A Guide to College Applications for Students

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The college application process can be stressful when you think about all of the other applicants who are vying for the same spots. It’s essential that your application stands out from the rest to gain the attention of your school of choice. Get organized before you begin applying so you can focus your efforts where they will pay off. Applying early also has some advantages.

What to Do Before Applying for College

Before you begin applying to colleges, spend some time doing things that will position you to be a strong applicant. Your goal is to look appealing on paper, and there are several things you can do to make this happen. It’s a good idea to volunteer your time in your community. It’s not necessary to spend countless hours volunteering, but choose an organization and volunteer some hours on a regular basis. If you can find an organization that fits with your career goals, that’s even better. Prepare for and take pre-college standardized tests, since these scores are often required for college applications. Research the schools you might want to attend, giving thought to their location, size, and majors.

Assembling Documents for a College Application

A full college application has multiple parts, and every college has a unique application process. The application itself may be specific to a school, or the college could use a common application form. Most schools will require you to provide your personal information, details about extracurricular activities, honors you’ve earned, an essay, and an application fee. You will also need to submit your standardized test scores. Your high school guidance counselor can assist with submitting your official transcript, final grade reports, and recommendations from teachers and counselors.

How to Choose Schools

You have many options for schools, and it’s easy to apply to too many colleges. Most experts recommend applying to between five and eight different schools. The schools you choose should be a combination of dream schools, possible schools, and safety schools. The dream schools are the ones where it will be a challenge to be accepted, the safety schools are ones that are easy to get into, and the possible schools are ones where you’re likely to be accepted. Make sure your target schools offer your desired major, check to make sure that the student-to-faculty ratio is not more than 20 to 1, and consider the location of your target schools. You’ll need to decide whether you want to stay local or you are ready for a big move across the country.

The College Essay

Writing a college essay can be intimidating, but the essay is a crucial component of a college application. The essay is your opportunity to make your application unique and compelling. Give yourself enough time to consider your topic, write a rough draft, revise the draft, rewrite the essay, and perform a final proofread. The counselors who review your essay should be able to get to know you through your essay. Don’t just list accomplishments: Instead, write about something you really care about. Be sure to use clear details and descriptive language to pull the reader into the story.

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