It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with each application you plan to fill out.
- How many pages is the application?
- What are the essay questions?
- What Supplemental Forms are required? (e.g., recommendation forms, transcript request forms, etc.)
- Read the application instructions!
Know your deadlines! Keep a list of deadlines beside your bed, in your binder, on the refrigerator--anywhere that you will see it often. Missing an application deadline automatically means that you've missed your chance to apply.
You may also want to visit the school's website for more information, or request that you be sent a catalog and any financial aid information you may need.
Most colleges will need a copy of your SAT scores from the College Entrance Examination Board, the body that administers the test. When taking the test, you can request that the College Board send your scores to up to six different colleges.
Otherwise, you can request that they do so later on. But, as with all your application materials, make sure you allow enough time for your request to be processed and sent.
Many colleges will require two or three letters of recommendation. They are usually looking for letters from high school teachers, guidance counselors or others who know you in an academic or leadership capacity. Here are some hints:
Start early: Approach your potential letter-writers about two months prior to the actual due-date of the letters with your request. Teachers and guidance counselors are usually swamped with term papers and other college application requests toward the end of the fall semester, so allow them plenty of time to address your needs.
Choose carefully: When requesting a letter of recommendation, pick someone whom you feel knows you well.
Prepare the recommendation letter writer: Give each of your letter-writers one page of information about yourself. This information will help the letter-writer compose a thoughtful and accurate recommendation. Make sure to provide your letter-writers with stamped envelopes addressed to your colleges--don't count on them to take this responsibility!
Keep track of the deadlines: Do not hesitate to remind your letter-writers of deadlines. People do forget, and you don't want the admissions office to be waiting for this last piece of your application. Most colleges will not review your application until all parts have been received.
All colleges will want an official copy of your academic transcripts as part of the application package. As with letters of recommendation, most colleges will require that your school send your transcripts directly to their admissions office. To be safe, leave plenty of time for your high school registrar to process your request.
- Most high schools have their own transcript request forms, but some don't. Find out from your school guidance counselor what your school requires to obtain an official transcript.
- Give your high school at least three weeks notice prior to the deadline. This way, you can make sure your transcripts will arrive at your colleges on time. Do not submit your request the day before your college deadline and expect it to be completed!
- Some colleges also require a Secondary School Report and/or a Seventh Semester Grade Report to track your academic progress during the fall semester. Check to see which colleges want these reports and submit a request to your high school at the same time you submit your request for transcripts.
- A number of colleges may request that you send a copy of your official transcript along with your application. In that case, simply enclose the sealed envelope with the rest of your application. Do not break the seal on the envelope or your transcripts will not be accepted!
Apply online and say goodbye to loose sheets of paper, white-out and messy handwriting! Fill out your applications at your own pace, and come back as often as you like until you are finished. Your data is encrypted under secure socket layers for maximum security, and your private account can be accessed only by you.
Your essays can be uploaded directly into your application, and each online application you start will contain your profile information so that you don't have to re-enter it each time! You will also be provided a handy checklist to ensure that you are completing each step in the application process. It doesn't get much easier than that!
If you're doing a paper application, remember neatness counts so you'll want to print or type perfectly.
This is by far the most time-consuming and difficult part of any application. The personal essay will usually be about 300 to 500 words in length, occasionally longer, depending on the college.
The following tips can help you get started:
- Pick a topic that is unique to you--be original!
- Using dialogue or humorous anecdotes is almost certain to spice up your essay. Instead of just telling what somebody said to you, quote them.
- Write several drafts before preparing your final version. This will help you develop your own voice in your essay and help you organize your thoughts more clearly.
- Have several people look over your drafts and offer their comments and suggestions.
- Always check for spelling and grammar. Take care not to make silly mistakes by proofreading.
When you have completed all of your online application, you will be directed through the "Final Steps" section. Here, your application will automatically be checked for errors, you will choose your method of payment, and you will submit your application with the click of a button.
You will receive two e-mail confirmations after you submit your application:
- PrincetonReview.com will immediately send you an e-mail to confirm that your application was successfully submitted
- The school will send you an e-mail to let you know that your application has arrived in the Admissions Office. This email, could take a few weeks to arrive.
If you're submitting by mail, you'll want to refer back to the instructions to ensure all of the proper forms are in the envelope. You'll also want to make sure you put the correct amount of postage on the envelope since most application packets will cost more than a single stamp.
