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The ABCs of Applying for College

Written by The Juco Staff

Wednesday, 08 November 2006

And the XYZs, too. No, this isn't College Applications for Dummies. (And if they're dummies, how could they get into college anyway?) This is just your basic checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your application packet. The deadline for most schools is January, which is approaching fast. So before you mail off your application, read our list of tips that will make the application process easier. Application materials. Whether you are working on computer or with old-fashioned paper applications, make sure you have all your materials for each application. Keep them in separate folders (expandable hanging folders are ideal for this). You may want to color-code the folders. organization will save you time and stress. Blanks. If you have any questions on an item, don't fake it. Leave that area alone and come back to it. You can be penalized for incorrect or misleading information on an application. Counselors. Talk to them about the application process, get your school records from them, ask for their advice. Deadlines. Make sure you know exactly when to submit. Most colleges have a deadline of early January or late February. Check and see if the colleges you are applying to have rolling admissions. Even if they do, it's still a good idea to apply... Early. Although most applications submitted in December won't be read right away, you do stand a better chance if you do submit several weeks before the deadline. You are competing with thousands of applications. Financial aid. Make sure you have all those applications too. Check out our Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions and our Financial Aid Resources. Grades. If you don't have great ones, try to make up for it with an outstanding application essay. And if you have good reason for the low G.P.A.--you are dyslexic, you are a recent immigrant, etc.., your mother had life-threatening cancer, etc..--make sure you explain this in the essay. If you made your grades 20 years ago, list them, but focus on your experience (and yes, being a homemaker is a job!) High school activities. The admissions office probably doesn't need to know everything about you, such as that protest against the cafeteria food you organized. List only the ones you're proudest of and that you feel are relevant to your studies. International experience. The world is expanding and people who have experienced other cultures and can speak different languages (especially if the native language is not English) are valued! Highlight your summer abroad in Thailand. Jobs. Even that job flipping burgers in high school is relevant. It shows you can handle multiple responsibilities at once, and that you're not afraid to work hard. Knowledge. Know yourself at last a little before you apply to college. Know your field and the prospects for employment. Know the schools you're applying to. Do you want a degree in accounting or is that the only way you think you can get a job? Letters of recommendation. Remember, they have to be people other than your immediate family, even if you happen to have worked in your mom's accounting business or your dad's restaurant. Some safe bets for letters of rec: Coaches Teachers Pastors or rabbis Youth or volunteer group coordinators Employers Ask for the letters of recommendation at least a month before you actually submit the application. People are extremely busy. Also, remind them of the application due date. Write a thank-you or take them to lunch. Military service or experience: Don't forget to list it! Even if you're just in the reserve, you may be eligible for scholarships (oh yes, the military also pays for college), and it's an impressive thing to put on your record. Newspapers: Actually, this applies to any publications you've had. If you wrote for your high school or even your local news, if you've had your poetry published, list it--even if you're not planning on studying English or creative writing. Online applications. Check to see if your college allows them. Check out Peterson's guide to online applications. Personal statement. Read all the directions carefully, and do several practice drafts until you know what you want to say. Have someone other than a relative proofread the essay. Questions. If you have any about the application or the application process, get in touch with the admissions representatives. Relatives: Don't forget to find out if any have gone to the colleges you're applying to. And ask them, if they have time, to look over the application. A fresh pair of eyes helps. Sports. If you're trying to sign with a NJCAA school, mail your Letters of Intent early. Test scores. Make sure you're happy with them and that they fit the admissions requirements. Also, have the ETS send scores to the schools you are applying to. Unfulfilled requirements: Make sure you've completed that last semester of biology and taken all your Spanish courses. Volunteer experience. It not only makes a difference and helps you feel great, but it lets admissions officers know you have interests outside grades and partying. Writing samples. Collect your best work and photocopy it to send. Keep the originals. X-rays: Make sure you have all your medical records, shots and checkups before you apply. Years: Double-check the dates of jobs held, awards won, etc.. More generally, double-check your facts. We can't stress this enough. Zest. Whatever you do, even if it's a minor boring task, do it with passion. This is the beginning of an adventure...actually, the real adventure will begin when you open the letter and read the word "Congratulations!"