There are a few key items that you will need to know about if you are preparing college applications. You may have some of them underway, but some will require the help of others. Know what you need, and who to get this from, and you will be well on your way to wrapping up the admittance steps of getting into college.
1. Application - This seems obvious, but be sure you know whether the colleges you want to apply to use an online application process or a print one. More and more colleges are going to the online applications, and some of the information requested may involve your parents, so pick a time when they can be with you if you are filling out an online application. If doing a print application, be sure that you let one of your parents review it before you send it off!
2. SAT or ACT Scores - Most colleges use the scores on your SAT and ACT tests much like a key to unlock a door. Not only will you want to have scores sent to the college directly from SAT or ACT, but you will need to make sure that your scores are at or above the minimums for that college. If not, take an additional test as soon as you can, and invest in a good program that teaches test-taking strategies before you take this next test.
3. Transcript - You will need to have copies of your transcript mailed to the college's admissions office directly from your high school. Colleges will not usually accept a hand-delivered copy from you as "official," but rather, they will need a signed and sealed copy in the mail from your registrar. Make sure that you provide your registrar with the full name and address of the Admissions Office for each college to which you intend to apply. Colleges will want mid-year transcripts and final transcripts as well, depending on when you actually apply.
4. Essay - Some colleges will require an essay. Details on this will be covered in the application instructions, but it is essential that you craft a well-written, thoroughly proofread essay. Getting someone else to read and comment on your essay before you send it is highly recommended. If the essay is an opinion essay, then be sure that your opinion is clearly stated. Even if the person reading your essay does not agree with your opinion, they would rather know that you are able to articulate your beliefs rather than read a wishy-washy essay.
5. Letters of Recommendation - Not every college requires letters of recommendation, but if they do, it is extremely helpful if you have these done from a variety of sources such as employers, civic leaders, church leaders, etc. Family members are not credible sources for letters of recommendation. Letters should be dated within the last six months, and can often be written so that they serve multiple applications, but have the names and addresses to where these letters should be mailed when you ask others to write these letters for you. It's also helpful to provide them with pre-addressed, stamped envelopes.
6. FAFSA - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a government form that colleges use to determine your financial responsibility. The FAFSA will require your parents help and tax documents from the application year, so plan on spending some time to complete this online document. Most all colleges will require this of you even if you do not plan to seek financial aid, so go ahead and get it done as early in the spring semester as possible.
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