Compile An Asset List To Help Complete The Application Process
Along with the standard personal information collected by each college, there are a variety of requirements that have to be met for college admission consideration. Additional application elements might include:
By compiling a list of these assets, you can be ready ahead of time, as you begin the application process. For instance, you know that the colleges will want to have copies of your academic transcript. So, go ahead and speak with your school counselor about the process necessary for sending these transcripts to the colleges you are considering. In most cases, you will need to send a current transcript when you apply. Then, you can have a second transcript sent when you complete your high-school education.
You will likely find it beneficial to complete a master list of your assets, or the most common information that will be required for most applications. For instance, you can make a map of your academic history. Create a list of awards and honors you achieved throughout your academic career, the dates received, and a brief description of each. Then, review your social service history. What years did you serve as a member of the Girl Scouts or were you involved in a 4-H organization? What leadership positions have you held? Were you involved in community service? Club memberships and participation should be reviewed thoroughly, in order to highlight any specifics that will make you stand out as a college applicant
In addition, evaluate the jobs that you have held, and review any paid or volunteer positions you have achieved. Consider your experiences directly related to those jobs, as well as any significant, indirect experiences that came about through your work or schooling.
Once you have created a master list of all your significant experiences that you would like to include in your application, and all the dates and details you need to know, it will be easy to copy this information into each application form.
Make a list of teachers and other adults who know you well, who might be willing to complete the necessary letters of reference. Typically, these letters are sent directly to the schools in question and will not be part of the package you submit. So, talk with these people who will be your references well in advance, and give them plenty of time to meet your proposed deadlines. Remember that teachers, in particular, may not have time to write letters of reference for all the students who will be asking them. So, respect their time and commitments, by asking for recommendation letters well in advance of your deadlines, and be gracious if they cannot accommodate your request.
When you take a test, you will usually designate to which schools your scores should be sent. However, find out the process ahead of time, in case you want to add schools to your list, after you take the standardized tests. Then, keep this information on file, so that you can access it easily, when the need presents itself.