Kaplan's College Edge
Most colleges place the newest version of their application online by the end of the summer. Divide the application process into achievable steps to make the process more manageable. This way, the process won't seem as overwhelming and you won't end up pulling an all-nighter as deadlines near.
1. Download and print applications and create a folder for each college that you plan to apply to in the fall. Some colleges may require their own application, while others will accept The Common Application (commonapp.org). Most colleges will allow you to apply online.
2. Check each application's deadline. Some colleges may have a rolling admissions deadline, which means that you'll be notified of the college's admissions decision a few weeks after you submit the application. Other colleges may have a set date admissions deadline, which means that all students apply by a certain date and notification letters are sent out on a specific date. Write the application deadline on the front of the folder in large print so you don't miss it!
3. Review each college's essay requirements and figure out how many essays are required by each school. Some colleges may request a 500-word essay as well as some short-answer essays.
4. Begin to brainstorm essay topics. It may be helpful to talk to an English teacher, your parents, a good friend, or a college counselor to identify appropriate essay topics. Remember that the application essay should spotlight what makes you unique and what you'll bring to the school if accepted. Rather than restating your resume, the essay should distinguish you from the other applicants. Tune into next month's College Edge to obtain helpful essay writing tips.
5. All essays will require several drafts. No matter how great of a writer you are, the first draft of an essay will never be the best possible version. Personal statements are particularly difficult to write elegantly, so allow time for multiple revisions to make your essays shine.
6. Writer's block? If you're having one of those days when you just can't write, it may be helpful to fill out the basic information on the applications, including parental information and activities, instead.
7. Make your parents their own folder for each college and indicate what documents are required for the financial aid process. Write the deadline for financial aid paperwork on the front of each folder in large print! Most schools will require you to submit your financial aid information in early January.
8. Verify your high school's college process. Ask your guidance/college counseling office how college applications are processed, and what paperwork is required to complete your applications.
Although the beach may be calling you during summer, it will be worth your time to complete some of your college applications before the beginning of senior year. When school starts, you'll be blissfully relaxed while your friends panic about college applications.
1. Download and print applications and create a folder for each college that you plan to apply to in the fall. Some colleges may require their own application, while others will accept The Common Application (commonapp.org). Most colleges will allow you to apply online.
2. Check each application's deadline. Some colleges may have a rolling admissions deadline, which means that you'll be notified of the college's admissions decision a few weeks after you submit the application. Other colleges may have a set date admissions deadline, which means that all students apply by a certain date and notification letters are sent out on a specific date. Write the application deadline on the front of the folder in large print so you don't miss it!
3. Review each college's essay requirements and figure out how many essays are required by each school. Some colleges may request a 500-word essay as well as some short-answer essays.
4. Begin to brainstorm essay topics. It may be helpful to talk to an English teacher, your parents, a good friend, or a college counselor to identify appropriate essay topics. Remember that the application essay should spotlight what makes you unique and what you'll bring to the school if accepted. Rather than restating your resume, the essay should distinguish you from the other applicants. Tune into next month's College Edge to obtain helpful essay writing tips.
5. All essays will require several drafts. No matter how great of a writer you are, the first draft of an essay will never be the best possible version. Personal statements are particularly difficult to write elegantly, so allow time for multiple revisions to make your essays shine.
6. Writer's block? If you're having one of those days when you just can't write, it may be helpful to fill out the basic information on the applications, including parental information and activities, instead.
7. Make your parents their own folder for each college and indicate what documents are required for the financial aid process. Write the deadline for financial aid paperwork on the front of each folder in large print! Most schools will require you to submit your financial aid information in early January.
8. Verify your high school's college process. Ask your guidance/college counseling office how college applications are processed, and what paperwork is required to complete your applications.
Although the beach may be calling you during summer, it will be worth your time to complete some of your college applications before the beginning of senior year. When school starts, you'll be blissfully relaxed while your friends panic about college applications.
posted by yjc.gooogle at
8/09/2006 11:26:00 AM
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