Colleges want to see more than just good grades and test scores on your college application. They want evidence that you possess personal qualities associated with success in college. Here are 9 personal qualities colleges look for in applicants.

It’s no secret that selective colleges look beyond the numbers when reviewing applicants. They also look for various personality and character traits. In a survey administered by the National Association for College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), 70 percent of college admission officers said character traits were “considerably” or “moderately” important in their admissions decisions.

But some admissions experts think it’s even more important for students to demonstrate these qualities in their applications. “Today, with the impact of COVID-19, renewed focus on access and equity, and rapid alteration of the testing world, there is an accelerated movement toward holistic admission, including the elevation of character attributes,” said David Holmes, executive director of the Character Collaborative, a nationwide consortium of colleges, high schools, and educational organizations advocating for the use of character in college admissions and a co-sponsor of the NACAC survey.

It’s not only selective colleges (those accepting less than 50 percent of applicants) that pay close attention to character attributes. These qualities may also come into play for students applying to less selective schools. “Students wishing for merit scholarships or entry into honors programs at less competitive schools will need to show their character,” said Dr. Amy Morgenstern, former associate director of the honors program at Wright State University and current founder and CEO of <a href="https://bluestars.us/" ;="" target="_blank"><span>Blue Stars Admissions Consulting</span></a>.&nbsp;“It's essential for any college-bound student who intends to contribute to society.”

WHAT ARE SOME CHARACTER TRAITS COLLEGES LOOK FOR?

Increasingly, colleges look for personal qualities that foster cooperation, community, and compassion, explained Morgenstern. “It’s no longer the individual leader at the helm; now it’s the collaborative team member who attracts attention; students’ self-centered career ambitions are not as appreciated as much as sincere personal and professional aspirations to make the world better.

Morgenstern advises her students to highlight  “7Cs” in their essays and applications: collaboration, commitment, character, curiosity, cultural intelligence, challenge, and creativity.

Colleges may look for a different set of character qualities or define these traits in different ways. But when colleges describe their ideal candidates, they often mention some qualities more than others. Here are 9 character traits that colleges often cite when they describe what they are looking for in students.

1. CURIOSITY

Colleges want to see that you are passionate about learning – not just about a single academic area, but about the world around you. “We want to see the kind of curiosity and enthusiasm that will allow you to spark a lively discussion in a freshman seminar and continue the conversation at a dinner table,” states Stanford University’s website.

Show colleges how much you love to and want to learn and what excites you intellectually. If you can demonstrate that you have a “growth mindset”— the belief that one can enhance intelligence, abilities and talents through hard work – that is also a plus, according to a report from Harvard University’s School of Education.

2. PERSISTENCE

Some colleges want students who not only challenge themselves, but who also persevere through those challenges, set goals, and achieve them. You might hear this quality described as “grit” or “commitment.” A <a href="https://doi.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-3514.92.6.1087" ;="" target="_blank"><span>study</span></a> by University of Pennsylvania psychologist Angela Duckworth indicates that “grit” might be a more effective predictor of success than IQ.

You might have demonstrated persistence by sticking with challenging classes or activities even though you didn’t excel in them at first, or any time you worked hard to accomplish a goal, despite obstacles or setbacks. The key is to show that even when you faced  obstacles, you maintained your energy, enthusiasm and passion for what you set out to achieve.

 3. RISK-TAKING

Here, risk-taking doesn’t necessarily mean engaging in high-risk activities like bungee jumping or mountain climbing — it means venturing out of your comfort zone, be it in the classroom or other areas of life. Taking a risk can be joining the debate club even though you have a fear of public speaking, trying a new activity, or taking a challenging class. Colleges want students who are not afraid to make mistakes — and who understand that mistakes are part of learning.

As set forth on the website of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, “When people take risks in life, they learn resilience because risk leads to failure as often as it leads to success. The most creative and successful people — and MIT is loaded with them — know that failure is part of life and that if you stay focused and don’t give up, goals are ultimately realized.”

4. COMPASSION

Some colleges also look for students with compassion. According to the Greater Good Science CenterResearch shows that college students who show a higher level of concern for their peers and classmates have higher levels of self-esteem and self-efficacy.

Georgia Tech lists “compassion for others” as one of eight character traits it values. Syracuse University states, “You are a strong candidate if you strengthen and support those around you, even as you are working to develop yourself.” UCLA looks for “ 

Showing compassion is not just about expressing empathy for others, it’s also taking action to help them. Engaging in community service work, tutoring struggling students at your school, willingly taking care of siblings to help a parent working multiple jobs, or political activism can all be fueled by compassion.

5. OPEN-MINDEDNESS

College can be a great opportunity to engage with people from different backgrounds and cultures and to consider ideas, perspectives, and opinions that might be new or different from your own. Colleges want to see that you can respectfully consider different points of view and that you welcome the chance to consider these perspectives. For example, Pomona College’s website states that it values “an openness to new ideas and rejection of easy answers.”

Critical thinking — another skill that colleges value — requires the ability to consider all arguments and ideas – even those with which you may disagree.

 6. SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS

Many colleges say they are looking for students who hope to apply their academic and career interests to improve the world around them. “Our ideal candidates are inspired to emulate our founder Benjamin Franklin by applying their knowledge in service to society, to our community, the city of Philadelphia, and the wider world,” states the University of Pennsylvania on its admissions page. 

Does your academic area of interest intersect with a cause that you truly care about? For example, you might want to major in engineering and use the skills you acquire to combat global warming. You might also show your sense of social responsibility through consistent volunteer work or activism.

7. CREATIVITY

Based on a recent Adobe study, 95 percent of admissions decision-makers believe in the value of creative skills. Creativity is listed among the top qualities considered by Duke, MIT, and UCLA and it doesn’t necessarily have to be expressed through activities in the arts. Colleges often look for creative thinkers, problem solvers, innovators and entrepreneurs. To demonstrate creative thinking, you might include an experience in which you came up with a creative solution to a problem or took a unique approach to an assignment.

 8. COLLABORATION

Colleges want to know that you can collaborate well with students and faculty, and that you are able to put the needs of your team over your own. If you had a leadership role on a team, it’s important to demonstrate that you were an effective leader of a cohesive group — even if your team ultimately fails. “

Sports isn’t the only area where you can illustrate teamwork — collaboration can also be found in lab or other classroom assignments, volunteer work, or the performing arts.

9. CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE

Colleges want students who appreciate cultural diversity and are eager to engage with and learn from people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

In describing successful applicants, USC has said “They are interested in the world, in other peoples and cultures, and enjoy examining important issues from a global perspective.” To express this trait, you don’t need to have traveled extensively or lived in a foreign country. You might discuss your interest in mastering a foreign language, your experience advocating for an international issue you care about, or your participation in local projects where you worked with people from different cultures.

WHAT PERSONALITY TRAITS DO YOU HAVE?

Chances are you possess many of the character traits colleges look for — but you might need some help identifying them in yourself. When working with her clients, Morgenstern uses a <a href="https://bluestars.us/7-key-traits-top-colleges/" ;="" target="_blank"><span>7 core personality traits worksheet</span></a> to help her students identify experiences and situations where they’ve demonstrated these qualities. She also guides them in cultivating these qualities throughout high school and helps them weave them into their personal statement and supplemental essays.

National Decision Day is May 1. Is your family ready to make the choice of which college your student will attend?

While National Decision Day, which is May 1, may have unclear origins, it has definitely become hyped as the time to make a decision for what to do after high school graduation. And for good reason: Many colleges and universities are finalizing their financial aid packages, setting up space for summer orientation and registration, and deciding where to house all the incoming first-year students.

Nonetheless, there are some things you may want to know about making that decision–whether you do it by May 1 or sometime after–that could make the process easier.

• Check your financial aid offers. Perhaps the most important thing for many families is to check how much the net cost of attendance will be. Net cost is the total cost of tuition, fees, room, board, etc. (expenses such as books and transportation are estimates and may not be as high as you will need) minus the amount of financial aid your student receives. The remaining amount is what you will need to pay, usually by the first week of classes if not before.
• Review the academic options. Does the institution have a program or even more than one that your student is interested in? It will help to have options especially because a majority of students change their majors at least once (and likely more than once) over their college career.
• Consider the “extras.” By this, I mean the location, the opportunities for co-curricular experiences such as internships, the alumni networks, and the like. Many schools tout themselves as providing interesting and unique opportunities that your student cannot find elsewhere. This may be extremely attractive to your student, especially if there is a career pathway that can be created from the extras.
• Talk through family issues. Don’t wait until your student is moved in and having a great (or not) time to discuss the effect that this decision will have on the family. If a school is out of reach and will be an extreme burden on the family, don’t wait to have that conversation! Talk through what the issues are and make a plan to help your student make the best decision not only for themselves, but also others in the family.
• Reach out to the institution. If your student is having any doubts, consider reaching out to the institution (and visit again if it is feasible). Talk to a financial aid counselor, an admissions reprepresentative, a department chair or faculty member, a current or former student. All of these people can give you different perspectives about the experience.
• Making the decision where to go (and how far, and for how much!) is an exciting time in your student’s life
  

The spring semester presents a wonderful opportunity to take an inventory of your academic experiences thus far, especially the positive ones. While underclassmen with fewer experiences may have a tough time determining interests or passions, there are simple questions to help identify them.

For example, start with a list of your classes and review them one by one. Were there any units or topics you particularly enjoyed? Were there any topics or concepts you found surprising, challenging, or unsettling? Were there questions left unanswered that you would like to explore? Were there any experiences you would like to repeat or build on? Answering these questions should help create overall themes or ideas to pursue this summer.

Don’t forget to explore your other passions, too! Have you invested in Bitcoin or want to mint an NFT? Consider pursuing an independent project about cryptocurrency. Do you love scrolling through Instagram or TikTok in your free time? Why not use social media for an independent project?

Now that you have a couple of ideas in mind, it is time to consult trusted resources for leads on specific programs, suggestions, or opportunities. If you have established a relationship with your school counselor, consider connecting with them soon to get their advice. As a counselor, my email inbox is full of summer opportunities for my students. Similarly, your school counselor will likely have several suggestions to help you narrow your search. Community leaders, school administrators, teachers, club sponsors, religious leaders, coaches, or mentors could also help you discover relevant summer opportunities, especially if your interests fall in their areas of expertise. Don’t be afraid to reach out!

Additionally, many college websites are excellent sources for summer suggestions. For example, universities such as MIT, Stanford, and Tulane offer general advice ranging from how to prepare for their specific applications to specific advice and links to summer programs for high school students.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider yourself to be a trusted source as well! If there are books, hobbies, inventions, etc., that you have stumbled upon naturally, it could be valuable to explore them further this summer.

Do Not Delay  

Now that you have identified the “what” (your theme or general idea) and the “how” (specific opportunities or programs), it is also important to pay attention to the “when” in order to successfully plan your summer. The steps noted above may take some time to achieve, so starting sooner will allow you to keep more opportunities open.

I wish summer opportunities had a definitive planning period, but unfortunately, it can span the entire spring semester. Some of the most selective research opportunities for high school students have already closed their applications, while other programs have yet to even list their summer courses! Local opportunities may become more readily available as the year progresses, with a flurry of activity in April and May. Regardless, having an idea of the experiences you would like your summer to include can help you prepare for when these opportunities open up.

Four strategies to help first-gen students succeed in higher education

Here are four ideas for targeted support programmes to help these students navigate the academic and social challenges of starting university:

Mentorship programmes

Mentorship programmes play a critical role in the success and retention of first-generation students. Mentoring can provide guidance and support as they navigate academic and social challenges, set goals and make informed decisions about their educational and career paths. Mentors also offer a supportive relationship for those who may feel isolated on campus and so create a sense of belonging.

Cultural celebration and events

In promoting awareness and understanding and celebrating diverse cultures, identities and perspectives, institutions can create an inclusive and welcoming environment for first-generation students. Examples of cultural initiatives include:

a welcome reception for admitted first-generation students hosted by the university’s admissions office, first-generation student support and first-gen alumni

a Welcome Week event for first-generation students that includes first-gen peer mentors and the first-generation student organisation

a graduation ceremony for first-gen students

marking the US national First-Generation College Celebration Day on your campus.

Transition programmes

Transition programmes create opportunities for first-generation students to build connections with peers, faculty and staff and introduce them to campus culture. Students are introduced to campus resources and support services that can help them succeed both academically and socially. These programmes can also assist them in building a road map for their college journey. Examples of transition programmes include summer bridge programmes (which are typically one or two months long) and living-learning communities (which are run during the academic year).

Financial literacy workshops

Findings show that the financial decisions students make in college impact their financial status after college. Institutions may want to offer one-credit-hour courses such as personal finance or financial life skills. A course covering the foundation of financial literacy could help to close the wealth gap for first-generation students. It could cover the following basics of financial management:

budgeting (by understanding their incomes and expenses, students can avoid overspending)

debt management (this can help students learn about repayment options, interest rates and the importance of paying their bills on time)

investing (this can help students understand the importance of diversification and long-term financial planning)

building credit (how to use credit responsibly, making debt payments on time and the importance of building a strong credit history)

salary negotiation (how to negotiate for higher pay and the value of benefits).

While many targeted programmes exist to support first-generation students, it is important to assess the needs of the specific population that your institution serves before implementation. The initiatives outlined here can serve as a start or addition to first-generation student programming already in place.

By Charmaine Troy is associate director of first-generation student initiatives at Georgia Tech.

Rejection is a part of life. Everyone who has tasted success has also tasted rejection. This doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. Parents can be supportive by giving students the appropriate amount of time to take the difficult news, but they should also not let students sulk for any longer than needed.

For many teens, the worst part of rejection is telling peers they didn’t get in or where they are going (especially if others will question why someone of their caliber did not get into a ‘better’ school). When dealing with a rejection, it’s important to keep things in perspective and to not allow one or two letdowns to overshadow other successes.

If a student is dealing with a rejection, here’s what to do next:

• Allow time for mourning. It’s okay to take some time to feel disappointed. Students may need some space and time to process, so let them have it.
• But don’t dwell. While it’s okay to take some time to feel sad, students shouldn’t spend all their time sulking. After an appropriate amount of time has passed, remind him or her that it’s time to move on and focus on the institutions that did grant admission.
• Focus on where they did get in. Students should go back and look at past research, compare financial aid packages, and consider the factors that prompted them to apply in the first place in order to choose where they want to enroll. A student may have an idea of his or her “second” choice, but it’s still good to weigh all other offers of admission. After a rejection, a student’s feelings about the other institutions he or she applied to may have changed.
• Stay positive! As I said before, rejection is a part of life. If students planned ahead and applied to a wide range of schools, any of which they would be happy to attend, then they will be attending a great-fit college. Focus on the journey ahead and get excited about all the new opportunities come fall.

Early Decision, Early Action, Early Decision II, Restrictive Early Action — believe it or not, the list goes on. There is no shortage of early application options for college admissions these days, and some hold a significant statistical advantage to students. Yes, this means that in some early processes, most students are significantly more likely to receive offers of admissions than if they applied Regular Decision. The percent advantage ranges from school to school and differs when it comes to Early Action programs. Read on for a breakdown of the numbers and for insight on why students should consider participating in early admissions programs.

Types of Early Applications 

Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to understand the different early application types. The most important distinction is between Early Decision and Early Action. Early Decision is a binding contract between the applicant and the college to which they are applying. This means students can only apply Early Decision to one college or university and must attend if admitted. Students should only apply Early Decision if the university is their top choice and they feel comfortable committing to attending if they are accepted. This application deadline is typically between November 1 and 15, and students are usually notified by mid- to late December.

Early Decision II is a similar binding agreement but with a later deadline, usually the same deadline as Regular Decision. Students are typically notified of admission sometime in February before regular admission decisions come out. Some schools even allow students to switch from Regular Decision to Early Decision II by a certain deadline.

Early Action also has an early deadline — typically November 1 or November 15 — with a decision release date of mid-December. But that’s where the similarity ends. Early Action is non-binding, and standard programs allow students to apply to multiple places Early Action. However, some Restrictive Early Action or Single Choice Early Action programs restrict whether a student applies EA or ED to another college. Early Action is a good option for students with strong grades who are not ready to commit and do not need to wait on their fall senior grades.

Now that we’ve broken down these basic early admission definitions, let’s address why a student would consider one of these programs. The statistical advantages are clear.

Early Decision: A Significant Advantage, and Growing 

Let’s start with Early Decision, which can offer a significant advantage over Regular Decision. How large of an advantage? Well, that depends on the institution. Regular Decision admissions have become more competitive in recent years, while the advantage of Early Decision has increased.

Let’s take Vanderbilt University as an example. In 2023, Vanderbilt admitted 4.2% of their Regular Decision applicants. Let’s compare this to 2013, when they admitted 11.7% of Regular Decision applicants. The Regular Decision admission rate decreased by more than half over a period of 10 years.

For Early Decision admissions, it’s a different picture. In 2023, Vanderbilt admitted 15.7% of Early Decision applicants. In 2013, that number was 21.6%. Though these numbers show that the Early Decision process has also gotten more competitive during those same 10 years, the percent decrease in Early Decision admissions rates is significantly less drastic than it is for Regular Decision.

So, what does this all mean? Simply put, it means that college applicants should seriously consider having an early application strategy and including Early Decision in that strategy because it is likely to be advantageous.

Many colleges and universities are increasing the number of students they admit through the Early Decision process. The reason for this is so they can maintain or even improve their yield rates — that is, ensuring students admitted to the university are likely to enroll. After admitting a larger percentage of their class through Early Decision, colleges have fewer available spots to fill by the time they get to the Regular Decision round.

Admissions trends show that colleges are admitting a larger percentage of their class through Early Decision than they have in the past. For example, Middlebury College filled 56.32% of the class of 2017 through Early Decision — a very large percentage at the time already. Ten years later, Middlebury filled 70.68% of its class of 2027 through Early Decision.* If this trend continues, having an Early Decision strategy is going to become even more important for college hopefuls.

Early Action: Less Significant Advantage, but Worth Pursuing 

Early Action, the non-binding early application option, has a less significant statistical advantage. The Early Action pool tends to be particularly strong, as it is much smaller than Regular Decision but filled with students who were able to apply early without waiting for their fall semester grades. Early Action applicants may also have a slight advantage in terms of being reviewed first — these applicants may be offered admission when there are more spots to fill, prior to regular admissions, when there are more applications and fewer available spots.

Georgetown University, for example, offers Early Action and does not offer Early Decision. In 2022, their Early Action admission rate was 9.98% while their Regular Decision admission rate was 13.34%. This is a relatively small difference for what are already extremely difficult admission rates. So, while applying Early Action can provide students with some advantage, it is not nearly as significant as the Early Decision statistical advantage — and should never be used solely as a way to “boost” your application chances. Only apply early if your application is the best that it can be.

Colleges are making these changes in what is a rapidly evolving college admissions landscape. With test-optional policies abounding, Supreme Court case decisions affecting college admissions, and the rapidly increasing volume of applicants every year, university administrators are being strategic to meet their own admissions and enrollment goals.

Prospective students and their families who are aware of these factors and of the advantage of participating in an early admissions program are off to a great start. That said, we know the numbers and data can be overwhelming. An IvyWise counselor can help guide prospective students through every step of the college admissions process.

College financing is a quagmire right now. Those who are indebted are part of a $1 trillion tab that grows daily. Yet those entering college can still graduate debt free.

Every year, a parent asks me about how college financing can work in their favor. I believe that only in rare circumstances should one go deep into debt to finance a degree. Community and commuter colleges are one primary route. Scholarships and grants are another.

“The fact is, 1.7 million private scholarships and fellowships are available, estimated at more than $7.4 billion,” according to James Lewis, president of National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), based in Atlanta . “Unfortunately, too much of this sum is left on the table because students don’t think they qualify or simply don’t know these scholarships are available.”

PROMOTED

I asked Lewis how more students can obtain these grants, which don’t have to be paid back. He suggested the following:

·  Research, research, research. Most parents and students don't realize the breadth of scholarships available, regardless of academic merit, annual income, and more.

·  Don't assume you're not eligible. Countless private scholarships are available for athletics, minorities, STEM & STEAM, community service, music, and those from government and large corporations. And there are off-beat ones: Tall Clubs International offers financial aid to women taller than 5-foot-10 and men taller than 6-foot-2.

·  Do it right. National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) has a Your First Scholarship available to students who have not yet applied for or won one, and it walks applicants through the process. It also comes with "toolbox" for students to use in all their future applications. It stresses that there is no room for error – spelling and proper grammar are non-negotiable.

·  Apply early and often. Looking for a private scholarship requires research and time, so start early, even before senior year in high school, to kick-start the process of identifying and applying for scholarships. Most students don’t know that once they are in college they can continue to apply for grants and scholarships to help pay for sophomore, junior, and senior years as well.

To these tips, I would add that you need to search locally and nationally for scholarships. Community service clubs offer scholarships through local chapters and national offices. Both of my daughters received them.

While some scholarships may require essays, many do not. The variety of options is immense — from Burger King to underrepresented students. The key is to research and send out as many applications as you can, preferably when you know which colleges are on the top of your list.

Keep in mind that colleges rarely tell you all of the grant opportunities they offer internally. You have to press hard to find out. Don’t be shy about telling a preferred college that other aid offers are on the table from other institutions.

The internet is always a great place to start. There are several search engines that specialize in grants. Also keep in mind that above-average students automatically qualify for scholarships at most schools, often under the title of “Presidential Scholar” programs. And don’t forget that local businesses and chambers of commerce usually offer some kind of scholarships. But you need to apply for them.

Even if you’ve chosen a school, don’t think that all of your options are exhausted when your college of choice makes a financial aid “offer,” which often includes loans, which you don’t have to accept. Ask them if they have work-study or grant programs to avoid debt. Then do your own homework. It will pay off.

College financing is something that will impact the rest of your life, so regard it as a shrewd personal business decision. Be smart and tough. Negotiate!

By John F. Wasik

It’s June, which means that school is over for the summer! If it’s not yet, it will be very soon. Your FINAL YEAR of high school is closer than ever before. This is a big deal; it's time to get serious about college planning! As a soon-to-be senior, the rest of the summer is going to be an exciting time. It will also affect how hectic your fall is going to be. The more you prepare now, the better off you’ll be later.

College Planning Checklist for High School Juniors

While you’re enjoying the sunshine, make sure to keep college planning in mind with this June checklist for soon-to-be high school seniors:

1. Get Involved in Summer Activities, Volunteer

By now you know that, in addition to academic grades and test scores, college admissions officers also look at your extracurricular activities. Summer break is a great time to get involved in clubs, the community and local sports, to help show colleges you are active both inside and outside of the classroom. Volunteering is a great way to spend your free time and give back to the community. Not only will you feel great doing so, but it also looks impressive on your college applications, too. You chose to use your time wisely. If you're looking for a place to start volunteering, get in touch with local organizations in your area. You could also ask your school counselor for ideas. Finally, if you're still coming up short on ways to make an impact in your local community, use CollegeVine's suggestions for charities to get involved with.

2. Summer Savings

If you’re planning on working this summer, set up a summer savings plan, which allows you to start saving for college now. Many food providers and retailers are desperate for employees right now, and they're paying the highest wages we've ever seen. The earlier you start saving, the less you’ll need to borrow to cover college expenses later. It’s always best to avoid borrowing if you’re able, so determine the portion of your summer income you can save for the future and stick to it!

You could also really get ahead on your college planning by choosing to work (and continue to work) for an employer that provides tuition assistance. This college benefit is available to many part-time employees, and you can easily transfer between the franchise near your home and your eventual college campus.

3. Explore Potential Career Paths

If you’re unsure of what you’d like to study in college (as most students are), summertime is perfect for exploration! It’s not too early to start thinking about what you want to be when you grow up and to be sure the major you pick pays well too. Contact business professionals in fields you’re interested in to talk to them about their careers and volunteer with organizations or at events which share common interests as your potential career paths. This summer is all about discovering who you are and where your passions and career path may potentially meet.

4. Keep Up Your College Search

Your college search will only continue to ramp up as senior year begins, so any legwork you do now will give you an added advantage. Look at the summer as an opportunity to schedule in-person college visits and research schools online. Check sites like You Visit and Campus Tours to see if the college you're interested in offers a virtual tour. Finally, if you and your family haven't made a plan to pay for college, the time is now. Have conversations about what type of school you can afford before you start reviewing your final college choices.

5. Build Your a Brag Sheet

A student resume, or brag sheet, will detail your life outside of school, since any school you’ll be applying to will already be aware of what your grades and test scores are from your transcript. You can include items like your extracurricular activities, community or volunteer service, work experience as well as any honors, awards or recognition you’ve received. Showcase your unique ability to adapt—consider using your social media on your resume to highlight all the good you’re doing. Remember to be smart about it though!

6. Apply for Scholarships

As a general rule, applying for scholarships should always be on your to-do list! Check out this list of 10+ College Scholarships You Can Apply for Today. Summer is a great time to apply for scholarships. For many students, applying to scholarships is not first and foremost on their minds, and they let their applications slip. That means that there is less competition than during the school year. We recommend updating your Fastweb profile now so that you are maximizing your matching eligibility. Check your Scholarship Matches multiple times each week; we add new awards to our database daily. Finally, make a commitment to apply to 1-2 scholarships per week. You can start with our summer scholarship sweepstakes: the $1K Scholarship Success Sweepstakes. Enter daily to increase your chances of winning!