College Application Tips for Black Students

According to a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), people with bachelor's degrees earn roughly $10,000 more in median yearly pay than workers who only hold high school diplomas. However, long before reaping the financial rewards of a college degree, you will first need to gain acceptance to a school. To help you pass through those ivy-covered gates, let's look at three great ways to improve your college application.

Tip #1: Take Advantage of Common College Applications
If you worry about juggling your college applications' various requirements, check out the Common Application program. The Common Application provides a single standardized college application, which first-year and transfer students can use to apply to over three hundred schools. Also, if you are interested in historically black colleges, you're in luck: many prominent historically black colleges participate in the Common Application program, including Morehouse College and Fisk University.

Tip #2: Make Friends with Your Teachers
A glowing letter of recommendation from one of your high school teachers can help distinguish you from the many hundreds of other college applicants. You can get to know your instructors in several ways. First, speak up during group discussions. Also, seek personal help from your teachers during and after class--this can show teachers both your commitment to learning and your friendly personality.

Tip #3: Perfect Your College Application's Personal Statement
Avoid highlighting your personal shortcomings or making downbeat comments on your personal essay. Also, stay away from clichéd ideas and statements, such as "my experience opened my eyes to a whole new world" or "I no longer take my parents for granted." After finishing your personal statement, make sure to have a sharp-eyed friend, parent, or teacher double-check your essay for typos.

Finally, remember that many colleges provide grants and scholarships tailored for incoming black students. Besides university-based financial aid opportunities, you should research outside organizations that offer scholarships for black students, such as the United Negro College Fund, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Sources:
The Common Application
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Median Weekly Earnings"