Important Information on College Applications

The application process is the most important step students take in getting into the college of their choice.  Your students should start working on their college applications early in their senior year.  Following are several tips to pass along to your student for filling out a college application:

• Research the colleges that you are interested in and check out their acceptance criteria.  Each college has its own admissions policy and procedures.
• Review each application form so that you are familiar with what is required to fill it out correctly.  Take time to thoroughly read the directions and follow the instructions carefully.
• Know each college’s DEADLINE!  Keep a list of each college’s application deadline in a place (e.g., desk, night stand, refrigerator, etc.) where you can clearly see it.  Missing a deadline almost always means missing your chance to apply to that college.
• Have a copy of your SAT and/or ACT test results sent to the colleges that you are applying to.
• Carefully consider your recommendations.  Some colleges have very specific instructions about who they want to write your recommendations.  Check each college’s requirements and then determine who you are going to ask to write you a letter of recommendation.
• Take your time when writing your college essays.  You need to commit both time and energy to do it right.  Start by writing what you know and care about, and then have someone, such as a friend, parent and teacher read what you have written.  It always helps to put the essay aside for a couple of days and then go back and read it again.
• All colleges will want an official copy of your high school academic transcript as part of the application package.  Most colleges require that your high school send your transcript directly to their admissions office.  You should leave plenty of time for your high school registrar to process your request.  Do not wait until the last minute!
• Some colleges prefer that you apply online or are part of the “common application”.  This method allows you to fill out your application at your own pace, and then can return as often as you like until you are finished.  You can also upload your essay directly to your application.  A checklist is provided to ensure that you are completing each step in the application process.
• If you are submitting your application by mail, you will want to refer back to the instructions to ensure all of the proper forms are in the envelope.  Make sure you put the correct amount of postage on the envelope since most application packets will cost more than a single stamp.

The college application process can be a tedious one that requires time, effort and patience.  The worst thing to do is to wait until the last minute and then rush through the process!  Do the best you can, and in the end you will be glad you did!

Randy Stoltz, President