Applying to Colleges APPLICATIONS 1. Apply early • Application can be reviewed with more attention • Better opportunities for scholarships and financial aid • Answer received earlier--learn if you have any deficiencies to make up • Later test scores (often up through Dec) may still be considered for merit-based scholarships 2. Apply to more than one school • Look for right fit, not prestige or popularity • Check admissions requirements; freshman class profile • Apply to at least one school where you meet admission requirements and all qualified students are accepted. • The most selective schools will accept 1/3 or fewer of their applicants • Your final decision is not needed until May 1st (except for early decision) 3. • • • • •
Apply online when possible Quicker and more efficient Keep a copy of your application Selective schools often use the Common Application, a great time saver www.commonapp.org Some schools waive application fees when you apply online If using paper application, neatness is critical
4. Send application fee If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, counselor can request waiver SUPPORTING MATERIALS 1. Test scores Find out what standardized test(s) schools accept Most schools take highest scores when you've taken test multiple times Test twice if you think you can improve score; testing more than 3 times might be overdoing it 2. • • • •
Official transcript Request from registrar, Mrs. Nitz (in Counseling Office) Complete transcript request form (needs parent signature if you are under 18) Request unofficial copy for yourself If you have term with poor grades, you can include a letter explaining circumstances or how you have grown from experience
3. Secondary School Report • Required by some schools • Completed by counselor and sent with transcript; ask registrar to hold transcript 4. • • • • • •
Essay(s) Required by some colleges, for honors programs, scholarships Let readers get to know you--how you think and express yourself Requires time and is important Should be neat, free of spelling and grammatical errors Have it proofread by English teacher or other appropriate adult Do not let someone else write your essay. This is unethical.
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Recommendations Request early (at least 2-3weeks) & select writers carefully Provide writer with Request for Letter of Recommendation form If recommendation writer needs to mail recommendation, provide addressed, stamped envelope Ask writer to let you know when recommendation is sent Same recommendation can be used for multiple applications Waiving right to see recommendations shows you are confident about your recommendations Letters of recommendation advised if you don't meet admission requirements for a school; recommendations should address your readiness for college work
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Send everything required Most applications have checklist All materials need not be sent at once Application won't be reviewed until all materials received
7. Visit schools where you are accepted Choose school where you will be happy and successful 8. Applying to a school does not commit you • Early Decision is an exception to this. Early Decision and Early Action information is available on Guidance web site • Wait until you receive acceptance/denial from all schools as well as financial aid packages (Must complete FAFSA to be considered for financial aid) • If accepted, decision to attend is expected by May 1st; notify schools you will not attend as well • Schools will normally request a deposit once you have accepted admissions offer 9. Ask for help when you need it • Talk to admissions representatives, your counselor, parents, teachers • If you are a first generation college application, you will want extra help. Ask for it 10. Be Aware of Rights and Responsibilities of Students