The college admission process is an exciting page in the next chapter of life. It’s a time to showcase your achievements and aspirations while finding a campus and community you want to call home. Although college applications and personal statements require some dedication, your hard work will pay off. To help you enjoy organized, stress-free college admissions, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to take you from start to finish.
13 Tips to Help You Navigate the College Admission Process
The college admission process can be an exciting, albeit stressful, time. To help you stay focused and complete the admission process, here are 13 expert college admission tips for success.
1. Start Early and Get Organized
Trying to internally organize everything you need to have, do, and prepare for the college admission process can quickly lead to headaches and burnout. Instead, make a checklist, build an Excel spreadsheet, or create a physical folder to keep everything you need in one place.
2. Do Your Research
Applying to college can be overwhelming, so start small. Do your research and understand the basics of the application process, including some common application terminology. Examples of these terms include words and phrases like:
Articulation agreement
Bachelor's degree
Candidates' reply date agreement (CRDA)
Coalition application
College credit
Deferred admission
Demonstrated interest
Early decision (ED)
Grade point average (GPA)
Legacy applicant
Need-blind admission
Open admission
Registrar
Rolling admission
Sophomore standing
Undergraduate
Waiting list
Virtual college
Of course, you'll also want to start your college search and research schools you're interested in. Maybe you want to stick around your hometown, or maybe you want to move to a whole new state.
Make a list of your ideal colleges and research their locations, available majors, application requirements, and financial aid options. It's also a good idea to start researching the application processes to identify ways to increase your odds of acceptance.
3. Make a Calendar of College Application Deadlines
When applying to colleges, you might notice that each school's admissions office has different timelines. Some colleges and universities may have a similar pattern, but it's not always the case. Colleges that offer rolling admissions tend to do so from the fall to the spring, while others may have strict dates for the cutoff.
Typically, early application deadlines end in November, but some applications may need to be submitted by mid-October. The best way to ensure you don't miss an important date is to mark your calendars with all the deadlines for colleges you're applying to. Keep your calendar somewhere visible in your room so you can keep an eye on it.
4. Apply for Early Decision or Early Action
Early decision is an admission process where acceptances are binding. If you've been offered a space, you'll need to enroll and withdraw all other applications.
Early action is an admission process where acceptances are given out early but are not binding. If you've been offered a space, you can take some time to decide if you want to attend or not.
Both options are great for being proactive and completing tasks early. Decide which option to pursue and update your deadline schedule.
5. Apply for FAFSA
Scholarships and financial aid are another part of the college admission process, so try to get them done early so you know what kind of help you have. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be completed online here.
6. Keep a Positive Online Impression
College planning should include a social media cleanse before you submit your application. Unsurprisingly, many admissions officers will check your social media presence to see if they can judge your character by your posts. Any red flags might influence their decision, so set your pages to private and delete anything that could harm your chances of acceptance. This includes platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and even LinkedIn.
7. Get in Touch with the Admission Officer
Going out of your way to demonstrate an interest in a college or university speaks volumes to the admission officers. Admission officers track whether individual applicants have attended an information session on campus. It's hard to determine how much weight this holds in their decision, but it can't hurt. Demonstrate your interest in attending colleges and universities by taking proactive steps before applying.
8. Visit Your Dream College (And Backup Schools)
Nothing gets you more excited and focused than seeing your dreams up close and personal, so schedule a visit to tour your dream college's campus. You’ll get a chance to see what life looks like, and attending an official information session will put your name in the system.
Look up if there are any admissions representatives available for you to make a good first impression. If possible, you may also want to look into meeting a professor in your desired field, talking to other students, or even sitting in on a class.
It's also worth visiting a few backup schools, just in case. However, you shouldn't feel disappointed by safety schools, so tour their campuses and see which ones you like. Some of them might surprise you!
9. Create a Folder of Application Materials
There are several documents you'll need to submit with your application. In addition to test scores, an application essay, and your transcripts, you'll also need your Social Security number, your high school code, and a list of vocational activities you've completed during high school.
You may also need a personal statement or portfolio, depending on where you're applying to college. Gather these documents and store them in one place so that they can be easily accessed for each application.
Additional things to include are extracurricular activities, awards, achievements, and credentials for school portal access.
10. Be Yourself
One of the most stressful parts of the admissions process is figuring out how to present yourself to the admissions office. Many students believe that this boils down to listing out all their accomplishments and framing themselves as the perfect student. While these things matter, the best college applications showcase the applicant's uniqueness.
Yes, the admissions team wants to know your SAT or ACT scores, but admission decisions are made on the complete application, not just a few numbers. Be honest and be yourself; doing so can help you connect with a great college that's a good fit.
11. Get Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation also carry significant weight as they provide insights into how others perceive you. They can hold value that grades or standardized test scores may not capture, so try to get anywhere from one to three. You can request them from your teacher, a guidance counselor, or any other adult who can attest to your demeanor, character, or non-academic achievements.
12. Double-Check Applications Before Sending Them
Before sending your application to the college admissions officers, take the time to read through it again and double-check for any errors thoroughly. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors and that all the required information is filled out accurately.
For many, this is one of the most stressful parts of the application process but just breathe. If you're feeling a bit nervous, have a parent or school counselor go through it to triple-check, and then click submit!
13. Check Your Email Regularly
Many college admissions processes have been digitized. Your email will be your best friend as you await your response. Check it regularly for opportunities, follow-ups on your application, or potential acceptance letters.
Try not to get too anxious, and check out these steps to college admissions success while you wait for an answer.
Benefits of Working with a Professional College Admissions Consultant
Although these are some great college admission tips to help you get started during the college application season, every student is different. If you're struggling with the admission process, we recommend partnering with a professional college admissions consultant. Some of the benefits of doing so include:
Select realistic colleges based on academic strengths, community involvement, activities, and long-term goals.
Create a stand-out application that highlights your strengths and experience.
Guide how to complete the application process, including personal statements or "why" school essays.
Assistance with college interview preparation.
Support and encouragement throughout the process.
Confirm deadlines, requirements, and the materials needed for each college's unique admissions process.
At College Choice Counseling®, our counselors and tutors are here to help you with college counseling, college essay help and college application help, test prep and academic tutoring. Reach out … we’ll help you succeed!
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