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First, check if the colleges on your short list accept the Common Application. This makes it easy, because you only need to fill out one easy form, and you can send it to as many schools that will accept it.

As soon as you have a list of schools you want to apply to, you will need to begin working on your applications.

Gather the Applications
Organize and Manage the Process
Decide Who to Ask for Recommendations
Order Copies of Transcripts
Write the Essays
Fill Out the Forms
Submit the Applications

Gather the Applications

The first step is to collect the forms. There are several sources you can get college applications from:

• First, check if the colleges on your short list accept the Common Application. This makes it easy, because you only need to fill out one easy form, and you can send it to as many schools that will accept it.
• Colleges often post applications on their websites that you can either print or download. Some schools have online applications which allow you to fill out the form and submit it online. Use our College Search to get a link to the school?s website.
• If any of the schools you?ve selected don?t have online applications, then you can contact the Admissions Office to request an application form. You can call, write or e-mail to request an application. Depending on the college, there may be a nominal charge.
• If any of your selected schools are local, check with your high school counselor. Often the counselor will have application kits for local colleges on-hand for your convenience.

Organize and Manage the Process

You are going to have a lot of paperwork to keep track of and multiple deadlines to think about. Getting organized now will help you manage the process better and save you time. Here are some ideas that might help:

• Label a file folder with the name of each college you are applying to. Store all relevant application forms, drafts and other documents in the folder. Keep all of the school folders in one place such as a file drawer or a box.
• Keep track of your electronic documents by duplicating your filing system on your computer.
• Keep a calendar. Mark it with all the key dates for each school. Our College Planning Checklist can give you a quick start. Plus you can personalize the checklist with your own schedule by editing and adding your own tasks and deadlines.
• Develop a plan for completing all those applications. Completing several applications in a relatively short timeframe can be overwhelming, so break the work down into smaller pieces. Figure out which are the most difficult or will take the most time. Estimate how much time you?ll need and set a goal for when you will complete each part. Add your goals to your calendar as a reminder.
• Make a checklist for each school to help remind yourself of the various admission application requirements. Some items to include on your checklist are: obtain letters of recommendation; provide SAT ? and/or ACT ? test scores; send transcripts; write essay; fill out forms; proofread the forms; and write a check or get a money order for the application fee. Attach the checklist to the college folder and check off each item as you complete it.
• Check your calendar every week.
• As you complete each task or goal, be sure to mark it as complete in your planner or checklist. You will feel a real sense of accomplishment!

Decide Who You Will Ask for Recommendations

The recommendations you receive show a lot about your character. They also give an admissions officer a feel for how you will fit into the campus culture. Think about who will provide you with the most memorable reference. Teachers, coaches, clergy and employers are all good candidates. If you volunteer at a community organization, an administrator may also be a good source. Here are some tips to help make the recommender?s job a little easier:

• Ask the person to write the recommendation. If a person declines, don?t press the issue. You will probably get a better recommendation from someone else.
• Provide your recommenders with any forms and instructions from the college. Also, provide addressed, stamped envelopes if the college requires that the recommendations be mailed directly to the Admissions Office.
• Give your recommenders a list of your achievements and accomplishments to help them with the task.
• Allow them at least two weeks to write the recommendation, and give them a due date. After all, you do have a deadline to meet.
• A few days before the due date, follow up and find out about their progress.
• Send thank you notes to the writers and let them know the outcome.

Order Copies of Transcripts

Talk to your high school guidance counselor about what?s required to forward your transcripts to your target schools. There are a few questions to ask: How long will it take to fulfill your request? Do you need to provide a stamped envelope addressed to the college? Is there are charge for copying and/or postage costs? Will the school send only your mid-year transcripts? Do you have to make a separate request to forward your final transcript?

These are important things to know. If you attend a large high school, hundreds of students could be making the same request as you, so it might take a week or two before your transcripts are in the mail to your target schools. Be sure to request your transcripts early enough before your deadline.

Write the Essays

A great essay can mean the difference between getting into the school of your choice or being put on the waiting list. Don?t leave this to the last minute, because good writing takes time! Read Writing the Essay for a useful eight-step process to help you out.

Fill Out the Forms

Once you have everything together, then it?s time to complete the application. Up until just a few years ago, applications had to be filled out on paper. Now, most colleges accept, and even prefer, online applications. Here are some suggestions:

• If any of your schools accept the Common Application, then you should register on their website. You will be able to work on the application and save it to finish later, if you need to.
• If you will be using the school?s website to complete the application, then be sure to read the instructions carefully.
• Make certain you answer every question.
• If you have to fill out a paper application, make a copy of the application form to use as a draft. Keep the original for your final version. Write very neatly and clearly when you transfer your responses to the final form. If possible, type your application so it?s easier to read.
• Proofread the application for spelling errors and grammatical mistakes. Ask a trusted adult to proofread the application as well.

Submit the Applications

The final application you submit will be the admissions officer?s first impression of you. And you know first impressions are quite powerful. Here?s how to make your application?s first impression a positive one:

• If you submit the application electronically, ask for verification or return receipt.
• If you are mailing a paper application, it?s appearance must be neat, clean and easy to read. If the application contains multiple pages, staple them together before you put them in the mailing envelope.
• Regardless of the method you choose to send in your college applications, make sure you allow for delivery time. If you use the mail, add extra time for school and post office holidays.
• Keep copies of everything and note the date you sent it. File the copies in the school?s folder.
• Follow up with each school to make sure the Admissions Office received the application and that they have everything they need to make a decision.

Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Now the hard part begins ? waiting for the decision letter!

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 7th, 2007 at 7:59 am and is filed under Student Loan Center. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.