There are many things applicants have to keep tabs on when applying to college. From submitting all the records on time to writing application essays, candidates may easily feel overwhelmed. The college application process, however, need not be all that stressful. By following the few simple steps listed below, it is possible to better prepare oneself to navigate the process.
8 Steps to Simplify the College Application Process
Step 1: Get a Head Start
A good time to begin college application preparation is at the beginning of the junior year of high school. Most students prefer taking the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or the ACT (American College Testing) during this time, so they are able to retake the tests if their scores are unsatisfactory.
Students must also ensure that their preparation for the tests doesn’t affect their school work and grades; good grades play an equally important role during the college admissions process.
Step 2: Prepare a Checklist
The college application process is elaborate. It requires applicants to be organized so that they don’t miss important deadlines. One of the early steps of the process is to put together a checklist, and below are some examples of what should be included in it.
- Application schedule: From form filling guidelines to deadlines, all details related to application submission should be noted down. Since most colleges require students to fill an online form, it is important to gather the necessary information before filling anything out.
- Information to be included: Other than the applicant’s name and address, information pertaining to summer jobs or internship experiences, extracurricular activities, suspensions, and detentions should be included in the application, if specified.
- Test scores: Scores for the SAT and ACT are either directly sent to colleges by the boards that conduct the tests or shared by applicants once they receive their scores. Scores must always be shared with colleges sooner than later.
- Transcript: High school transcripts are sent to colleges by school guidance counselors. From grades scored to credits earned, the transcripts include details of all classes taken by applicants in high school.
Step 3: Prepare a List of Colleges
This is a key step as not all colleges have the same admissions process. It is important to double check all admission requirements and guidelines before finalizing the list of colleges. Applicants should also take into consideration their finances and eligibility—mainly test scores—before shortlisting a college. They must additionally check if they are eligible for student loans or scholarships.
Step 4: Get Letters of Recommendation
There are two types of recommendation letters that applicants are required to submit.
- Teacher’s recommendation: This letter contains insights about the applicant’s academic performance and conduct, which helps the admissions committee understand whether a candidate is a good fit for the college or not.
- Counselor’s recommendation: Similar to the teacher’s recommendation, a recommendation by the applicant’s guidance counselor highlights the applicant’s personal qualities and achievements, while strongly urging the admissions committee to consider them as a suitable candidate for admission.
Step 5: Write Impressive Application Essays
A college application essay can either make or break an application. Choosing a relevant topic is key to writing an impressive piece. There are two types of essays college students are required to write and submit.
- Primary essay: This is the first or main essay an applicant has to submit. They can either choose a college application essay topic suggested by the admissions committee, or they can write on a topic of their choice (provided the college allows them to do so). In some cases, applicants are asked to write a personal statement as well. A well-written essay not only shows an applicant’s caliber, but it also highlights various aspects of their personality.
- Secondary essay: Some colleges require applicants to submit a secondary essay also known as a supplemental essay. This is shorter than the main essay. The supplemental essay gives applicants an opportunity to make themselves better known to the admissions officers. It also gives them a chance to get creative and think outside the box, since supplemental essay topics are mostly unusual and unique.
Step 6: Complete the Application
While most colleges require the submission of a standardized application, some applicants may be asked to furnish something more. For example, a student applying to an art school may be asked to submit a portfolio along with their application. It is, therefore, important to go through the submission instructions carefully.
Step 7: Double Check
Once the application is complete, candidates must double check and verify if anything is missing. Besides self review, getting the application reviewed by someone else ensures that it has no errors or omissions. At this stage, ticking items off of the checklist will ascertain that the application is complete and ready for submission. Once the reviews are complete, a copy of the application should be saved for personal reference.
Step 8: Submit the Application
After thoroughly reviewing the application and submission guidelines, the application should be submitted to the college of choice. The same process must be followed while applying to other colleges.
Most colleges acknowledge the receipt of an application either immediately or within a few days’ time. Once the application is submitted, checking one’s email frequently for any correspondence from the admissions committee is recommended.
It would be best to refrain from following up too soon. Since the admissions officers are likely to be busy, they may not be able to respond to general query mails. That said, sending a thank you note to the college for taking the time to review the application or sending a brief email to inform them about any important update regarding test scores should be done almost immediately.
In conclusion, applying to college need not be an overwhelming affair. With some planning and preparation, it is possible to simplify the college application process.
