– get with the program.Here are some pointers that may help.
• To be ready to have good options when it is time to apply, take hard classes–work hard in those classes.
• Take ACT/SAT/SAT subject tests at the appropriate times. Before testing, take a few sample tests and analyze your performance on them. Test scores matter to many colleges when it comes to admissions.
• Attend as many programs/sessions/fairs as possible–keep files of information.
• As a junior, make a list of colleges that might be good matches. (Don’t freak out–that list can have 25 places on it when you are a junior. It is easier to narrow down than it is to expand the list as a first semester senior.) Use every tool at your disposal to do this.
• The list should be vertical (meaning stretches in terms of difficulty of admission and those where admission seems likely). Compare your individual profile with the profiles of accepted students. Many factors should be considered–size, distance, location, composition of student body, out-of-class life/community factors, scholarship/financial aid possibilities, town/gown relationships, majors (remembering that many students will change their minds about majors), career planning and placement services available as well as job/graduate placement track records for the specific colleges–really the list is endless.
• Visit. If you can’t visit in person, visit virtually (on the web). Remember that demonstrated interest is reported by a NACAC survey to be a factor “of considerable importance” in admissions by 21% of the colleges responding to the NACAC survey.
• Narrow the list down by early September of your senior year.
• Follow any application procedures established by your counselor/school. Deadlines matter!
• Complete the application paperwork. NACAC reported that 80% of applications last year at surveyed colleges were submitted online.
• Request test scores from the testing agencies– www.act.org and/or www.collegeboard.org. Allow plenty of time for this.
• Follow the directives of each college regarding Score Choice.
• Proofing all materials prior to submission is essential.
• Keep copies of submitted materials.
• Relying on spell check and grammar check for essays is not a winning idea.
• Make your essays a conversation with the reader... If you aren’t funny, this isn’t the time to take up humor as you write! By the way, short essays are hard to write and write well...and they matter!
• If the colleges request letters of recommendation, follow their guidelines. Give your recommenders time to do a good job. Pick people who know you well. If the recommender must mail the letter, make sure he/she has a stamped addressed envelope with his or her return address indicated on it (not yours!!!).
• Follow your high school’s policy for requesting transcripts and secondary school reports. Remember, transcripts are required by virtually every college–initial ones and final ones.
• If you are an NCAA prospective Division I or II athlete, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and follow their directives.
• Know that even online applications take some time to process. Make sure to confirm that your materials submitted online (or by snail mail) have been received.
• Expect some overlap–materials may be on the campus or in the campus computer but not registered yet in the online credentials received folder.
• Keep your grades up–all acceptances are conditional. Every college will require that you submit a final transcript that shows your performance for second semester senior year. It matters. There is such a thing as rescinded admissions.
Back in a bit- I gotta rest,
Clyde
