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The prospect of applying for college may seem daunting. Simply take it step by step, using these helpful tips to guide you along.
Start as early as possible. Deadlines arrive quicker than you think, and you have a better chance of receiving financial aid the earlier you turn in your completed application.
Make a list of each college you want to apply for. Collegeboard.com is a great starting point. Get to know each school on the list; at the very least get a general overview of the college’s vision and goals. Familiarity with the college makes a good impression on admissions staff.
Make a checklist of each item you need to submit. Check out the required application forms and articles for each college: SAT/ACT scores, high school transcript, letters of recommendation, essays, etc. Keep in mind that colleges often have an application fee around $35.
Gather together your records. Make a list of everything you’ve accomplished in high school and afterwards: awards, activities, interests, clubs, sports participated in, workshops attended, employment history, volunteer experience, etc. Such a list serves as a handy reference for each time you fill out an application form or write an application essay.
Start filling forms. Once you have your records together, start filling out the basic application forms. You can often do this online at the college’s website, or else you can download a form to print out. Check over each form carefully before submitting.
Be professional. Send a cover letter with your transcripts if you are sending them yourself. Dress well and be on time if you have an interview with the college.
Be creative. If you were homeschooled, send the college a portfolio that highlights your high school activities: certificates, project outlines, artwork, essays, reading lists, etc. This is a good idea even if you were not homeschooled.
Take your time on your application essay. The essay is the place where the real you can shine out, apart from impersonal statistics and grades. Have a teacher read it through before you send it in. Make it clear, correct, and creative.
Be organized. Keep track of deadlines; aim to complete all your applications before the last possible moment arrives.
Start saving money. Send in the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible, and ask your high school counselor about college scholarships to apply for. The sooner you stock up funds for college, the better – and the more likely you will be able to say yes once you receive an acceptance letter from a college.
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