So you've decided that you are definitely going to college, but feel overwhelmed by the whole college application process. Well, it can be confusing but trust me, it's not THAT bad! The key is to get an early start, set your mind to the fact that you will get through it, and finish the task.
Step one of course is to figure out which colleges you are applying to, which may be the most difficult part since you will be spending many hours on your college search. Then you need to get the applications. You can do this by attending college fairs, writing or emailing college admissions offices to ask for them, or check with you Guidance Office, as they often have the applications you need.
You can apply electronically if you wish, as this is becoming more popular every year. You can also use the Common Application, which is a single application that is accepted by well over 200 colleges (private) nationwide. Check to see if any of your colleges accept it. If more than one do, then it would be wise to use it. The best part for you then would be that for all of the colleges that accept it, you only have to write one essay!
Regardless of which method you use to apply, go over the application early on. Start on the essay early so you can have time to edit and change as your ideas evolve (You may find Quintessential's Essay Help site useful! The College Board offers some Essay Writing Tips as well). Look to see if there are teacher recommendations and ask teachers to write them before all of yor classmates do. Go over the applications with your guidance counselor so he/she knows where you are applying, and also so you are aware of how they process applications and send out your high school transcript. This is particularly important to do if you apply online. You may have submitted an application on your own, but your Guidance Department needs to be aware of this so they can send an official transcript to that college.
Good luck, and remember you are not on your own here. Talk things over with your parents, your guidance counselor, and even the college admissions folks. They are all there to help you!
Click On These for College Applications:
The Common Application- used by over 200 colleges
College Link
The College Board- has applications through Next Stop College
Go Back to Bill's Home Guidance Page
