Application Process
Types of admissions & Deadlines
Applicants have the option to choose when they want to apply and around what time they want to submit and get a decision through the several types of admissions available
It is still important to keep a steady eye on college deadlines and avoid leaving everything to the last minute
Early Action - Allows students to apply and get their decision early but still have the freedom to pick any college they applied to and got accepted after their decision
Early Decision - Allows students to apply and get their decision early but it is binding meaning if they get accepted, they have to enroll in that institution in question, some colleges have a second round of Early Decision (ED II) after the initial deadline
Regular Decision - The deadline and decision date are after those of Early Action and Decision, it is also non-binding
Rolling Admissions - Some institutions do not have a hard deadline but instead accept and give out decisions on an ongoing basis until all spots for an incoming class are filled
Major Components
Application FORM
It can be accessed either through a site like the Common App or Coalition App for public institutions and College Board's CSS Profile for private institutions allowing one to access and complete multiple college applications through one shared profile, or directly through the college's dedicated application page
Either way, the application form requires personal and demographic information of the applicant along with academic information pertaining to the student like:
Current Education - Would include institution name, date of entry, and graduation
Class Rank and Size - This information would usually be given out by the school directly at the start of the application season
Weighted or Unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA) - Important to include the type of GPA and its scale (GPA scale varies by school)
Most Recent Year Courses - Important to specify course types like Honors, AP, or Dual Enrollment
Official Transcripts - Schools and academic advisors are the ones to send these transcripts, thus students need to request the transfer
Standardized Exams (ex. SAT & ACT) - In most cases, colleges also require the scores to be sent directly from the SAT or ACT websites to their institutions
Moreover, applicants may need to include a list of honors and extracurricular activities such as clubs, hobbies, sports, or work along with any leadership positions gained and a brief description and level of participation estimate for these activities
Lastly, some institutions require an application fee after submitting, although an application fee waiver can be obtained depending on extenuating circumstances from an academic advisor or school official
ESSAYS & Personal statement
This aspect of the application is of particular importance since it can highlight the applicant's own voice or characteristics that are not showcased with a transcript or test scores
Many institutions require the submission of at least one essay and general sites like the Common App include a personal essay shared for all colleges the individual is applying to
Some considerations to take note are:
Answer the Prompt and follow Directions - It is crucial for the writer to note and focus on what the prompt is asking and if there are any additional details or length limits mentioned
Be Clear and Concise - The applicant should avoid listing activities like a resume and instead focus on a few key experiences and how they specifically influenced the writer's perspective that is relevant to the prompt
Avoid Gimmicks and Clichés - The use of these devices (ex. comedy) can fall flat for the reader as they are difficult to implement and most likely they have also read countless other essays trying the same approach (being preachy or ideological also leads to this issue)
Continuously Check and Revise - It should be a weeks-long process and having others who are good at being critical of one's own writing can also provide a valuable hand in this process
Some colleges also require applicants to complete supplemental questions, which can range from why the applicant wants to enter that institution or explaining a bad grade
Nonetheless, advice from the personal statement or major essays can apply to these questions with more of an emphasis on being direct in answering the question and doing some research on the college in question if the prompt ties to that topic
RESUME & PORTFOLIO
Some institutions require the submission of a resume or CV which summarizes the applicant's education, extracurricular activities, honors, and qualifications
The format of these documents can vary but should provide the reader with a concise but detailed understanding of the applicant's professional and academic experiences
On a similar note, some majors require the addition of a portfolio which is a collection of projects or pieces that highlight the applicant's skill and experience in a field
RecoMmentation LETTERS
These are usually written accounts by a person of choice about the applicant in question and in most cases are submitted directly by the recommender
Who the applicant chooses to be their recommender is up to the applicant but should be individuals who have some level of authority like a teacher or advisor and who know the applicant well and can talk about their capabilities in detail
It is important to note that the applicant should request a recommendation letter well before the due date to allow the recommender the necessary time of writing one
Interview
A few institutions include this aspect of the application usually set after submitting the form itself and would entail either a virtual or in-person interview set in the institution
It is recommended to come prepared when it comes to answering the basic questions like why did they choose that college, an aspect about oneself that is not found on transcripts, and goals in college after being admitted
One should also have some questions to ask the interviewers in mind to showcase interest in getting admitted
Moreover, the interviewee should leave a good impression on the interviewers by being polite, collected, and honest along with sending a thank-you email to the interviewer after the event
What's Next
Following submitting an application form, there are still some items applicants must do to secure a position for their institution's incoming class:
Make sure to submit SAT/ACT and FAFSA to the college before their respective deadlines
If deferred, follow the directions of the application for a second chance at admission
If accepted, keep an eye on the financial aid packages and make a decision of entering the institution before the respective deadline (choose wisely!)
Send Advanced Placement scores along with transferring any Dual Enrollment credit to the admitted institution
If applicable, follow up on housing options and forms
Make sure to attend the college's orientation event along with any outstanding holds in their portal to be able to select classes for the upcoming semester
Pay the enrollment deposit and dues if applicable