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Applying to College

Putting Together Your Calendar

Almost every school has a different deadline for applications, so the first thing you should do is put together a calendar. Mark the deadlines for receiving your application, and then make your own 'internal' deadline a couple weeks earlier. This will ensure that you have enough time to submit your application.

Getting the College Application Packet

Many colleges have their own unique applications. Call the admissions office to request a copy or look for it on the school website. Over 300 schools now use what is known as the common application which you can fill out online or download.

Creating Your Application Packet

Next, make a list of what each school requires you to submit in your application packet. This should include letters of recommendation, transcripts, application essays and other forms. Create a separate packet along with a checklist of what you need. As you complete each item, check it off and put that item into the school folder.

Letters of Recommendation

Pick the people who know you best and can write the most about you. If you were a star pupil in chemistry, talk to your chemistry teacher! If you did extensive volunteer work or had an after-school job, ask your supervisor. Be sure to give your recommenders enough time to write the recommendations. Most of your recommendation letters can be written once and subsequently tailored to each school separately, so try to have the same person fill out more than one school if possible.

Provide your recommenders with a deadline and a stamped envelope for each of the schools. It is a good idea to include a list of your activities as well in order to remind them of the things you are good at. You want to make it as easy for them as possible.

Be sure to send a thank you note or give a small gift to each recommender once they finish your recommendation letters and send them in.

Transcripts, Application Questions and List of Activities

Your transcript is your official school record. Your guidance counselor will usually send copies of your transcript to the colleges you are applying to. If you are applying to graduate school, you can order copies of your transcript from your undergraduate institution for a fee.

If you are a senior, only your grades up through when you apply will be included in your transcript. Be aware that your school will likely send your final grades after you graduate, however, so keep your GPA up during your final semester!

Make a list of all the application essay questions. Some will be very similar or identical, so that you will only need to write one essay which you can use for multiple schools. In other cases, your essay will have to be unique to a single application.

List your activities in order of your participation. Put all your leadership roles first (team captain, student government, Eagle Scout, musical soloist). Then focus additional attention on the two or three activities where you showed initiative in those organizations.

Other Ways to Stand Out

It never hurts to provide tangible evidence of your talents. For example, if you are a musician then consider including a CD or tape of your playing. Your high school music director should be able to assist you in creating one if you cannot do it yourself.

If you are an athlete and know that you would be able to contribute to the college team, write a polite letter to the coach. Discuss your times, achievements, etc. with respect to your sport and mention how much you desire to attend the school and train under the coach.

Home Schooled, International or Transfer

If you have special circumstances such that you are unable to provide all the necessary application materials, call the school admissions office and explain your situation. They will be able to tell you how to proceed, and what information you can use as a substitute to the normally requested material.

If you are a musician, include a CD of your playing if you have any solo work.

Early Applications

If one or more of your schools offers early acceptance or early admissions, make sure you know about it! Especially if the school is one of your top picks. Early admissions can be a great way to stand out from the crowd and show the college that you really care about studying there. Students have historically had a much better chance of being accepted when they apply for early admission.

The main drawback to early acceptance programs is that many are 'binding.' So if you are accepted, be prepared to go to that school.

Study Up

Get to know as much about each of the schools you are applying to as you can. Talk to current students, read articles about the school, and discuss your applications with your counselor and family to get feedback.

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