How to Get Into Your Dream College: A Step-by-Step Guide

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College applications are SUPER daunting, so I made this step-by-step guide to help! These tips really helped me out as I navigated through my college apps in high school. I think providing context on my own personal experience in this video was also really important because each applicant is unique in their own way! My path to college is definitely not the path for everyone. Just make sure you showcase YOUR passion and stories, showing that you are a great fit for each school you apply to!
THANK YOU to everyone supporting this channel! If you liked this video and want to see more content like this, hit that thumbs up button and subscribe!! And comment down below any video ideas (doesn't have to be Harvard related)! WE ARE ON THE ROAD TO 100K🔥
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[@minc_x]

Helen, thank you so much for being real and honest with us! Especially when you mentioned how we don't have to be "perfect at everything" or be involved in as many EC's as we can (Just focus on your passions) As well as how grades and test scores aren't everything. I see so many students do over-the-top things just to get into their dream school, when in the end.. the work field won't truly care about your academic background. You being transparent about the real world and how adulting is hard, is really something I applaud. Everyone's journey is unique. Keep up the authenticity in your videos. We need more content that shows the different aspects of reality, especially for teenagers transitioning to adulthood.

[@HelenPiltner]

Thank you!!! This is exactly what I want to get across to my audience. No one is perfect and everyone has their own unique journey to college! Stay tuned for more videos soon :)

[@ColbyMartel]

Thanks Helen, my dream is to go to Harvard too! I will remember this when applying in the fall!!

[@HelenPiltner]

Looking forward to seeing you on campus Colby🤓🥳

[@user-cm2ru7rx5b]

You’re great 👍

[@rachelcheah1763]

this is my absolute dream. University to study with my puppy 🐶🎨😘

[@Natalie_Anne21]

As a junior in college, about to be a senior after this semester!! I agree!! Everyone's journey is different however, for me I went the community college route, where I got my A.A. (debt free!!! yay!!) and then transferred to my dream college!! Just work hard, and don't beat yourself up if nothing goes perfect!! That's part of the journey, I do suggest, going the community college route however! Good luck and work hard for those graduating high school and those who are becoming seniors in high school for the next school year!!

[@ArloTheDancer]

My dad got into a IVY league score. He said colleges prefer people who are really good at one thing. For example, Basketball or Competitive dance. Then do million things and not be good at any, or be a little above average.

[@shoshanaloomer]

I’m finishing up my last few months junior year, so this video came out at the perfect time 😂

[@kittiesjewelrystore]

Thank you so much, I have been so motivated after watching your channel!! You have pushed me into doing more 😊

[@Scrappy527]

Awesome video and a really good message for not only high school students who are going through the application process (or getting ready to for next year) but college kids who are facing the pressures of having everything lined up (internships, post grad plans, etc.). It all works out in the end.

[@PurpleGirl-im9bq]

FIRST!!! Love your vids!!

[@the_real_andresjorgeortiz]

I love your videos! Thank you for sharing this video!

[@stevetgraphixartist]

You are amazing! Excellent vlog with this info!! GREAT IDEA!!! I cant wait for the next vlog!! Good luck in school!!!

[@NyikaWachira]

like this comment if you're waiting for ivy decisions on thursday

[@makeupbyymaha]

sameee

[@makeupbyymaha]

im so nervous ugh

[@katehsia]

good luck guys!!

[@clore6886]

Yes good luck everyone!! Hope it goes well

[@jxydas]

how’d it go!

[@PurpleGirl-im9bq]

Hi! Can you make a video on research? And how to find mentors? And what EC awards specifically you have and how you got them? Thanks and great video!!!

[@HelenPiltner]

Thank you!! I didn't get many awards but got some recognition at competitions for dance and piano. As for academic awards, I just got AP Scholar With Distinction and mainly local awards. As for research, all I have to say is reach out to professors at universities surrounding your area and say that you're really interested in working with them! Do some research on any labs at local unis and see what interests you!

[@2134knees]

Thanks Helen!! I had the same question about Research. I have a certain person I want to do stuff under. If I have an idea for a topic should I reach out to her?

[@PurpleGirl-im9bq]

Thank you, but what if they do not work with freshman’s, and how do you cold e-mail them? Thanks so much for the reply!!!

[@HelenPiltner]

Yep, just reach out! It might be easier to just work in what her lab is already doing, but it doesn't hurt to put forth any topic you'd like to research.@@2134knees

[@HelenPiltner]

If they don't work with freshmen, just ask when you could possibly work with them...no rush to jump right into a research project freshman year. When you email, just introduce yourself, say you're interested in whatever they're working on in their lab, and provide any relevant background on why you'd be a good addition to the lab. Best of luck!@@PurpleGirl-im9bq

[@clashernoob0166]

Thx! We were waiting for this one...we love we love ❤

[@lk6015]

Loved your acceptance video, i got emo as a dad. My daughter, Karis Ka, will be a freshman this fall. I hope she gets to meet you, at least for one year.

[@HelenPiltner]

Thanks so much!! Congrats to your daughter :)

[@myroslav6873]

Wonderful video! I felt horrible and stressed when I went to uni. But at the end of my first year I got a girlfriend, without her I would've crawled out of my skin and gone crazy. My twins are in middle school now, and I'm glad that they will graduate when they are 18 and a half. I graduated high school basically the day I turned 17, in late May. I was not ready for the big world.

[@user-jq6ro5rt6s]

im stressed at university but i was born ugly and have never had somebody find me attractive in my life and feel so lonely. my life has just gotten worse since going to college and i think about ending it quite often

[@oranzhevyyptitsaalou4795]

No way you're graduating next year. I just watched your Harvard acceptance video like a few months ago. It feels like just yesterday you were getting your Harvard acceptance. Time is crazy fast. It's refreshing to hear your advice because it's so natural. So many students do too many things or do things they don't like and feel entitled. Harvard definitely accepted the right student when they accepted you. Will you share your Harvard Admissions file one day?

[@HelenPiltner]

Thank you! Not exactly sure about sharing comments from my admissions file yet, but I will think about it!! ❤️

[@lk6015]

loved your reactions on the 2021 video. my daughter had similar experiences, all her IV leauges were rejections and waitlisted, but Harvard and Cornell accepted her. She will be Harvard2028! And she received a full ride for both!

[@thatperson868]

Wowww tell her she deserved it and I hope her college journey is the best

[@gujju2026]

much awaited video!! w Helen

[@koroshkaviani1466]

It was very helpful.

[@mystic328]

This is very helpful :))

[@Cutebunnieslol]

Hi Helen! I have a question, don’t you need 4 years of English to graduate high school? How did you graduate high school without junior year of English? Btw your videos are so inspiring and helpful ILYSMMM 😘

[@HelenPiltner]

Everyone needs 4 years of English and other subjects (math, science, social studies) in my high school, so I took summer classes to make up for what I would have taken in a 4th year of high school😊. I took a literature class and econ class summer before senior year. I already had the math and science credits completed!

[@zaraaa_m]

my older cousin got into harvard law and stanford law last year and she ultimately chose stanford because it’s closer to home and the law program is higher ranked, and her younger sister got into ucla so i got a lot to live up to :)

[@HelenPiltner]

Congrats to them and best of luck to you!!!

[@AI_HUMAN_SPECTRUM]

Helen , gives us more tips that will eventually lead to the same campus as you for 4 years 😊

[@paulasaesthltics]

While everyone my age is playing outside im thinking about my future

[@7venteen_eella]

Please can you make a video like this for a Nigerian student ?

[@heroryan7859]

When did you start your essays? Also, could you elaborate on having two personal statements for different schools, etc?

[@HelenPiltner]

I started around the beginning of the summer before senior year! I started out with my main common app essay, so I had lots of time to revise it. I had 2 different common app essays only because I recycled one or the other as supplemental essays for certain schools. I liked having the options of 2 separate common apps and submitted those based on what the supplementals looked like for each application. This is definitely not necessary, but it's just what I did to have multiple options for all of my essays!

[@heroryan7859]

@@HelenPiltner thank you!

[@catg-qn8sv]

Hi! Any advice on choosing either Yale, Harvard, or Princeton for Econ?

[@czoelightmupdoomsday7634]

Greatest video ever

[@JaneUgoh]

Love u❤❤❤ Helen biggest fan

[@noramay2996]

Hello! I'm a freshman student and is planning to do research but the thing is does is count as being published if ur school principle or tr aprrove it and post it on their school web/page? And can research be done with a group? Thank u and I really look up to u

[@JaneUgoh]

Helen my question is how were u able to cope with fees

[@zonhninset1482]

Does Harvard accept IGCSE o and a levels?? Is it okay if I don't take SAT???

[@chiyu.tamade]

They accept British curricula i'm not so sure about igcse but definitely o and a level SAT you don't need but it's much better for you if you upload, if a school is picking between two similar people one with an ok score and one who didn't list the score they're gonna take the one with an ok score so even though its optional it's highly advised Plus I assume if you're applying harvard your also doing yale and Princeton and all the other ivies and some of them are already bringing back required sat so 🤷‍♀️

[@NataliaRamos-ms2gq]

What's a comap essay? I'm studying English and I don't know what's that

[@fati74344]

And does ivy Leagues consider age? Can someone apply at 32 in BS programs, bachelors programs?

[@luvlymelons5242]

I GOT INTO HARVARD AND BROWN WHATT

[@marwaadem]

Hi Helen! 😊❤️🤩

[@fati74344]

How is it that you completed high school at 17? Did you skip years?

[@katelynnwittwer]

No she said she graduates college in one year aka 2025 I graduate highschool in 2025 😭

[@CreativeSarahWay]

ugh my freshmen grades are just so not all that it's average with B's and I'm not doing senior year cuz I'm graduating a year early

[@HelenPiltner]

That's ok, just try your best to show improvement throughout high school! And set yourself apart from other applicants with your ECs and essays!!!

[@RaymondRaymond02]

Yes❤❤❤

[@YNmq3]

do u have any tips for me cause I wanna get into a good college but I have no idea what I want to major in. I’m thinking business, bio, science, health, psychology area

[@HelenPiltner]

You don't have to know exactly what you wanna do but just make sure you highlight those general interests in health/science through your activities and essays :)

[@BookBook-yw1kr]

Did u apply as undergraduate or graduate?.

[@HelenPiltner]

I'm an undergrad lol (this video is talking about college)

[@BookBook-yw1kr]

@@HelenPiltner is writing essays or research most important part of getting accepted in harvard.

[@nils4812]

Bonjour helen pilner

[@HelenPiltner]

Bonjour

[@nils4812]

@@HelenPiltner ça va ça fait plaisir

[@kathryn7739]

Do you wish you attended 4 years of high school instead? I think your university liked that you did all this advanced college level coursework and independent research. They probably accepted you for that reason. Otherwise, I think demographics might have helped, especially since you are not a legacy admit or come from a feeder.

[@HelenPiltner]

I think given my demographics, I did the best I could to stand out from everyone in my area, and the admissions officers really liked that. In hindsight, part of me wishes I had a "more normal" high school experience of 4 years, but like I said in this video, I don't regret my 3 years of high school! Everyone's journey to college is different, and this happened to be the one for me.

[@PurpleGirl-im9bq]

Can I get a pin?

[@shadowmt6735]

Getting into your dream is a pure luck that one of the college admission officer said. All is about this admission officer's mood when he/she reads the application. So many good applicants for few spots.

[@HelenPiltner]

It's true that there are so many overqualified applicants and only a few of them are selected, but getting into your dream college is not ALL about the admission officer's mood. It's definitely a factor, but I made these tips to help you guys stand out as much as you can!

[@雷秉天]

Listen up Helen Piltner, I have no clue, no clue, whatsoever, why but... I believe you are a spitting image, physically (in terms of appeal, beauty, and looks) just like: Anna Nicole Smith.

[@Sectretbs]

Me whatching this as a fourteen year old from belgium: 🦧