Attending your dream school is more than just a wish. It's a mindset that you need to embrace. The right attitude will set you apart from the crowd and make your higher-education dream come true. Here are some tips for attending your dream school.

Student loans

To attend your dream school, you may need to take advantage of the private student loans opportunities that are out there. Remember, though, that student loans are not all created equal.

Make your application stand out

For example, you could highlight service and community work or any unique accomplishments or extracurricular activities through which you have helped others or made a positive difference in the world. Maybe you've volunteered in some non-profit organization, worked as a mentor for kids, or held an event to raise awareness about an issue. Your extracurricular activities could include the research you have done for school, an internship you have been doing at a local business, mentoring a kid in another country, etc. You could also include your GPA and recommendation letters.

Dress appropriately

You could also emphasize any unusual talents that you might possess or the unique experiences that you've had which may make you stand out from other applicants. For example, maybe your background is in community service, but your skills are in singing or playing a musical instrument. You could also highlight awards or honours that you have won.

Be prepared for the interview

A college counselor can be a great resource when preparing for the interview portion of your application process. Ask about what subjects might be covered. There might even be opportunities to do mock interviews with available counselors beforehand.

Prepare for the written portion of the application

If you are applying early and haven't had time to visit the campus, then understand that your application will be reviewed without seeing whether or not you truly have a fit with that college. You will still have to submit high school transcripts, for example, and high school counselors can help guide you through this process. Ultimately, it's up to you to present yourself in your best light on paper.

Get a college counselor

If possible, get a high school counselor to help you with the application process. A college counselor can tell you where you may be in the process of applying to colleges and what type of questions might come up.

Don't be afraid to ask questions

If your counselor doesn't seem to know how to answer a question, don't be afraid to ask. By asking, you're getting advice from someone who has been through the college application process. Plus, your chances of getting an answer that helps you are much higher if you ask a question than if you apply because it's what everyone else is doing.

Use social media

Social media is an excellent tool for information on colleges and admissions events. You can also post important information about yourself on social networks like Facebook. You can post your accomplishments, especially if they are unique or significant enough to catch the attention of admissions offices. The more information you put out there, the better your chance of getting noticed. It's also a great way to promote yourself to others and use it as a tool for gaining exposure.

In conclusion, these tips are great for anyone who wants to attend their dream school, but you need to know that it is not an easy process. You will have to work at it and put in the time and dedication required to make it happen. It is a marathon, not a sprint.