will get them into their dream school.  Some families see hiring a consultant as that “edge”, but the truth is that while a consultant may be able to guide you through the process, it takes more than that to get into a top US college.

The path to getting into college begins long before you ever apply.  It also depends to a great extent on a student’s motivation and ability.  Consultants can tell you what it takes to get into a top US college, but they can’t do it for you.  That’s up to you.

Here are a few things a consultant can do to help you prepare for and complete the admission process for a top US college:

• Aid you in making good choices in terms of which classes to take in high school that will prepare you academically for those top US colleges
• Help you understand the expectations top US colleges have of their potential students
• Suggest enrichment programs that may help you further develop your interests and/or skills in a particular area
• Recommend activities that will challenge you and help you develop your abilities as a leader
• Suggest programs and/or activities that may help boost your SAT/ACT scores
• Identify the colleges that offer what you are looking for and are in line with your academic ability as well as your financial needs
• Provide international students with vital information about process of applying to college in the US  (If you happen to be an international student, you might also want to check out planetgpa for info on how to connect with US colleges that are looking for international students.)
• Prepare you for what to expect in a college interview
• Help you understand and successfully complete the college application process accurately and on time
• Help you to present yourself and your accomplishments to those top U.S. colleges in an honest and positive way
• Provide information and feedback to assist you in making your final decision about which college to attend

That’s what a consultant can do for you, but here’s what you will need to do for yourself if you really want to get into a top US college:

• Take the most rigorous classes available in your high school.
• Keep up your grades.
• Get involved in your school and community. Be an active and committed participant there, taking initiative, suggesting new projects/programs, and taking responsibility for getting those projects/programs off the ground.
• Encourage others to get involved with your projects/programs.
• Take advantage of the opportunities you have to learn more about things that interest you.
• Read as much as you can.  (This is one of the best things you can do to prep for the standardized test you’re going to be taking.)
• Be actively involved in looking for colleges that are a “good fit” for you.
• Be as realistic and open-minded as possible when it comes to choosing which colleges to apply to.
• Take advantage of opportunities to meet college reps and/or do interviews.
• Put forth your best effort on your college applications, getting them done well before the deadline.

As you can see, working with a consultant is more of a partnership than just a way to increase your odds of getting into a top US college.  (That’s why an ethical consultant will never guarantee admission to any school.)  In the end, while a consultant can be a great help and guide, you will have be willing to do your part too if you really want to get into your dream college.

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