One of the greatest resources for information about college are the people around you. Talking to someone that went through the college process can sometimes give you more insight than even the most helpful website on the web.

Of course, not all of us have the good fortune to have sage college-student advice available at our fingertips. That’s why this website is aiming to be a place where everyone can gain access to the “insider tips” and important tidbits to know from people who went through this stressful time and dealt with success and failure themselves.

When this website first started, dozens of high-achieving students were interviewed. Here are some highlights of their best advice to students looking for acceptance to any college:

“Be yourself on your application – do not write about what you think the admissions office wants to hear. Write about what you are passionate about, and try to find something that will help you stand out from the tens of thousands of other applicants.”

“As I write this sentence, I have no idea whether I’ve been denied/deferred/accepted, but what’s more important, I think, is not measuring self-worth by a single admissions decision. We all have so many years ahead of us, and wherever we go, it’s our choice to take advantage of whatever’s in store… Cliche, I know, but there’s a reason why people keep repeating it.”

“Looking through this it’s going to seem like you roll the dice and hopefully you get in. But I really do think if you have decent (not extraordinary) stats and extracurriculars you can get in. I put a ton of work into my essays, and I’ve been working hard all of high school. The application is just a way to show how hard you’ve worked and what you’re capable of.”

“Admission to top universities like Stanford is such a crap shoot for anyone, so don’t go into it thinking you’re a shoe-in or a lost cause. Put your best foot forward and show them why they WANT YOU, not just why you want to go there.”

“During high school I never really focused on ‘doing things to get into college;’ simply do things you love, and do it well, so you will have fun and success will naturally lead to college. My leaving comment to the other high schoolers is to follow your dreams, and don’t let anybody tell you ‘no.’ You really do miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

 

For more specific advice, check out our App. Advice and Essay Advice pages.