College Application Process

The application process beings early in the senior year. Therefore, it is important to have completed most of your researching during your senior year. This can be a very time consuming and stressful experience, but with some planning and organization it can be productive and enjoyable. Once you have determined your final list of schools to which you are applying, you will need to be very aware of deadlines and application requirements. Sometimes it is helpful to create a chart that includes valuable information about your final list of colleges. On the chart, you should list the factors that are important to you in choosing a college as well as the important application information such as deadlines, school profile information and what components are required in the application process.

Applications

Several colleges use the Common Application (or the Common App) which allows you to apply to numerous schools with one application form. You still need to pay close attention to unique requirements; for example, some colleges may ask for letters of recommendation and others may not. To download the form or submit the application online, go to www.commonapp.org.

When applying to public colleges and universities, you will find the applications are fairly simple to complete. Usually, you will be asked to provide an official transcript, a list of your senior classes or classes you have completed in high school, your ACT or SAT scores, and other basic kinds of questions. Therefore, applications to the University of Minnesota campuses or to any school within the State University system are not quite as time consuming as some others.

If you are applying to any smaller, private colleges, you may find that most of these schools have applications that require you to share more information about yourself. You may want to develop a resume including activities, involvements, honors, and experiences that will help give a strong picture of your interests and accomplishments. This will allow you to be more efficient as you complete applications.

Transcripts

All applications will require an official copy of your transcript. Your transcript includes your classes, final grades, cumulative GPA, and rank in class. For a transcript to be official, it must have the school seal and be mailed directly from the high school. Therefore, you must understand the process and allow the time necessary for our transcript to arrive on time. You will need to email your school counselor with the name and address of the college to which you would like your transcript sent. Please allow at least three school days for your request to be processed, because many of these may be turned in each day.

Recommendation

Colleges may require or encourage that your application package include two or three school-related recommendations. You may want to ask academic teachers, a counselor, coach, an advisor, or a non-academic teacher who can provide an exceptional view of you. To be sure that your recommendations are effective and timely you should put some thought into the process. Ask teachers who know you well and think highly of you. Give teachers at least three weeks to write the recommendation. You should also provide the individual that did the recommendation letter with a thank you note to demonstrate that you greatly appreciate their efforts.

Essay

Don't let the essay slow you down! The admission representatives simply want to know you better and discover your unique qualities. Ask yourself the question, "what else would I like others to know about me that I feel is an important part of the person they may select?" When writing an essay or personal statement, a short and original essay is most desirable. If a choice of topics are given: choose a topic, make a list of ideas to be covered in the essay, develop an outline and write a first draft. Be certain your personal statement is broken into paragraphs. One long paragraph does not look good in a personal essay. Vary the structure and length of your sentences to provide interest. Use intelligent sentences and common sense. Use your own style and write in a direct, conversational manner. Make certain you have a smooth transition from one idea to another. Ask someone (your counselor for example) to proofread your work.

The Easy Steps of the Application Process:

1. Student completes the application

2. Student contacts people for letters of recommendation

3. Student contacts the school counselor to ask for their transcript to be sent to the college

4. School counselor completes this task along with any other paperwork related tasks requested by the college