Six Sensational Suggestions for Completing College Applications

1. SLOW DOWN: Take your time when filling out applications. There is no prize for first place. Make sure to read directions carefully and answer questions correctly. The applications themselves are easy, but need to be completed accurately.

2. PAY ATTENTION TO DEADLINES: Make a list of your schools’ application deadlines. Determine how you are applying: Early Action? Early Decision? Regular Decision? Research each of these deadlines and determine what is best for yourself. Review each of your schools’ application checklists and make sure to have ALL required items into the school by the application deadline. Not worth procrastinating!

3. SCHEDULE TIME EACH WEEK TO WORK ON ESSAYS AND APPLICATIONS: Applying to college can be an overwhelming experience. To minimize some of the anxiety, schedule time in your school planner to work on applications and essays. Spending 30 minutes a day working on applications will guarantee you’ll be ready to submit applications by the appropriate deadlines.

4. DON’T ESTIMATE YOUR TEST SCORES OR GPA: Make sure you input accurate information into all of your applications. A few essential documents you should have handy while completing applications: your transcript, test scores and resume. Don’t try to recall test scores and input them into your application. Make sure you are submitting correct information in each of your sections!

5. DON’T TREAT EVERY APPLICATION AND ESSAY THE SAME: Make sure you tailor each application to the specific school you’re applying to. One school’s testing policy may differ than other school’s testing policies. Determine what each of your school’s need and follow directions. Also, if using an essay for multiple schools, make sure you have the CORRECT college name when submitting to your specific colleges. Not good if you mention University of Washington in an essay that you sent to University of Oregon. Check your work!

6. RESEARCH FINANCIAL AID WEBSITES: Take the time to research each of your school’s financial aid websites. What are the necessary forms to complete? Even if you don’t think you will qualify for government aid, it is still important to apply for it through the FAFSA. This allows you to receive aid through merit awards. Also, many schools require the CSS profile. This form takes some time and deadlines can be as early as October. School specific scholarships are also listed under the financial aid website, so make sure to research these as well and apply to what you can. This takes some time, but is well worth the effort.
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I hope you enjoyed these 6 Sensational Suggestions for completing college applications. Application season is just beginning. Work hard and stay motivated!