The college application is the initial, but not the only step in applying to college.
What’s in the college app?
Biographical information
Questions concerning:
Extracurricular activities
Work experience
Future plans
Academic & career interests
Essay
Almost without exception, the app will ask for your Social Security Number, an application fee ranging from $15.00 to $50.00, and your Whiting High School Code:
It is important that you be honest, thorough, concise, neat, and attentive to directions. Completing your college application online is preferred. Hard copies of college applications are available for download via the college’s website.
Some colleges will ask you to write personal essays which will be read for:
· content
· organization
· your ability to answer the question
· grammar
· spelling
Since the college wants the application to reflect you, your interests and values, how you write, and how you think, completing your essay will require a great deal of time and energy. You will want to “put your best foot forward” without boasting. Ask your English teacher to review what you have written before you submit a final copy.
Some colleges will require that one or two of your teachers and your counselor write a recommendation concerning you. It is important that you:
Select a teacher who knows you well and will write a positive recommendation about you.
Discuss the recommendation with the teacher several weeks in advance of the due date. Ms. Daniels has Student Profile Summaries in her office which can be filled out & given to the recommender(s). You can also print one at home by selecting the Student Summary Profile above.
Give the teacher the recommendation form, an addressed stamped envelope, and a list of the colleges to which you will be applying along with deadline dates OR if the recommendation is submitted online, notify the teacher that they will be receiving an email. A recommendation will have more credibility if you have signed the waiver of right to see the recommendation.
Give your counselor the appropriate secondary school report.
All students will be required to request their transcripts through Parchment.com. Students will need a valid email address before signing up. Once an account is created, students may request transcripts as needed.
Many schools will accept test scores reported on the transcript; however, some will require scores to be sent directly from the testing center. Speak to a college rep to find out what they accept.
In order to meet college admission deadlines and properly process your application, you are asked to submit college applications by the first week in December. All state (public) university applications, for Indiana colleges as well as out-of-state, should be completed by early November. We encourage students to apply EARLY.
To keep track of what you need to do and when, answer the following questions for each college to which you’re applying. Remember, it’s always a good idea to start EARLY so you have plenty of time before deadlines. Also, it’s important to give ample time to your counselor and others filling out recommendation forms.
Do you know the deadline (if any) for filing the application? Read all application instructions carefully!!
Have you kept copies of all the forms, applications and letters you’ve sent?
Has your official high school transcript been sent?
Have you given the Counselor Page to your School counselor? Has she completed and sent it?
Have you given the appropriate forms to your other references (if required)? Have these forms been completed and sent?
Have you had your ACT and/or SAT scores sent to each college? What about your scores Advanced Placement (AP) Tests?
Have you checked to be sure you answered all of the questions on the application form? Have you checked and re-checked the grammar and spelling? Is your application legible?
Have you signed your application and enclosed the application fee (or paid the fee online)?
Do you plan to apply for financial aid? If so, have you completed your FAFSA?
Have you had an interview (if required or suggested)?
Have you checked the admission materials to see whether the college requires any further action?
Once your application has been reviewed, you’ll receive a letter notifying you whether you’ve been admitted. Read over the acceptance letter(s) carefully to find out further details & by what date you must accept or reject an offer. A majority of the colleges and universities recognize the national reply date of May 1st. This means you have time to consider all of your college options by May 1 (unless you are using an early decision plan that requires an earlier reply date). NOTE: A DEPOSIT MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED WITH YOUR REPLY.
Once you have received a decision from all of your colleges/universities, you’ll have to choose the one you think is best. If you’re still not sure, take another look at the criteria upon which you are basing your decision. Consider which factors are most important to you. If it’s still a toss-up, visiting the colleges a second time may help you decide. Are your impressions the same or have they changed since your first visit? When you make your final choice, be sure to notify the colleges you don’t plan to attend. That way, they can offer your place to another deserving student.
In the end, the choice is yours alone. But feel free to talk with your parents, teachers, your school counselor or any other person who you think can help provide some insight.
Below is a sample letter that can be used when responding to your colleges. Note: Sending an email is also acceptable.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Your Name
Your Address
Date
Director of Admission
Name of College
City, State, ZIP
Dear Sir or Madam:
As a senior of Whiting High School in Whiting, IN, I was informed by you on (date) of my acceptance for admission for the fall term.
This letter is to inform you that I (will/will not) be attending (name of college). Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)
Your name typed
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________