The Application

Purpose

The application is more than just a form. It is an opportunity to present yourself in a way that shows the college your uniqueness and the qualities you can contribute to the college community.

Application Components

Biographical information
List of activities
Work experience
Essay

Application Process

Student completes application and mails or submits the form (most colleges prefer students to complete the application online). The most popular application is the Common Application, which can be found at www.commonapp.org (see below). Over 450 colleges belong to the common application program. If the school is not a member of the Common Application program, go to the individual school’s website where students can complete an online application (preferred).
Students are responsible for contacting teacher(s) for letters of recommendation (sent separately by your teachers).
Student requests transcript (see section on requesting transcripts).
Student requests SAT’s or ACT’s be sent to colleges directly from the testing programs (most colleges use the highest scores from all test administrations).
Student sends supplementary material if appropriate (i.e. athletic resume, music cd, art portfolio, etc.).

Common Application

The Common Application simplifies the college admission process by allowing students to complete just one application that can be sent to many schools.
Many schools who use the Common Application may also require a supplement, that is specific to that school. The supplements are also online at the Common Application website.
Click here to link to the Common Application

Application Tips

Answer each question completely and accurately.
Neatness is important...use a black pen or complete online.
Make photocopies of everything before you send.
Have your counselor review the application and essay before you submit.
In choosing a teacher to write your recommendation, select the teacher that knows you the best, not necessarily from the teacher where you received an “A.”
Remember to send a thank you note to the teachers who write you a recommendation.
Remember colleges are more interested in the “depth” to which you were involved in a certain activity, than the number of activities. For example, if you’re interested in education, it is important to let them know that you’ve tutored or mentored a younger student while in high school or that you’ve participated in an activity or job working with children.

Remember: When you apply, no single factor will determine acceptance or denial.