Grades can be frustrating. You’ve worked especially hard in a particular class, and yet, the grade your teacher has given you doesn’t accurately reflect your effort. But do you know what’s more of a challenge? Self-grading. In one of my classes this year, our instructor lets us give ourselves a grade on every single test and quiz we take in her class. While this may sound incredible at first, giving myself grades on my exams has actually been one of the most difficult exercises I have ever done. It turns into a constant battle with yourself: don’t give yourself too high of a grade you don’t deserve, but don’t be too humble with a low grade you worked hard for. Last week, in this particular class, we were going over a test. I had thoroughly and correctly explained my answers, with my best effort, so I decided to give myself one-hundred percent. For the first time, I scribbled a “30/30” across the top of the exam and turned it in. And it felt good.
Perhaps you don’t have a class where you’re required to self-grade, but if you are a sophomore or junior in high school, you need to get used to noting your hard-work and sharing it with others. I’m talking college. When applying to college, there is no individual who can vocalize your passions, skill-sets, and dreams better than yourself. You’re going to have to get used to talking about yourself. A lot. Based on this, here are 3 secrets to set you up for success senior year.

Secret #1: It’s okay to be proud.

I’m not talking arrogant. Nobody likes that student who can’t stop bragging about being soccer captain, running for ASB President, having a superior GPA, and their dozen other accomplishments. This doesn’t mean being proud among your peers: this means being proud to admissions officers who want to learn about you. If you’ve worked hard on a project that you care about, then talk about it in college-entrance essays and interviews proudly, with the genuine passion you have. Don’t cut yourself short. You have accomplished so much in your time in high school, even if it’s as simple as learning how a business is run by working part-time at a local restaurant. Every little success speaks volumes about who you are as a college applicant. Be proud of what you have learned and how you have succeeded.

Secret #2: Record your accomplishments

Start now! Take note of things that have sparked your interest, things that you are proud of, and things that you put all your effort into. When it comes time to craft an essay about areas you are passionate about, make it easier on yourself by recording these things throughout high school. One great way to show-case yourself on a free online platform is to create a Cirkledin account at www.cirkledin.com. Cirkledin allows you to record everything you have accomplished, enhancing your story with pictures and explanations about activities. Colleges will view your profile and learn who you are as a person, rather than a set of numbers on paper. Taking note of the things that make you proud is one of the most important parts of this process. If you don’t record it, then you’ll lose the opportunity to share a piece of who you are.

Secret #3: Be aware of deadlines.

Create a calendar, form a list, and start a planner to stay organized. Staying on top of deadlines is essential for succeeding in senior year. College application deadlines are fixed dates that you must plan around. One way to meet these deadlines is to finish tasks early. During the spring of my junior year, I asked two teachers if they would write college recommendation letters for me. I also began working on my Common Application essay.

Give yourself extra time to edit final drafts and handle unexpected issues. This will help you finish stronger in the end.

You know yourself best, so focus on presenting your best version. Using these three secrets can help you prepare for a low-stress senior year. Many students feel uncomfortable sharing personal stories and accomplishments. Writing to admissions officers can feel like introducing yourself to someone new while learning about them at the same time.

At first, it may feel awkward, similar to self-evaluation. However, you will gain confidence when you learn how to earn your “30/30.” When you talk about the activities that define you, you will feel proud of your story on Cirkled In.