How And When To Apply
College applications can seem overwhelming at first glance. What needs to be done and when? Getting the best head start on college applications can begin as soon as the summer before your senior year of high school, visiting colleges that interest you, finalizing your list of colleges, and registering early for fall SAT tests, and AP courses. It is also wise to find out and make a calendar for college admission deadlines, and to determine what scholarships or college sports you might be eligible to be recruited for. Your high school guidance counselor can play a big role in helping you get into college, so keep him or her informed on dates and requirement guidelines so that they can help in reminding you of these.
Get started on your applications right away. Deadlines for early application tend to be fall in October or November. Start working on your college admissions essays as soon as early fall, and update your ‘resume’ listing your accomplishments, involvements and work experiences including your senior year activities. Your resume will help you complete your applications and essays. In the first term of your senior year start asking counselors, teachers and coaches or employers for letters of recommendation. Give them plenty of time to meet your deadlines and make sure to provide them with stamped and addressed envelopes. Make sure your SAT or other entrance exam scores are sent to each of your colleges.
Try to wrap up college applications before your winter break. Make copies of each application before you send it. Some colleges may want your first semester grades of senior year as part of your application as well, so be sure to have your counselor send your grades to colleges that require them. By February you should contact your colleges and confirm that all necessary application materials have been received. If your deadlines are approaching and you haven’t sent in your forms yet, applying for college online is always an option to consider.
Your entire application should create a consistent portrait of who you are and what you’ll bring to the college. If all the parts of your application are filled out honestly and carefully, you will come across in the best light possible.