College Application Tips
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Preparing to apply to college can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to everything high school students need to put together in their college applications. And if they have a long list of colleges, the task can seem even more daunting.
With our list of college application tips, your high school student is sure to put their best foot forward for the college of their dreams.
Basic College Application Tips
College applications can seem like an impossible task, but if you break down the process into smaller, manageable chunks, it'll be much easier to focus and prepare. Here's a short checklist to get your student started and help make sure they're prepared for every step of the application process:
Check and double-check admissions/application timelines and deadlines for each school.
Read all application instructions carefully. Don't assume they're the same for each school, even if they're using the Common App.
Check that you've included all requested documents with the application.
Answer questions clearly.
Make sure to only tell the truth.
Show off your strengths and achievements with tangible examples.
Check your spelling and grammar; have a friend or family member proofread your application.
The Common App
The Common App is an online platform and portal that was introduced to help streamline the college application process. While not every college uses it, it's now accepted by more than 1,000 schools, including some outside the U.S.
Through the platform, first-year and transfer students can apply to multiple colleges at once using one basic application and personal essay. Some schools then ask for supplemental information or essay questions.
The Common App opens for the upcoming application cycle every year on August 1. It's important to make an account early and keep track of deadlines. If students need recommendation letters, teachers or counselors will upload them to the Common App, and they must do that by the necessary deadlines.
Important Application Details to Pay Attention To
Before starting any applications, it's essential to do your homework. Every school has its own application timeline and requirements, and your hard work on your application won't matter if you miss the deadline. Here's some of the information you should double- or even triple-check:
Essay Requirements
If the school you're applying to has its own essay questions, they might ask for a specific length or word count.
Delivery Method
Some schools accept applications through the mail or online, while others only use one method.
Address
If submitting your application without an online portal, make sure you have the correct mailing or email address.
Required Documents
Some schools might ask for different documents or different amounts of those documents (like recommendations).
Important College Application Documents
Most colleges will ask for the same documents and information to accompany your application:
High school transcripts
Recommendation letters
College entrance exam scores
Personal essays
This list might change depending on the college you're applying to, but it's always a good idea to make sure you have these documents on hand. Additionally, it's a good idea to know how you will submit each of these. Some of them, you'll submit yourself, some you might submit through a different portal, and some your teachers or guidance counselors might upload for you.
More Tips
College Application Essay Tips
General College Admissions Tips
The Future Is Just Around the Corner
Each year, graduates from K12-powered schools are accepted to hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide, join the military, or head directly into the workforce.
Whatever your goals and chosen path, we're honored to help you build your journey toward achieving your dreams.
