Navigating University Applications: Step by Step Guide
Applying to university is an exciting new milestone, but at times it can also be a bit overwhelming. With so many steps involved, it can be tricky to keep track of everything and know where to start. But, be rest assured that we are here to help in every step along the way. Over the years, we have helped countless students with our university prep tutoring services which means we have familiarized ourselves quite well with the overall application process. Our students have gone on to attend prestigious institutions such as the University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, McGill University, University of California Berkeley, Wake Forest University, New York University, and many others.
In this blog post, we aim to share some of key strategies to help you navigate university applications and help you stand out from the crowd.
research your options
Before starting your applications, doing your research on the universities is super important. You will need to consider things like location, tuition costs, university’s values, whether or not they have your intended program of choice, and etc. After all, university is simply a stepping stone to help you develop personally and professionally so you can obtain a career that interests you and live a fulfilling life. Therefore, doing your due diligence to research career prospects that are available to graduates from your intended university/program is crucial.
A great way to start your research is to attend university fairs/events for prospective students. These events are filled with information about the university and various programs that they have to offer. Make sure to attend with your list of questions to ask the school representatives so you can get the most out of your experience.
Another great way is to connect with an alumni from the university through Linkedin or social media. Alumni are people who have already graduated from your intended program and therefore know what it’s like to be a student in the program. They bring a wealth of knowledge about what to expect, how to succeed, and can offer great insights on whether this program is right for you.
Be sure to check out our blog post on university research for additional tips and insights!
If you are looking for a professional coach to help guide you step by step through the research process and provide you with tailored advice to help you make a decision, please check out our academic coaching service to learn more about how we can help you.
2. tell a story
Once you have done your research and picked a few options that you’d like to apply to, it is now time to start writing your application. Out of the entire application process, you will spend most of your time here as you will want to make sure that you put in the effort to write the best application possible. Admission officers will want to see your personal growth, so rather than listing out your achievements like you would on a resume, focus on turning it into a story that shows how each achievement helped you mature and develop as an individual overtime.
For example, rather than saying “I was a volunteer for the Student Council in my high school for two years and later became Vice President.” you should say “Being a volunteer for my school’s Student Council has helped me to develop extensively in X, Y and Z. These skill sets improved my capabilities as a leader, allowing me to effectively serve as Vice President and drive initiatives that positively impacted the student body”.
3. prepare for interviews
Some universities will have an interview component in addition to the personal statement. This is often done as a way to get to know you beyond your application and can be a great way to make yourself stand out. Whether the interview is in person or online, preparation is key and it's best to start as early as possible. A great way to practice is by role playing with a friend and practicing answering common questions. Interviews are often timed so it's important to practice with a timer and ensure that your answers take up the duration that you are given.
Interviews may feel intimidating at first, but practicing with a professional coach who can find ways to help improve your answers is a great way to boost your confidence for interview day. If you are looking for professional support with interview prep be sure to check out our academic coaching service to see how we can help you excel on your next interview!
4. gather reference letters
Reference letters are a crucial component of the application which is why it's important to take extra care in deciding who you should reach out to. Start with people who you have known for a long period of time, this can be a teacher, coach, mentor, counselor, etc who have seen you grow and can comment on your successes as a student. Give your references plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter by asking them well before the application deadline. Be sure to provide them with relevant information they might need, which can include your resume or details about the program.
If you are feeling overwhelmed about applications, or university prep in general, be rest assured that you are not alone. With all the steps that are involved and things to look out for it can feel intimidating at first glance. That is why Large Tutoring is here to support you in each step along the way. Our academic coaching program is a highly reputable tutoring service that is tailored to fit what you are looking for. Our coach and CEO, Clinton Large, will help you with things like researching program requirements to ensure your eligibility, strategic enhancement of your application, overall guidance throughout the application process, and so much more. If you are curious about how we can help you, please don’t hesitate to reach out today!