Take the most challenging courses that your high school offers. Colleges look very favorably upon those students who take several advanced placement (AP) classes in high school or those who take other challenging high school courses. If you can take challenging courses and get good grades in them, you will maximize your chances for college admission.
Score well on the SAT. To do this, consider taking a SAT preparation course or investing in SAT preparation books or other materials. Practice for the SAT as much as you can so you can receive a high score. If you don't score high enough on the SAT, consider taking the test again. If you have a high SAT score, you will maximize your chances of gaining admission to the college of your choice.
Get involved in activities and show commitment to those activities over time. Stick with several activities during your high school career and take on leadership roles. Colleges prefer to have applicants who show a high level of involvement in a few activities than a student who shows little involvement in many different activities.
Take advantage of the summer months. Instead of hanging out by the pool all summer, consider taking extra summer classes or volunteering. Showing the college admissions committee that you made your summer vacation worthwhile will help increase your chances of gaining college admission.
Make sure the college that you want to attend knows you. Call the admissions office or send them a letter expressing your interest in their college. Talk to a professor in the field in which you want to study. Contact a coach if you want to play a sport. Also, make sure that you have an admissions interview. Interviews are a great way for an admissions officer to get to know you on a more personal level.