As high school students, many of us dream of getting into the best colleges, but how can we stand out from the crowd and truly set ourselves up for success? Here’s your ultimate guide to positioning yourself for a top 10% college.

1. Use AI
Artificial Intelligence might seem like a controversial topic, especially when teachers warn against using it too much ChatGPT, but the truth is, it can be a powerful tool to enhance your learning. While teachers may tell you to avoid relying on it, they are not your AI expert, they’re here to help guide you. In fact, during the summer, I had the chance to talk to an AI researcher at Anthropic (Claude AI’s parent company). Here’s my notes on what he said that day:

– AI is really cool, and will exponentially grow(scaling law)
– Some confidential information he leaked about Anthropic that I can’t talk about
– There it is — “Don’t listen to your professors when you get to college or your teachers currently … use AI … AI will evolve just like how calculators and web2 evolve.”

AI tools can help you understand complex concepts, generate ideas for essays, and even test your knowledge. However, it’s crucial to use AI ethically. Don’t use it to cheat, but rather to complement your learning and improve your understanding.
Here are a few AI Tools I use as a student:
ChatGPT: General overall tool
Perplexity and Claude: Research
Grammarly: (of course) Writing

2. Preparation
One of the easiest ways to stand out and create opportunities for yourself is to always be prepared. Think about it: someone who shows up ready for a meeting or class looks confident and knowledgeable, and that leads to more chances and recognition. You don’t have to wait until the next semester to start preparing better. Even though we’re already in Quarter 2, you can still change your habits and start preparing for classes in advance. The benefit? You’ll spend less time studying later and have more time for activities that contribute to your personal growth and college applications.

3. Block Out Time
You don’t need to spend hours and hours a day buried in schoolwork. The key to success is time management. Aim to spend no more than 2 hours or even less a day on school-related tasks. College admissions aren’t as obsessed with grades as you might think; they care more about your effort, consistency, and involvement. Find a system that works for you and automate your studying as much as possible. Don’t use too many nuance apps/tools, they might overwhelm you, consider using only a few. For me, Google Calendar, Notion, and Trello work. Consider using techniques like the Pomodoro Method to study efficiently; set a timer for 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break. This keeps you focused, helps you avoid burnout, and ensures you’re working at your highest potential.

4. Find Pathways
Your goals won’t get you very far without a solid pathway. This means talking to your counselor regularly(around 1 meeting every several months) and setting up meetings to discuss your plans. Speak with teachers, family, and friends to gain insight into how others reached their goals. Remember, it’s not just about your specific goal but also about the system you create for achieving it. Once you have a clear idea, look for relevant opportunities. Whether it’s jobs, internships, or extracurricular activities. That will help you build a clear pathway to success. Your teachers are also a wonderful resource in helping you.

5. Master One Thing
Colleges love applicants who are really good at one thing, whether it’s sports, art, or a specialized skill. Don’t try to be a well-rounded student; focus on one area and become an expert in it. If you’re passionate about something, like art, sports, or even coding, dedicate yourself to mastering that skill. Colleges appreciate depth over breadth, and showing that you’ve dedicated significant time and energy to one pursuit can make you stand out as a unique and committed individual.

6. Reach Out
It may seem intimidating, but reaching out to professionals in fields you’re interested in can open up doors to opportunities. Whether it’s athletes, doctors, artists, or engineers, most professionals are more than willing to share their experiences and give advice to young students. Even if some don’t respond, keep trying! Building your network with people who can offer guidance, mentorship, or opportunities can have a huge impact on your growth and future chances. This is how I got my internship during the summer, by reaching out.

7. Create a System that Works
Your success won’t come from setting lofty goals alone; it will come from creating and sticking to a system that gets you closer to those goals every day. You don’t have to follow a rigid path, but the system you develop should be flexible enough to accommodate your needs.

8. Colleges Care More About Your Effort Than Your Grade
College admissions care more about your efforts and passion than just your GPA. If you’re taking challenging AP courses and pushing yourself to excel in them, even with an average grade, that’s often more impressive than acing regular courses. Think about this: a student with a 1560 SAT score might be great, but if another student whom have 1420, but he is 2nd in the state for lacrosse, guess who the college is likely to pick? Colleges value students who go above and beyond, so challenge yourself with harder courses and be involved in meaningful extracurriculars.

9. Practice
Success is not about being perfect from the start; it’s about continuous improvement. Practice is crucial in every aspect of life, whether it’s preparing for a test, playing a sport, or writing essays. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. Practicing not only helps you improve but also reduces the anxiety you feel when performing under pressure.

Standing out as a high schooler and securing a spot in the top 10% of colleges isn’t just about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about strategy, preparation, and persistence. By embracing AI, preparing in advance, managing your time effectively, and developing a strong system, you’ll put yourself on the path to success. Focus on one area you can excel in, reach out to mentors, and practice every skill that matters. Remember, colleges care about your effort and potential more than your grades alone. Good luck!