7 Must-Know College Application Tips for Beginners

If you’re scared while applying to colleges, then it sounds like you’re just like everyone else around you. That guy who brags about his test scores and grades and seems to have everything in his life planned out? Scared. Just like you. You likely know the skeleton of the process: writing essays, getting strong recommendation letters, and staying on top of deadlines while finishing high school. Beyond these basics, here are 7 essential college application tips for beginners to not only help you get through the process but to succeed in it.

1. Focus on Finding the Right College Fit Over Prestige

This is a simple tip, one you’ve probably heard from every guidance counselor ever. However, we know the idea of prestige can be alluring for anyone applying to college. The people in your life telling you to ensure you like the college you’re going to are onto something. A school’s ranking or reputation doesn’t guarantee it will be the right place for you.

Colleges differ in everything from campus culture and academic philosophy to extracurricular opportunities and support systems. Choosing the right "fit" will not only help you thrive but may also improve your chances of admission at schools better suited to your strengths and interests.

Ask yourself:

• Do I thrive in smaller classes, or am I more comfortable in large lectures?
• Do I want to live in an urban environment or on a rural campus?
• How important are extracurricular opportunities and campus traditions to me?

Prioritizing fit over prestige is one of the most crucial college application tips to ensure long-term success.

2. Show Demonstrated Interest to Boost Your College Admission Chances

Many colleges track "demonstrated interest" to gauge how serious you are about attending their school. This means admissions officers might look at whether you’ve opened their emails, attended information sessions, or visited the campus. Demonstrated interest can serve as a tiebreaker between equally qualified candidates.

How to Show Interest:

• Sign up for mailing lists.
• Attend virtual or in-person events.
• Engage with admissions representatives.
• Mention these interactions in your supplemental essays.

Pro tip: Be authentic—admissions teams can spot disingenuous efforts a mile away.

Tools like Loper can automate your college outreach by managing contact information, crafting and sending personalized messages, and coordinating face-to-face conversations with admissions officers. This reduces the time spent on manual tasks, helping you efficiently reach out to prospective students or institutions while focusing on building meaningful connections.

3. Pick a Major Early to Strengthen Your College Application

Contrary to popular belief, most colleges don’t require you to declare a major on your application. However, selecting a major early can have significant benefits:

• Focus Your Search: Knowing your intended field of study allows you to target schools that excel in that area.
• Strengthen Your Essays: Many colleges require you to select a major and write essays explaining your choice. A well-thought-out major can help you craft compelling narratives about your goals and passions.
• Build a Cohesive Story: Your classes, extracurriculars, and essays can all align to create a unified and authentic application.

Still undecided? Spend time reflecting on your interests and long-term goals. Even a tentative major provides valuable direction, and you can always change it later.

4. Start Early to Find and Win Merit-Based Scholarships

While many students focus on need-based financial aid, there’s a wealth of merit-based scholarships available to applicants who start their research early. These scholarships often reward specific talents, interests, or achievements beyond academic performance.

Tips for Finding Merit Aid:

• Start researching scholarships as early as sophomore year.
• Keep a running list of application deadlines.
• Pay attention to fine print: some scholarships require separate applications or essays.

Examples include awards for community service, leadership, artistic accomplishments, or even niche hobbies like knitting or birdwatching. Don’t overlook these opportunities!

5. Understanding Holistic Review Can Strengthen Your College Application

You might think that a perfect GPA or SAT score guarantees admission, but colleges evaluate applicants within their unique context. Admissions officers consider the resources available to you, your school’s curriculum, and any challenges you’ve faced.

How to Use Context to Your Advantage:

• If your high school doesn’t offer AP courses, explain this in your application.
• Use the “Additional Information” section of the Common App to provide context for a dip in grades, family responsibilities, or limited extracurricular opportunities.

This “holistic review” process ensures that admissions officers see you as more than just numbers on a page.

6. Write Stand-Out Supplemental Essays to Highlight Your Fit

While much emphasis is placed on the Common App personal statement, supplemental essays are where you can really distinguish yourself. Many schools ask specific questions like "Why this college?" or "What’s a challenge you’ve overcome?"

Tips for Strong Essays:

• Tailor each response to the college’s unique offerings.
• Reference specific programs, professors, or campus traditions.
• Avoid generic answers like "I love your beautiful campus."
• Stay concise yet compelling.

Supplemental essays allow you to showcase your unique personality and how you’re a great fit for the school.

7. Focus on Depth to Make Your College Application Shine

Admissions officers are often more impressed by depth than breadth. A "spike" refers to a specific area where you excel and have made a meaningful impact—whether it’s academics, athletics, arts, or activism.

How to Develop Your Spike:

• Instead of joining multiple clubs, focus on a few and take on leadership roles.
• Highlight awards or honors from extracurricular activities.
• Lead a campaign, organize a fundraiser, or work on a research project tied to a passion of yours.

A strong spike demonstrates that you’ll contribute to a college’s campus community in unique and impactful ways.

Final Thoughts

The college application process may seem overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that it is overwhelming for everyone. By prioritizing fit, starting early, and crafting a narrative that highlights your unique strengths, you’ll not only improve your chances of admission but also find a college where you can truly thrive.

Want to make the process less overwhelming? Use Loper’s free college search app to find colleges that are right for you and track every step of the process, all from your phone.