8 Pieces of College Applications
A complete college application contains 8 pieces.
Colleges use these pieces to answer two questions:
1."Will this student be academically successful at our institution?"
2. "Is this student a good fit for our university?"
See below for more information about the pieces.
1.Application Form
There are three types of application forms. Common App, ApplyTexas and school based application forms. Common App is mainly used by out-of-state colleges, whereas ApplyTexas is used by in-state colleges. If a school accepts none of these two, you will need to apply through that school's website, which is called school based application. We are using Naviance to apply to colleges. In Naviance, go to Colleges tab and add colleges to "Colleges I'm thinking about" list, and, when ready, move them to "Colleges I'm applying to" list. Clicking on the colleges from "Colleges I'm applying to" list, you may start an application. For more info, see below.
2.Academic Documents
The academic documents, mainly transcripts, are the most important pieces of college applications. Colleges use academic documents to predict if you would be academically successful at their institution. When applying to colleges, order your transcripts through Naviance > Colleges > Colleges I'm applying to > request transcripts (at the top of the college list). Below are what colleges look for on your transcripts.
GPA, the higher the better :)
Number of advanced courses such as AP, Dual Credit and PLTW courses
Test scores and grades for the advanced courses
Number and grades of elective classes related to what you would like to study at their college
Final transcript after Junior year is accepted by almost all the colleges
Your transcript should show that you challenged yourself and you improved your scores and grades year by year
3.Test Scores
SAT and ACT are the main tests colleges accept. Plan to take both tests, as you may do better on one of them.
Analyze your diagnostic test results to locate areas to improve
Make a study plan, complete a test prep book or KhanAcadamy class
Take the real test in the spring semester of the Junior year, so you can start applications earlier
Sign up for the SAT or ACT test (Students with Free of Reduced lunch: Please see your counselor for fee waivers)
4.Essay
Start writing your essays in junior year
Please visit https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays
Dos
–Keep your focus narrow and personal
–Prove it—develop ideas with vivid facts
–Be specific—avoid generic writing
Don't-
Tell them what you think they want to hear
Write a resume
Write 50 words when 5 will do
5.Letters of Recommendation
Ask your teachers and counselors for recommendation letters in April/May of Junior year
Give plenty time for teachers
6.School Forms
School forms are the school specific forms that is beyond what is submitted through CommonApp and Schoolinks. Please refer to the college's application page.
7.Activities List
Extracurricular activities are super important for colleges.
Be consistent with your activities, playing for school's soccer team for 5-6 years
Try to take leadership positions, captain for the soccer team
8.Other
Other documents are the documents that is submitted for specialty majors. Art departments might request portfolios, and music majors might require auditions.
Resource Coursera Course: Applying to US Universities