How do you get into a good university?

Susan Alaimo
| Specially for MyCentralJersey.com

The high school years go by quickly, and before students know it, they’re busy writing college applications. They’re asked what majors they’re choosing, what volunteer work they’ve done, why they’re applying to which colleges, and what they’re likely to contribute to their future college community. Hopefully, students have had the experiences they need during their first three years of high school to provide meaningful answers.

The first year is a great time to assess your academic strengths and interests. Students should join clubs and activities that will help them find their potential major and career. If they are considering medical school, they might join Doctors of Tomorrow. For engineering-related experiences, they might consider Robotics and Engineering Club. For business, they might join Future Business Leaders of America or Young Investors Society. For computer science, students might join Quantum Computing Club or Computer Science Club.

By doing this early, students can assess whether this is really the field they want to pursue. If it is, they have time to eventually secure a leadership position that will carry a lot of weight in their college applications. If it isn’t, they have time to try another field.

More: What to Avoid in College Application Essays | College Connection

During their sophomore and junior years, students should research the colleges that offer the best programs in their intended field and visit those schools in person. They can narrow down their options by visiting bigfuture.collegeboard.org and checking off the criteria that are important to them: location, campus life, majors. If time permits, they should visit the colleges that are most appealing, as this is considered a sign of “demonstrated interest” by the college admissions officers.

To strengthen their future college applications, sophomores and juniors should also begin a “passion project” in their intended field of study. This is a self-directed project that helps students delve deeper into their academic area of interest while helping a group in need.

More: Top Colleges That Accept ‘B’ Students | College Connection

Sophomore and junior year students should also take electives and AP courses in their area of interest: Anatomy & Physiology and AP Biology for prospective pre-med students, Micro and Macroeconomics for those considering business, AP Physics and AP Calculus for those considering engineering.

If they have stayed the course, seniors should be prepared to submit their college applications in September and October. This will allow them to apply to one college with an “early decision,” if they choose, and to many others with an “early action.” Then students can enjoy their senior year, which is often the last they spend at home with their families.

Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of Collegebound Review, which offers the PSAT/SAT^® preparation and private college advice by Ivy League-trained teachers. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362.