College Application

The college application process can be one of the most stressful steps in preparing for college. However, with some planning and organization, you can be on your way to a new stage in your life.

College Application Tips

Narrow Your Selection

Through your college search, you should have explored many options and decided on a few schools to which you would like to apply. Students can base their decision on a wide range of factors including size of school, reputation, available majors, and location. Most students apply to multiple colleges, so it's not necessary to make any final decisions, though.

Get Organized

Some information will be required for every application, so it's best to create a master list. If you're filling out online applications, you can even create a document file with this information and copy and paste it into the appropriate fields.

You'll want to keep a list of:

• Extracurricular activities, including any offices held
• Honors and awards
• Employment
• Special accomplishments
• GPA
• ACT or SAT scores
• Degrees earned

Even if some college applications don't require you to list a specific aspect of your experience, having your achievements available at a glance can also help you in writing your application essays and personal statements.

Filling Out the Application

Make sure you're using the correct application. Most schools have different applications for undergraduate and graduate work, and some even have specific transfer student forms.

Most colleges have placed their application materials online. Some offer an online submission form, while others provide the application as a PDF file. These files are usually formatted so you can type your information directly into the spaces. When using online forms, make sure you save your work often and print a copy for your own records.

You can also print an application or request one from the school and fill it out by hand. If you choose this option, use your neatest handwriting, or try to find a typewriter. Some schools and offices keep them around especially for filling out forms.

Many applications require prospective students to submit an essay or personal statement. These pieces are an important part of your presentation, so you should take your time. Proofread them carefully and even ask a teacher or parent to look over them to make sure you're making the best impression possible.

Every college application requires an application fee, which usually falls in the $20 to $50 range. These fees are non-refundable, and they can usually be paid by check or credit card. Application fee waivers may be available for students facing financial difficulties.

Deadlines

• Use a calendar to keep track of all deadlines.
• Generally, the earlier you can submit your application, the better. Some schools offer an early decision option. The advantage to this is knowing you've been accepted early in your senior year, relieving a lot of worry and stress. The disadvantage is you have to commit to this college once you've been accepted, so you must be very sure it's your first-choice school.
• Some applications are lengthy, while others are concise. Budget your time accordingly.
• Community colleges usually have more flexible application deadlines.
• If you're applying for school-sponsored scholarships or graduate fellowships and assistantships, there may be additional deadlines to consider.
• If there are any portions of your application that depend on others, such as letters of recommendation, make sure to allow enough time to gather this information.

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