Five Tips from Hermione to Ace College Admissions

Hermione might repay her teachers by rushing to answer even more questions in class. Since you probably won't do that, something more tangible like a great paperback or even a gift card to a favorite coffee shop lets your teachers and counselors know that you really appreciate the time they've spent pitching you as a great candidate to your colleges.

Although AutoCorrect was the natural Muggle adaptation of Spell-Checking Quills, it's not great. That said, the smallest of typos do not warrant an email to admissions. The occasional wrong tense, missing vowel, or wrongly capitalized name should not result in a freak out on the same level of, say, a Time-Turner mishap that cost you an exam.

You remember those early days when Hermione lacked self-awareness and couldn't help but answer every question in class? Felt a bit disingenuous at times, right? The reverse also holds true in the Muggle world. Admissions officers can see through "cookie-cutter" questions you've memorized to feign interest. Instead, ask something specific to your possible attending college that won't be found on the main page of a website. You'll be remembered more for it. Questions are there to provide insight, not score points on tours.

There's a reason Hermione sought academic advice from McGonagall and social connections through Slughorn. She knew some people could provide better information for specific areas more than others. Similarly, you should think the same with your essays. What good is it showing it to friends who are just as lost in the admissions process as you are? Find teachers, mentors, or professional coaches who have done this year after year. Not only will they be more knowledgeable, but they'll also be less likely to be influenced by any form of a personal history.

Even Hermione broke with the conventional education path when she departed before completing her final year. Gap years are becoming so popular that we're even seeing the rise of double gap years. Spread your wings. A year off after high school can be a great alternative if you don't feel like you can present the best version of yourself during senior year. Granted, don't slack off once you've decided for it. Use the time to enhance what you bring to these colleges. After all, Hermione did use this period to take down the greatest villain of her time. That would definitely stand out on any application.