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Getting Admitted To The Right College Or University: Know the Application Process 

Understanding The Key Elements And Process Of Applying To Your Chosen Schools 

As you complete your final years in high school and begin to look to your next step for education, you will find that there is a surprising amount of work involved. Selecting a college is a job to be taken seriously, and this process involves many steps.  Getting organized in your approach to this process will help ensure that you make the best decision possible. Here, you will find tips and pointers for everything from requesting college applications to filling them out. Understanding the terms of college admissions in advance will remove the anxiety from the process.

Requesting Applications

An early and crucial step in the college application process is making sure you have all the information you need in order to apply. Learn about the different application formats and how to request this information from each school to which you apply. 

Getting Organized

As you collect applications and details for the colleges that interest you, organize your search from the beginning, by creating a good filing system, and method-of-tracking important dates.

Compile an Asset List

Although different schools require different details, organizing your assets ahead of time will help you complete college applications and meet their deadlines. Know when and where to request transcripts and test scores, consider letters of reference in advance, and outline the basic information you need to supply on standard applications. 

Extras For Special Applicants

There are a myriad of circumstances that might qualify you as a special applicant. Understand what alternatives might be involved for applying as an international student, a transfer student, a student with an alternative education background, or a student with special needs. 

The Admission Timeline

Review important dates for applying to colleges and universities. Know the deadlines for test-taking, various types of applications, and commitments to attend your chosen university.              

Understanding the High School Transcript Request

What does your high school transcript say about you? Understand what admissions officers are looking for and the steps you can take to explain the strengths and weaknesses in your transcript. 

Non-Academic-Activities

Accomplishments outside of school are important to the admission process as well. Understand what admission officers are looking for, as indicators of your personality and nonacademic qualities. 

The TOEFL Exam for International Students

Understand the importance of the TOEFL exam for non-native speakers of English. This exam will help you compensate for a potential poor score on the verbal SATs and increase your chances of acceptance. 

Proof of Ability to Pay for International Students

International students will be required to submit proof of financial ability to pay for college tuition, textbooks, and living expenses while in college. What is acceptable proof and how should it be submitted?

The Student VISA

International students are required to have a student VISA before they can travel to the United States and begin their studies. Understand how to obtain a VISA and what a VISA entails. 

Paper or Electronic Application? Apply Online

The traditional paper process is being phased out by most universities. Is there a benefit to applying in the traditional method, or special considerations for online applications? 

Approaching Your Guidance Counselor for a Letter of Recommendation

Apply your knowledge and skill to gaining good recommendation letters from your guidance counselors. Respecting their time and consideration may be essential, in order to receive a letter that stands out. 

Sample Letters of Recommendation

When the opportunity for additional letters of recommendation presents itself, consider your options carefully. Bosses, coaches, mentors, and people with whom you share an interest or hobby might all be good resources for letters of recommendation. 

The College Application Essay

What are admission officers looking for in a college application essay? Understand the basics of writing one to increase your chances for admission. 

College Application Essay Topics

Most colleges will provide a starter topic or element on which you can focus your essay. Be apprised of the tips and pointers for personalizing your essay and using it to convey positives about yourself. 

Proof Reading Your College Admission Essay

Here are some common errors and tips for locating them. Proofing the college application essay is as important a job as writing the essay itself. 

College Application Essay Tips

Carefully follow the process of writing the essay, a list of things to keep in mind, and things to avoid. 

Sample College Application Essays

Be aware of examples of common writing techniques and how you can improve upon them. Turn your “ho-hum” essay into something memorable. 

The On-Site Interview

Get over the stress of interview nervousness through practice. Acquaint yourself with the tips for presentation and answering questions, in order to make your interview successful. 

Taking Advantage of the Alumni Interview

When you cannot interview on campus, an alumni interview may afford you the option of a good impression report in your college application package. 

Types of Special Admission

Understand the various options of admissions and know the advantages of each. Will you benefit from early admission options? Will schools with open admission policies provide you with a good fall-back education, if your schools of choice do not work out? 

A Typical College Application Questionnaire

The standard sections of a college application are explained here in detail. Differences between applications for different types of schools are also discussed. 

When and Where to Send a Transcript

Understand the need and process of sending a high-school transcript and how to ensure receipt. 

Standardized College Admission:  Sending Test Scores

Know how to request test scores to be sent to the schools you are considering, and how to add schools after you have taken the test.  Also, be aware of the scores the schools actually receive. 

Scholarship Applications:  Applying to Several Schools at the Same Time

Applications often include sections for financial aid and scholarship considerations. Understand the process and what you need to keep in mind when applying. 

Submitting the Application

Once you have correctly submitted your application according to the deadline, know what to expect to hear and the timeframe within which you will hear. 

Glossary of Application Terms

Here are common words you need to know and understand, before you complete the application process. 

Additional Resources:  Recommended Reading List

Here, you will find a recommended reading list of books and other resources. 

Online Resources

Here are additional tools for your college search and application process online.