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You can join the ranks of the 70% of high school students that receive an acceptance letter to their first choice college, but it takes more than getting good grades. Many students get so hung up on maintaining a high grade point average that they forget about the other factors college admission officers take into consideration. Building the right student record is similar to building a dream house. Start with the foundation—making good grades—and build up from there.

1. Score high on the SAT. SAT scores are a consideration along with your grades. This means you need to score as high as you can on your SAT. If necessary, consider obtaining a SAT preparation guide or take a class to help you score high the first time.
2. Take AP classes. Many high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) classes to high school students. If your high school offers AP classes, then you need to take them. First, it allows you to earn high school and college credit simultaneously, which cuts down the amount of classes and cost for college. Second, it shows college admission officers that you like a challenge and take your education seriously.
3. Be a participant. Participating as a member of your school and your community is an important college application enhancer. College admission officers equally weigh grades, SAT scores, AP classes and participation in extracurricular and community activities.

It’s important to build a college application that is complete. Good grades are a must, but you can enhance the quality of your application by scoring high on your SAT, taking AP classes and participating in school and community activities.