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The College Application Process There’s really no way to fully understand the entire procedure when you first start out, so the only thing you can do is get a general snapshot of what needs to be done, then go about doing it. You want to be as accurate and complete as possible, but as with most government and large institutional forms, they’ll tell you when you did it wrong. In addition to the application, you can count on four additional documents that needs to accompany your application:
Make sure you request these documents early so you will have them on hand when you apply. It’s always easier to have everything ordered or in your possession before the absolute last minute. Quit making this more stressful for yourself. So here we go with the application process... Common College ApplicationsThe first question about college applications is usually “Do I have to fill out individual applications for every college I apply to?” The general answer is “no”. In some states, public universities have banded together to create a common application. Texas, my home state, has such a website called “Apply Texas” www.applytexas.org. If you plan on applying to numerous Texas public colleges (and some private colleges as well), go there and follow the instructions online. Since I’m most familiar with the Apply Texas site, let me use it as an example. When you use the Apply Texas site, you will usually receive an e-mail from Apply Texas within 2 hours letting you know they received your application. The colleges you select will usually receive the application within 2 days, and the college will usually take an additional 5 days to place all of your information into their student database. Also, be aware that in addition to the common application, each college may require some additional information. So take care to check for any additional information requirements. If you’re confused, the easiest way to resolve a question is to call the college admissions office to check on the completion of your application. Many colleges are becoming aware of the benefits of the common application, and are joining the band wagon. Applying for college is stressful enough for most students without burdening them with individualized applications for every college they apply for. So “google” your state + common applications to see if one exists. Individual College Applications OnlineAnother thing to remember is that most colleges have gone online. I recently asked a local college to send me their undergraduate catalogue, and was told that they don’t have any. They told me that the entire catalogue is now on their website. So start your application process by going to the college website.Find the admissions page on the website and go there. The admissions page is also usually broken down into undergraduate, and graduate programs, in-state versus out-of-state requirements, as well as new/freshmen students and transfer students. Generally there is also an “apply” tab on this page which takes you to another page with all of the college application procedures, requirements, and deadlines. If the college participates in a common application, they will re-direct you to that site. Be ready to pay a non-refundable application fee in the neighborhood of forty to fifty dollars, or submit a request for a waiver. General Information Requested on Most College ApplicationsMost college applications will ask for background information such as name, place of birth, date of birth, gender, ethnicity and citizenship. The application will then follow with contact information such as permanent mailing address, current address, emergency contact information and e-mail address.The college application will also ask for family information such as father and mother’s educational level, foreign language proficiency, family income, household family size, and any family obligations of the student. This is generally followed by high school information such as senior classes taken and name of your high school. Your college degree information is next, along with whether you will seek a teaching certificate or pre-professional program. You will also be asked about your SAT and/or ACT tests, such as when the exam was taken, as well as questions to determine your residency. Next you’ll list extracurricular and community service activities, special talents you possess and any honors or awards that you received. Most applications want to know if you worked during high school, so have dates and addresses available. The application will usually end with some specialized information for the particular college you are applying for, and a section to complete your college essay. So why am I telling you this? I’m telling you this so you can begin gathering information for the application. If you can get your hands on all of this information before you start, the process is easier and less time consuming. I’ve got your back! Return from College Application to TutorTrend Home
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