Are you eager to escape high school or a go-nowhere job and get ready for the rest of your life? If you’re like many other students across the country, you have a “dream school” already in mind. You KNOW that this school will offer you the perfect college experience, and you are willing to do whatever it takes to get there. Right? If you are 100% committed to getting into your dream school, you should know that landing a spot at a top college can be difficult.

Before you get too discouraged, keep in mind that most of the nearly 3,000 colleges and universities in America have a 75% or higher acceptance rate. It’s definitely not impossible to get into a good school, but students often feel frustrated when they hear stories of rejection letters in the mail. So, if you’re wondering what you can do (short of donating a new building) to get into the school of your dreams, here are the lucky seven ways to make yourself irresistible to virtually any college admissions counselor in the country:

1. Prove your passion – if you are very interested in a certain subject or area, prove it! Colleges love to collect a passionate and active student body, so make sure you let them know where your skills lie. For instance, if you enjoy literature and writing, join the school newspaper. If you’re thinking of entering the medical profession, volunteer at your local hospital.

2. Get a job or internship –the students who take the initiative to explore future careers never fail to impress colleges. Plus, having a little extra cash can never hurt anyone.

3. Demonstrate leadership – are you willing to take charge? Admissions officers look for students who will make a positive impact on their college campuses. Show them that you can make a difference in your community by taking roles in the student government or starting your own organization.

4. Push your limits – if you’re still in high school, take as many challenging courses as possible. If you’ve been out of school and have been working for a while, opt for some community college classes. This shows admissions officers that you are willing and able to tackle a challenge.

5. Create a stellar resume – there are two advantages to updating your resume. One reason is to help you keep track of your accomplishments, so you don’t forget them when you’re filling out college forms. A professional resume will help admissions counselors to notice your interests and passions, as well as prove that you are ready to take the next step in pursuing your education.

6. Customize your approach – when you send in an application, you’re competing with hundreds (if not thousands) of other students. It’s very important that colleges feel like they’re your top choice. So, when you’re sending in your application, make sure that you mention a few specifics about the school so that counselors know you’re genuinely interested.

7. Make contact early – some schools keep track of how often a student corresponds with their college representatives because it shows how interested they are in attending the school. Be sure to get your name down by visiting the campus, conducting an interview, and take any opportunity you can to be involved in the college before you send in your application. The better known you become, the more likely your chances are at getting in.

Getting into the school of your dreams will require some time and commitment, but if you have the confidence to succeed, there is a very good chance that admissions counselors will be confident in you too!