7 simple steps to improve application chances

Updated on Aug 19, 2025

Getting into college is no longer just about having great grades. These days, it’s about strategy, planning, and knowing how to tell your story. Whether you’re aiming for a competitive university or a state school, improving application chances takes more than luck—it takes action. This guide will walk you through seven practical steps to take charge of your college future, using a clear college application strategy to boost your odds of getting in.

Step 1 – Start Early in the Admissions Journey

It might seem like college is years away, but trust me—early preparation for college can make or break your chances. Think of it like training for a marathon. You wouldn’t wait until the week before to start running, right?

Starting college application prearation in freshman or sophomore year allows you to:

• Explore your academic interests
• Get involved in clubs and activities
• Build relationships with your school counselor
• Take challenging courses that show you’re ready for college

By junior year, shift focus toward building your college application strategy—create a list of target schools, research deadlines, and plan for standardized tests. This will help you stay organized and ensure you’re meeting key application timeline planning checkpoints.

Step 2 – Research the Best Colleges and Understand Application Cycles

Understanding the best colleges’ application cycles will help you decide between early action, early decision, or regular decision. Each has pros and cons, but early applications can show demonstrated interest and boost your chances if you’re prepared.

Doing this research is essential college application help that keeps you from applying blindly and wasting time (or money).

Step 3 – Build a Relationship with Your School Counselor

Here’s a secret weapon: your school counselor. They’re more than a schedule manager, they’re your advocate.

A strong relationship with your counselor gives you access to:

• Guidance on course selection
• Support with the application process
• A personalized recommendation letter that goes beyond the basics

Don’t be shy about scheduling meetings or asking questions. This is all part of college admissions preparation. A counselor who knows your strengths and goals can write a glowing letter that speaks to who you are—not just what’s on your transcript.

Step 4 – Get Involved in Meaningful Activities for College Applications

Activities matter—a lot. Colleges like to admit students who are active and will contribute to the campus community. But not just any activities. You don’t need to join every club at school. Instead, focus on activities for college applications that reflect your personality, growth, and interests.

Think about:

• Volunteering or community service
• Athletics or performing arts
• Debate, Model UN, or STEM clubs
• Passion projects or side hustles

Take it further by taking on leadership roles. Admissions officers love to see students who evolve from participants to presidents, organizers, or founders. Quality > quantity every time.

Step 5 – Start a Club or Initiative to Show Leadership

Have a hobby or passion that your school doesn’t offer a club for? That’s an opportunity. Starting your own club in high school is one of the most powerful ways to improve college application chances, especially when you’re trying to stand out in a competitive applicant pool.

Here’s why launching a club or initiative works so well:

• It demonstrates creativity, initiative, and leadership
• It allows you to make a direct impact on your school community
• It becomes a unique and memorable story to tell in your college application essays

Colleges love students who don’t wait around for opportunities—they create them. Founding a club shows you’re not only passionate but also proactive and organized. Whether it’s about climate change, coding, mental health, or anime, turning your interest into something tangible sets you apart.

This is especially useful if you’re building a personal brand or a unique “hook” in your application. It’s a standout example of meaningful activities for college applications that reflects both your personality and your drive.

Not sure what kind of club aligns with your goals? Or have an idea but don’t know where to start?

At AcceptU, our mentorship program is designed to walk you through this process step by step. Whether you join our semester-long mentorship or opt for our focused 10-week bootcamp, you’ll receive guidance on:

• Identifying a club idea that aligns with your passions
• Structuring your initiative for real impact
• Planning events, recruiting members, and sustaining momentum

👉 Book a consultation to build your own standout activity.

Step 6 – Take Challenging Courses Without Overloading

It’s true, colleges want to see that you have taken challenging courses. But it only works if you can manage them well. A mix of AP, honors, or dual-enrollment classes in your strongest areas shows colleges you’re serious.

The key is balance. Avoid overloading just to look good on paper. Colleges want to see both challenge and success. This is part of smart college admissions preparation—and a reflection of your academic judgment.

Make sure your classes align with your intended major if you have one. Interested in engineering? Load up on math and science. Future English major? Take advanced literature and writing courses.

Step 7 – Build a Smart College Test Prep Strategy

If you’re serious about improving application chances, then thoughtful, targeted test prep should be a core part of your college application strategy. Whether or not a college is test-optional, submitting a solid SAT or ACT score can still give you a meaningful edge.

Here’s how to approach it without burning out: Start Early, Test Smart

At AcceptU, we organize monthly diagnostic proctored SAT exams to help students identify their current performance level and testing strategy. It’s a great way to understand where you stand and what steps you should take next.

Improving your chances of acceptance doesn’t require perfection. What it does require is a thoughtful, consistent approach. From starting early to crafting your essays, the right college application help can transform you from just another applicant into a future college student.

If you follow these 7 steps, you’ll go into the process with confidence, clarity, and a competitive edge. Remember, it’s not about being the perfect student—it’s about being the best version of yourself on paper.