Going to a great college or university can make a big impact on your future. In the past, the mere act of going to a university and graduating was enough to help you stand out from the majority of the workforce. While that may not be the case today, it is a good way to build the knowledge you need to get started and also where you can meet key people that will play pivotal roles in your life moving forward. With the right approach, you can kickstart your career, even in a demanding field, and it all starts at university.
Look for top programs, not top schools
When it comes to choosing your shortlist, forget about the top schools. At the end of the day, the top schools are at the top for specific programs or departments. If they aren’t well ranked for the specific program that you are interested in, then it’s time to look elsewhere. There are many new and innovative universities out there that are doing better things in terms of both the curriculum and the facilities available.
By placing the focus on the program, first, you can ensure that the education you receive will be top-notch for your individual goals.
Understand your chances of getting in as you are
Knowing your chances of getting in with the grades and SAT scores you currently have is a great way to get started. If you already have great scores, you are good to go. Just keep doing what you are doing. If not, now is the time to start making up those grades. You can easily see how likely you are to be accepted to your college of choice right online. For example, you can use this college acceptance calculator for Alabama University for free to determine your chances of getting in with your existing grades.
Participate in Extra-Curricular Activities
Look for volunteer opportunities, jobs, internships, and more. While there is value in doing anything when you are a teenager, if you can focus on fields that you are interested in, this will help you the most. For example, if you are into the arts, you can lead camp groups or work with other organizations to provide art classes for younger children. Alternatively, you could get a job working at an art gallery as an assistant or see if there are any internships.
These won’t just help you get accepted into the program of your dreams. They’ll help you later in life when you are looking for university-level internships or
Know all your options
If you don’t get into the program you wanted, there are probably other ways. You may benefit from taking a foundation degree, for example, and then reapplying the second year for your dream program. You can transfer in many different situations if that program is your absolute goal. If not, then know there are many programs out there, and ultimately it’s what you do that determines what you get out of it.
