What does it take to get into a great school? How do you know how many clubs to join, how to balance academics and volunteering, which classes to take? Blue Stars has seen hundreds of students struggle with these questions.
Think about this: You wouldn’t try to build a piano if you’ve never seen a piano, would you? You wouldn’t set out to win the world soccer championship without first watching expert players win games.
To become a highly competitive student yourself, you need to know what other highly successful students did to get into their dream schools.
So how do you find out what they did?
Blue Stars has gathered some powerful information for you in our Profiles of Highly Successful Students doc below. In it, you’ll learn about what top colleges look for, what successful profiles look like, and where you stand in comparison. Don’t forget the self-assessment on the second page!
Suggested Steps for Success
- Read Profiles of Highly Successful Students below
- Use the Self-Assessment to think about your current admissions profile
- Develop your action plan — what activities will demonstrate your initiative and engagement?
*Insider Tip: While a general overview of the backgrounds of highly successful students can help, remember: there are no cookie-cutter answers! Each student’s strengths and each college’s approach to admissions is different.
Need more help planning your unique path to college?
Resources to help teens and their families navigate the college admission process
Our collection of stories, interviews, and tips provides insight and strategies to navigate the complex college planning and application process.
Learn, be inspired, and cultivate personal growth. From campus tours to interviews with former Blue Start students, choose the video that resonates with your personal journey.
Join us in our next webinar about college prep and other college related themes.
Free Workbook for Students
Start today! Go through these strategic exercises to help you sketch out your plans for all four years of high school.
- Learn key traits important to top colleges.
- Write your first personal narrative
- Branch out, exploring interests and defining activities.
- Set goals and create your 4-year college planning timeline.

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