Tips

 Recommendations for Completing an Application

• The information that you send to a college and the manner in which you offer that information is important. 

• There are five rules to follow in completing your application:

Plan ahead  ✦  Start early  ✦  Follow all directions  ✦  Meet all deadlines  ✦  Allow enough time for revising

• Before beginning your application, determine the strengths that you have and will emphasize in your application. 

• Proofreading and editing count.  Presenting a carefully-revised application will positively influence the admissions committee.

• College admission committee members are less impressed by the quantity of your activities than they are by the quality of performance in an activity, the depth of your involvement, and what the activity meant to you.  

• If you have a talent/hobby that has generated some tangible products, check with the college to see if they would like to see them.  For example: DVDs of artwork, musical performances, etc. 

• In listing extracurricular activities, be specific, and try not to  use acronyms without defining them.  Colleges do not necessarily know that “RPO” is Ridge Peer Organization, or that it is a service-based organization committed to bettering the school community.  Tell them!  Or, if  you were a member of the school newspaper staff, you should note the size of the staff, how often the newspaper was published, and how many hours per week/per month your commitment entailed.  You might even include awards or recognition attained by the newspaper if applicable. 

• Have your parents or guardians review/edit your application before submitting.  This is important.  They may remember information that you have forgotten.

Social Media Etiquette:

• 1. • Use an appropriate email address for college communications.  

     • Ideally, set up an account solely for college communications—something simple and professional, like “First name Last name @ server.com.”  

     • Make sure you check this account regularly.  It will be the primary way colleges contact you with updates and information. 

     • Assume that anything you post on Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. can and will be seen by College Admissions Representatives.  Make sure pictures and text are appropriate and reflective of a student who is seeking acceptance into a university.