College Application Tips

College applications can be stressful and time consuming, especially if you are applying to multiple schools. In our College Application section, we discuss how to secure all of your applications from various schools and document relevant application deadlines. Now that you have your applications in hand, here are some college application tips to help you fill them out:

1. Formulate Your Plan of Attack

   You need to make sure you get all of your applications in before the deadline at each school. Make sure you check the deadline criteria to see if the application is due at the school by that date, or if it can be postmarked by the deadline date. If you are working against the clock, you need to select a plan of attack to ensure you get all of your applications done. You may want to prioritize by completing the applications from your favorite school(s) first, or work the applications in the order that they are due. College applications have many sections to them and you will want to make sure you have enough time to do a good job on each section.

2. College Essay Tips

   The college essay portion of the college application is sometimes regarded as the most difficult section because it’s very subjective. Overall, college essay questions are not based on something that you learned in school. These questions are designed to allow the admissions office to learn something about your character, life experiences, maturity and writing skill. Here are a few college essay tips to help you:

   • Choose the topic or life experience carefully.
   • Spend time outlining every paragraph of your essay. You want to show that you know how to write in an organized and professional manner.
   • Stick to the essay requirements provided. If it says a 500 word essay is required, you need to come as close as possible without exceeding the word limit.
   • Use concepts you have used in your English or Writing class, like quotations or metaphors, to demonstrate your writing skill.
   • Have a teacher, counselor, or unbiased adult review your essay. It may sound good to you, but even the best writers use editors to make their work better.
   • Don’t be afraid to accept criticism; it will likely only improve your essay before the admissions office scrutinizes it.
3. Extracurricular Activities

   It’s important to show your prospective school(s) that you are a diverse and involved student. You’ll want to list all of the extracurricular activities that you participated in throughout high school on your application. Remember, you don’t necessarily have to be involved today; just be sure that you list the dates of your participation.

4. College Application Letters

   You are generally required to submit 2 or 3 letters of recommendation with your college application. Make sure you select references that will be able to make positive statements about your work ethic, academic interests/skills, and maturity. You’ll want to give your references ample time, generally a few months, in order to prepare your letter. Remember, teachers are asked for dozens of recommendations during the college application season.

   If you feel there is information pertinent to your acceptance, but not required in the application, you might ask your counselor if it would be appropriate to submit a college application letter. This letter might describe any extenuating circumstances (such as a disability) or inspirational material that is not required in the application. Some colleges throw out any non-required application materials, but it never hurts to try.