About 2 million students apply for college every year. In some cases, students only apply for local colleges and universities in the state. However, they are increasingly being applied to a large number of public and private universities, as well as in the vicinity and distance. The process is demanding, complex and stressful. However, there are a few things you can do early on to make your job easier and get unique applications better than the competition.
- Get Started Early: Delay is a death trap for students involved in the college application process. Dragging your feet to complete applications is usually quick in the end and less credible work. In particular, if you plan to take an early action (a non-binding program in which students apply until November 1 and receive their responses in mid-December) or an early decision (a binding contract application in which they apply for up to 1 of November) and until then received feedback) for use in mid-December. If accepted, you have to say yes or no in no time. If you submit an application in advance, you must complete the application in September or early October at the latest to receive a competitive request. Even if you make a regular decision, it is helpful to complete all your requests before the Christmas holidays, regardless of when they expire. It’s not fun to work on college applications at the end of December. And as the saying goes, “The early bird receives the worm.” Most importantly, their applications are slightly different and slightly better than those of other students.
- Complete your list of universities: If you have not compiled a list of universities, do so before the school starts in the fall. You need to find universities that suit you as a person and that suit your academic background. Your list should include margins, good chances, and fairly safe things (security) based on grading and test results with previously accepted students. The latest information can be found in the United States and World News Top Colleges in the United States and in the area of approval of individual college websites.
- Make Your Recommendations: Many students ask their high school teachers and college counselors to write letters of recommendation. Keep in mind that the later you ask them to do this, the less likely they are to write powerful, focused letters that affect their approval. If you didn’t ask them at the end of the third year, ask about the first week of school in the fall.
- Make sure your tests are complete and your results are submitted. It is best if you can complete your standardized tests before the end of the third year. If not, don’t worry. You still have September, October, November and December of the last year to take the ACT / SAT or subject tests unless you take an early action or decision (in which case, the tests must be completed in October). After completing the test, make sure your results are sent to all the universities you are applying for. There is always confusion with testing agencies, Internet issues, post office failures, and even loss of material at universities. After submitting the application, contact the various admissions offices to make sure they have received the results of your test (and make sure they have all the other requirements for your application).
- Complete the joint application sooner rather than later: Although many colleges still have their own applications, such as USC, Georgetown and most large public universities, more than 400 four-year colleges and universities (and even some) institutions. public applications) now accepts the joint request. In addition to the application itself, many schools have additional applications that you must complete. My rule of thumb is that at least one application must be completed in the summer before the last year. You have no idea what a relief it is. And if you have schools on your list that are colleges of common application, start with one of them. After completing one, all the other common school applications are very easy.
While it can be difficult to go through the college application process, there are ways to make it easier for you, your family, your teachers, and your school counselor. Follow the tips above and you should be fine.