Organize Yourself As You Begin The College Application Process
The earlier you begin to organize yourself in the college application process, the better off you will be. This is especially crucial, if you are applying to multiple colleges that are highly competitive. Do not let missed deadlines take you out of the running.
As early as your junior year in high school, begin collecting requirements for admission to each college you are interested in. As you receive each application packet, read the information thoroughly, highlight all deadline dates, and make note of the materials required for each application.
Spreadsheets are an excellent tool for managing deadlines, because you can sort them based on any criteria. In addition, you can easily add columns and rows as you collect more information. And, remember that you can use this same format for pen and paper lists.
For instance, you can begin your spreadsheet by making categories for the following information:
College
Phone
Web site
Application Deadline
Application Requirements
Common Application?
Dedicate One Calendar to the College Application Process
Highlight important deadlines on your calendar, and then create self-imposed deadlines for the individual elements of each application that is due. For instance, you do not want to wait until the night before to complete your college admission essay. You might want to plan writing your essay a couple of months in advance, and then have a teacher or parent review and comment on the essay. In this manner, you can have the essay rewritten a month ahead of schedule. Ideally, your application package will be neatly completed and ready to submit a week or more before the application deadline.
In most cases, the initial application will have to be followed by completed transcripts and/or financial aid application information. These deadlines are just as important as the application itself. Make sure you note all due dates clearly on your spreadsheet and/or calendar.
There will be multiple deadlines for applying to most colleges, usually starting as early as the fall before you plan to attend college. The difference between meeting an early deadline and a late one may make a considerable amount of difference in the financial aid you are offered.
For instance, it is not unusual for a college to have a deadline for early scholarship notification AND final scholarship notification. Note that new freshmen will most likely have different deadlines than incoming transfer students. So, make sure you have made note of the correct date for your particular situation.
In addition, there will be final deadlines for incoming freshmen who are not necessarily seeking scholarships or financial assistance, as well as final deadlines for nondegree-seeking students.
Most colleges will provide a standard format questionnaire and/or online application that collects your basic personal information, as well as a summary of your academic history. Additional application elements might include:
A single, long, application essay on a given topic