COLLEGE PREP > APPLICATION PROCESS
So, you want to go to college... You’ve been getting catalogs and promotional materials in the mail... You’ve visited college campuses... You’ve talked to admissions staff... You’ve studied and taken the ACT or SAT...
Now comes the time to fill out the college application! While the application itself is not usually too arduous, there are some key things to keep in mind...
Now comes the time to fill out the college application! While the application itself is not usually too arduous, there are some key things to keep in mind...
DeadlinesTo receive priority admissions consideration, you must complete the entire application by the school’s deadline. A school will not accept you unless all the components of the application are present prior to the deadline. Once you have determined the schools you’d like to apply to, check to see what (if any) their deadline is. For some of the more competitive schools the deadline is early and anyone accepted after that deadline is put on a waiting list.
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EssaysMost schools require some sort of admissions essay. This helps the admissions counselor get a feel for who you are, as well as your ability to effectively communicate in written form. Try not to be overly verbose since the admissions staff often has hundreds of applications to sift through. Write intelligently. This is the first impression you will make on the admissions staff, so be sure to use appropriate grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
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ReferencesAn application will always require a few references or recommendations. Typically a school would like to hear from a teacher or coach, a boss or someone that knows your work ethic, as well as a close family friend that can speak to your character. Be sure to ask permission of the person that you are asking to give the recommendation. Typically you will need to provide their e-mail or mailing address to the school and then the school will send them a questionnaire or form to fill out on your behalf.
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Test ScoresMost schools will accept both the ACT or SAT. Each school has a code, and when you register to take the test you can enter the codes of the schools you would like your scores sent to. In most cases, the schools will receive your test scores before you do! If you did not have the scores automatically sent to the schools of your choice, you can always request ACT or SAT to send them.
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TranscriptsIn order for a transcript to be considered official, it must come directly from the high school in a sealed envelope. If you have taken any college credit or AP classes these will be on your transcripts and the college registrar’s office cannot accept any of those credits unless it comes from an official transcript document.
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Submit OnlineAlthough you could complete a paper application, most schools offer you the option to fill out the application online. Even if you do not complete the application, once you begin the process your name and contact info will be in that school’s database and you will begin to receive mailings and phone calls from that school.
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Students Do the Work...It is not uncommon for parents to want to help their kid by filling out their application, but... although it is a nice sentiment, you, as the student, must assume the responsibility for getting into college. It does you no long-term favors to have your parents get you into college.
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Apply Early...If you are hoping to be awarded early placement or scholarships, you should apply early! Many students are applying to college by the end of their junior year, and Seniors should apply by early November or December in order to allow time to be accepted prior to the beginning of the financial aid awarding season (March 1). If you are serious about any of the schools that you have been accepted to, then go ahead and place a tuition and/or housing deposit (often $100-$300). Those deposits are typically fully refundable until May 1st, but will ensure that you have a spot with your name on it.
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