If you are feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of applying to colleges, this checklist from Dailies can help you!
Research!
It is important to start early. There are so many options when it comes to colleges and universities, so getting a head start on your research will help you feel confident when starting the process. Many students begin researching colleges in their junior year of high school to get a head start.
Each college has their own admission requirements. Once you know the top schools you would like to attend, go to their websites and find what their requirements are for admission. Each college will have different GPA and testing requirements.
Make a list, chart, or calendar of each college’s admission requirements. This can help you keep track of what you still need to do before admission deadlines. (These deadlines can be different as well, so be sure you write them down!)
Get in touch with an admissions counselor.
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to an admissions counselor at the university you are researching. They are there to help make the process easier for you! It also demonstrates that you are serious about attending their school.
Take any tests that are required for admissions.
Each university will require different SAT/ACT scores, so make sure you have found those requirements in your research.
Take practice tests even as early as sophomore or junior year to help you prepare for what to expect. Tutors and teachers will be a big help here! Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Give yourself enough time to retake the test before the admissions deadline in case you do not achieve the score you need for the university of your choice.
Write your admissions essays.
This step may take longer than you think, so get started as soon as possible! You want to put your best foot forward.
This essay will be the first impression the university has of you, so make sure it’s your best writing! Writing naturally takes several drafts, and you don’t want to be trying to finish it all at the last minute.
Have your English teacher or tutor review your essay and suggest edits/corrections with grammatical errors. Universities will not be impressed if you misspell something!
Apply for FAFSA and/or scholarships.
If you are wanting to apply for financial aid, make sure you have researched the deadlines for these applications and scholarships as well.
Get letters of recommendation.
These can be from teachers, coaches, counselors, and any adult who has helped you throughout your school career.
All of the above may be asked to write multiple letters of recommendation, so be sure to ask them with enough notice that they do not have to rush to meet your deadlines.
Keep a positive online presence.
Whether you realize it or not, your online presence is your resume. Recruiters and admissions officers may look at your online profiles, and you want those profiles to reflect the best of you!
Double check your applications before submitting.
Make sure you have completed all of the requirements for each university!
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