Now that you have finished researching colleges, it's time to create a final list of schools to which you plan to apply. Review your college comparison sheet and see which colleges best meet your preferences. There's no limit to how many colleges you can apply, but each application takes time and money. A good rule of thumb is to choose four to six colleges. The college application process can seem like an overwhelming task, especially when you're applying to more than one school. But most college applications are made up of the following components:
When to Apply
Find out the application deadline for each of your prospective schools. The first week of January is a common time for application due dates. Some schools accept applications on a continuing basis until class space is full.
Plan to submit your completed application well in advance of the deadline. Doing so will prevent you from rushing and making mistakes that may affect the quality of your application.
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The Application
Find out if any of the schools on your list accepts the Common Application, a generic admission application accepted by hundreds of colleges and universities. The Common Application allows you to complete a single application to submit to multiple colleges. View the list of participating institutions and download the application.
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The Essay
Think of your application essay as an opportunity to express who you are and what makes you unique. Most college applications give you a prompt or ask you to respond to a question. Some common prompts include:
- Describe a significant experience, achievement, risk or ethical dilemma you have faced and evaluate its importance.
- Indicate a person who has had a significant impact on you. Describe that person's influence.
- Complete a one-page personal statement.
- Describe yourself. What quality do you like best in yourself? What do you like least?
- Why is [college name] a good choice for you?
- Tell us about your career goals.
Generally, your response should be approximately 500 words, but be sure to follow the instructions provided in the application. If you're not sure about the length requirement, check with an admissions representative.
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Letters of Recommendation
Recommendations from teachers, guidance counselors and others allow the college admissions committee to learn about you in a way that grades and test scores may not reflect. Usually you will be required to submit two recommendations: one from a counselor and another from a teacher. You also may ask other adults who know you well to write one. Family members are not appropriate, but a coach, work supervisor or mentor would be.
Most colleges have specific forms that your recommenders will need to complete, sign and send along with their letters. You should gather these forms, either by downloading them from the college's Web site or by locating them in the application packet. Once you've decided on your recommenders, create a packet for each.
Remember to include the following in each packet:
- A formal letter asking for the recommender's support and noting the deadline.
- The recommendation form.
- Any instructions provided in the application.
- A pre-stamped envelope addressed to the admissions office, if required.
You also can include additional supporting materials that tell each letter writer more about you and your goals. Make sure to allot plenty of time for everyone to write and submit their letters. We recommend that you give your recommenders a self-addressed stamped postcard, and ask that they drop it in the mail when they mailed out the recommendation letter. That way, you know the letter has been sent.
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Transcripts and Standardized Test Scores
Your transcript is the record kept by your school of all of your coursework, grades, test scores and other activities. Most colleges will require your high school(s) to send an official copy of your transcript directly to the college.
See your guidance counselor or someone in your high school's administration office to request that transcript copies be sent to each college to which you're applying.
In most cases, you also will need to provide official scores from standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT. If you did not request that scores be sent to all of your prospective colleges when you took the test, you will need to contact the testing agency.
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