The Application Process Deciding on which colleges to apply to occupies a student’s time in some cases since they could walk until the application deadline. However measures these extremes are not necessary for students to find their dream colleges. Even if a student is beginning her search later, a great deal of time must be placed on this decision. Applying to colleges involves two main stages, college preparation and the actual application process, that if evaded may lead to poor college choices. Each student must decide the colleges that are right for them, not for their parents.
The beginning of high school is a new chapter in every student's life. This new chapter should also bring about the college hunt. The classes and extracurricular activities within the next four years should be planned and executed on a competitive level which "can strengthen your chances for admission to college" "Why Not Take a College Class"[i]. After planning a rigorous schedule, college campuses should be visited in order for the student to comprise a list of desired schools. However a student should keep many options open and “'Remember that there is no such thing as one right choice,...You will limit yourself too early in the search process if you get focused on one school before you have really explored the options'”[ii]. Ideally, standardized tests should be taken during junior year. Taking a test prep class is an important investment because, "standardized test[s] are very important to colleges when it comes to admissions"[iii].Once these crucial steps have been followed, Senior year will soon follow when the rush of applications begin.
When seniors go back to school, college applications loom in the near future. Early action or early decision may prove to be invaluable if the student's top colleges offer the option. "[These] plans allow you to apply early (usually in November) and get an admissions decision from the college well in advance of the usual spring notification date"[iv].However, many colleges do not offer this option, so it is important for a student to submit applications as soon as possible because colleges may admit applicants early. It is important to plan out the application parts and complete them in a timely manner. "By the time colleges have been selected, recommendations requested, essays written, and applications filled out, most families have hit the height of anxiety"[v]. Completing applications early can ease the stress commonly associated with college applications and those last minute problems faced by students who apply on the last day. The college applications process in reality takes several years in planning and preparation which ends with several applications. However most of the stress and confusion associated with college decisions can be circumvented through completing tasks early. Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions students make because it can change their futures. Therefore students must step back from the pressure of teachers, parents, and friends and decide for themselves what both their hearts and their minds tell them the best schools are for themselves. [i] "Why Not Take a College Class." College Data, 2008, https://www.collegedata.com/cs/content/content_getinarticle_tmpl.jhtml?articleId=10030 (accessed December 10, 2008). [ii] Jane Schmitt, “Internet Viable Option for Picking College.” Los Angeles Business, November 28, 2008, http://losangeles.bizjournals.com/losangeles/othercities/buffalo/stories/2008/12/01/smallb3.html?b=1228107600%5E1738779&brthrs=1 (accessed December 10, 2008). [iii] Veronica Krully, “The Importance of Standardized Tests for College.”Eziearticles, 2008, http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-Of-Standardized-Tests-For-College&id=677345 (accessed December 10, 2008). [iv] “Early Decision and Early Action.” CollegeBoard, 2008, http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/the-application/104.html (accessed December 10, 2008). [v] “Working With Your Counselor During the College Application Process: Four Simple Tips.” CollegeBoard, 2008, http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/the-application/50530.html (accessed December 10, 2008).
Bibliography “Early Decision and Early Action.” CollegeBoard. 2008. http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/the-application/104.html (accessed December 10, 2008).
Krully, Veronica . “The Importance of Standardized Tests for College.”Eziearticles. 2008. http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-Of-Standardized-Tests-For-College&id=677345 (accessed December 10, 2008).
Schmitt, Jane. “Internet Viable Option for Picking College.” Los Angeles Business. November 28, 2008. http://losangeles.bizjournals.com/losangeles/othercities/buffalo/stories/2008/12/01/smallb3.html?b=1228107600%5E1738779&brthrs=1 (accessed December 10, 2008).
“Working With Your Counselor During the College Application Process: Four Simple Tips.” CollegeBoard. 2008. http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/the-application/50530.html (accessed December 10, 2008). GOOD. 100/100 |