— do your own research. do not settle.
i spent countless hours researching schools and the college process in general, and it paid off. if your counselor and/or school do not/does not have the capability to help you in the ways in which you want to be helped, take matters into your own hands.
— demonstrated interest matters, even if you think it doesn’t.
particularly aimed at liberal arts colleges, demonstrated interest can matter a lot. bates college lists “demonstrated interest” as an important factor when choosing to admit students, and washington university in st. louis considers demonstrated interest too. sign up for those mailing lists, email your admissions counselors, and visit if you can. it, honestly, could save you from being waitlisted.
— college applications are (usually) a once in a lifetime opportunity. use it.
college applications are your chance to shine. don’t not apply to a school because you fear being rejected. you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.