College Search, Part 2

Applications


After you've narrowed down your top choices in schools, it's time to submit applications. The application process is one of the hardest parts of the college search. Applications take a lot of time and a lot of thought to do them correctly. My top 5 tips for filling out fantastic applications:

1) Give yourself time to fill them out. Applying at the last minute will only stress you out more.
2) Check application deadlines right away. The worst position you can put yourself into is applying late because you didn't know the deadline!
3) If you're applying online, make sure you don't revert to "chat speak". The admission's officer doesn't want to see short hand or smiley faces.
4) If you have to submit an essay online as part of your application make certain you have the essay proof-read by teachers, friends, and family. Most applications are save-able, so do this to avoid strange little mistakes that can creep into essays.
5) College Apps are very intensive. Give yourself at least an hour to fill them out, if not more. The shortest it ever took me to fill out an app was in the range of 45 minutes.

There are a few things you should know while filling out applications. First off, know that some colleges use what is called the Common App. This is an application that you can fill out and send to several schools, verses filling out many applications. Most schools will have additional questions to fill out, so don't expect to just send off your common app and not have to do anything extra when applying.

Next, you should realise that your application is usually the first time an admissions officer will see you on paper. You must force yourself to be professional. Check your grammar especially. If you don't look like the best candidate on paper, make sure to really watch the level of professionalism.

After submitting your applications, you should receive some type of confirmation number/code/etc.. WRITE THIS DOWN! As well as what time and date the application was submitted. And while you have your calendar out, mark the date 4 weeks after submitting the application. When this date approaches, give the office of admissions a call (if you haven't already gotten an answer). Use this script if you're a nervous phone user:

YOU: Hello, my name is [insert name here] and I'm calling to follow up on my application. I just wanted to make sure you've received it and answer any other questions you might have in regards to it.

They may ask you for the confirmation number, and they will probably transfer you to the right person. You may have to repeat this script a few times. Stay professional and courteous--they haven't heard you say this 5 times. The point isn't to ACTUALLY answer any questions or ACTUALLY get an answer. The point is to put your application on the top of the pile, in front of the people that matter.

Remember to stay patient while applying for schools! AND remember to use your resources when it comes to applications and essays. Your English teachers will be willing to read your applications and essays and help you out.