Even if you don’t have GRE prep, cracking an admissions test isn’t the end of your college search. Getting into your target school is a lot more than just taking a practice test—you also need to cover the other factors that play a role in your admission decision. Luckily, there are ways to get into college even if you don’t test well enough for the GRE. Here are five steps you should take to gain access to any and every college that interests you.
Develop a strong resume and cover letter
Resume building is the first step to getting into any school. This is where you’ll have to sell yourself to admissions officers, who are likely overloaded with applications. Make your resume easy to understand by spelling out your skills and achievements in a brief and organized way. Your cover letter is the ideal opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions officer. It should be short and personal and should highlight the specific reasons why you’re the best fit for schools in USA without appearing for GRE.
Research the school to find out why you’re a good fit
Admissions officers are human beings who want to help you as much as they can. So, when you research a school, think about why you’re a great fit for that school. The best way to do this is to really break down what the school is all about, and why it’s relevant to you. Find out what majors are most popular or what programs are in high demand. You’ll want to make sure you’re not just applying because it’s what the rest of the student body has done. You can also find out information on the school’s financial aid and scholarships. Scholarships are a great way to get into college for free, and can often be used for any degree program.
Participate in campus visits and networking events
When you’re ready to start applying to colleges, make sure you get as many campus visits under your belt as you can. These visits are your best opportunity to stand out from the crowd, and you need to do everything you can to make a good impression. When you’re on campus, don’t just focus on academics. Make sure you meet the school’s admissions officers, and that you’re getting the full experience. You can also visit the campus library and explore the surrounding area, and try to figure out why it’s so appealing to you. After each visit, take notes on what stood out to you, and what you’d like to see at the next visit. You can also ask your tour guide and admissions officers any questions you may have.
Write an essay that shows your core values and interests
After your visits, it’s time to write the essay. This is your chance to show the admissions officers who you are. It’s also your chance to tell the school why you love it. You have one page, and one sentence to tell the whole story. Make it memorable and make it count. Put your finger on why you want to study there, what you love about the campus, and what about the school makes you so excited. Make sure your essay has a clear call to action—suggesting what you’d like to see from the school. You can include which professors you’d like to take classes from, or what clubs you’d like to join.
Get help with ACT or SAT prep if you need it
If the thought of taking a practice test gives you anxiety, then you’re not alone. The solution is often to talk to a tutor, who can help you identify your weaknesses and plan a study strategy. You may also want to consider taking the test twice and taking one right before the other. This can help reduce the stress of the situation. It’s also a good idea to work out any nervousness you have by getting physical before sitting down to study.
Bottom line
Admissions officers are busy humans who have a very specific job to do each year. If they don’t get your application right away, they might miss it altogether. Because of this, you need to make sure you have everything you need to get into that school. Make sure you have a strong resume, a cover letter that shows your best self, and a well-written essay. Make your visits memorable, and make sure you network with the school’s admissions officers. And make sure you study your butt off to be ready for the test. With these tips, you can get into any school you want.