5 Steps to Apply to College
Winter break is winding down- it’s a great time to finish those college applications that you started back in September (but haven’t hit the submit button on yet) or start the applications you’ve just been putting off all together. Below you’ll find a quick infographic to give you an easy step-by-step guide for how to do this (it’s the basics). If you’re looking for more details on each section or anything more specific, continue to read this blog post.
Step 1: Decide where you are going to apply. This sounds like a simple enough task, but ask any high school senior where they are applying to and most either don’t know or are only applying to colleges their friends are or that they’ve been surrounded by their entire lives. Making your short list (your list of 8 or less colleges where you will apply) takes a lot of research, visits and soul searching.
Put in the work to figure out where you want to go. Does size, location, cost and available majors matter? Well… it should. Research the schools that have your major, are in the location you’d like to be and are about the size you are looking for. Then look at cost (sticker price isn’t always what it seems, so don’t necessarily rule something out solely based on price). Next visit. If you can’t visit in person (time, money, location, COVID, etc.), do a virtual visit.
Why 8 schools you ask. Because you have to narrow your choices down to one at some point- after all, you can only attend one college at a time. It is also unfair to others to take a seat at a school that you have no intention of attending (basically, it’s unethical). So, do the work upfront and be a good person.
Step 2: Review the website and application to figure out what you need in order to apply. Colleges use various application portals, you need to know which one you need to use. Some colleges require letters of recommendation, some don’t. You need to know what they want and review/edit it or maybe even create it before you really start the application.
Most colleges require some form of essay- this is something you likely need to create. Review the prompts carefully. An easy way to set yourself back in the admissions pool is to not answer the prompt. Once you know what they want you to write about, take some time to think about it and plan out what you would like to convey. Then you can begin writing. Make sure you review it and have others review it as well.
Step 3: Request your letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, mentors, employers, etc. Each school will have a different number of recommendations they request (usually around 3). Some are set- you always need one from your school counselor (but you still need to be sure to ask them!); others are not set in stone- they may let you decide who you want to recommend you.
No matter who is writing your letter of recommendation, make sure you ask them in advance. It’s a good idea to give them at least 2 weeks notice of when you want the letter sent. This gives the recommender ample time to write, review and submit (remember, they have a life too). Your recommender may ask you to provide them with a resume or answer some questions before writing your letter. Just remember, the better quality resume or answers you provide, the better your letter is likely to be. You will also need to provide the submission instructions or information.
Always remember to thank your recommenders after they have submitted your letter.
Step 4: Request your transcripts from your school counseling office. Every school counseling office is going to have a slightly different process for how and when you request your transcripts (check with your school to find out theirs). There may be a wait time, be sure to account for this. Some colleges now allow self reporting. This is nice, but don’t worry, they will get your transcript at the end of the year, so be as accurate as possible.
Step 5: Complete, review and submit your application. Read over everything that is written on your application and in your essay(s) one more time. Make corrections. Have someone else review it. Make more corrections. When you are done, hit the submit button. Don’t wait for your transcripts to be sent, they will arrive just fine. Be sure to adhere to deadlines set by the college.
I hope you’ve found this helpful. If you are looking for more information, please visit my website- Higher & Hire. If I can be of assistance to you, please reach out to me here.
Many Thanks!
Valerie Palmer
