The college application process can be tedious and overwhelming one if you are not prepared and organized at the start. More often than not, you will be filling out multiple applications, and they each tend to have their own little quirks, questions, and requirements. Treating them all as a whole will not work, but having the vital information that each requires at the ready will save you a lot of time and aggravation in the end. The actual act of filling out each application should only take about one half hour, but there are other important pieces of the puzzle to consider.
If you are a student who will be seeking financial aid, as over 86% of the student population does, you will need to begin the FAFSA application as early as you possibly can. Many begin this process by the middle of their senior year in high school, depending on whether they are planning an off year or hiatus between graduation and college. This is a great plan, as the earlier you can submit your needs to the government, the more likely you are to receive funding. If all goes well, you will have the intent information, or proof that you have qualified for financial aid, before you begin your college application process.
If you have not started the FAFSA process yet, don’t panic. It will just take a bit longer and you may not receive as much money. You can fill out this form, which is rather lengthy and in depth, and submit it along with your college application, as most admissions offices will glance these over for accuracy and file them with the government for you. Once this is finished, you will be ready for the essay or personal statement phase of the college app process.
In this essay, you will want to give a voice to the faceless pieces of paper that cross the desk of the admissions officer, and this can be very hard to do. The best way to make sure that you have introduced yourself well is to be passionate, sincere, and honest. This essay is like your mission statement. It should portray the person that you are today, what moves and shakes you, and what you will do with the education that you receive to expand your horizons. Colleges and universities want to be the alma-mater of the next great writer, doctor, sports legend, attorney, artist, or scientist. Your honest mission statement will allow them to understand who you are and what you have to offer the school, rather than the other way around.
Next, you will want to have some letters of recommendation from your principal, counselor, advanced studies teacher, or really any instructor who believes in you and has known you for at least a few years. If you are involved with volunteer networks or organizations, get a recommendation from those leaders as well. Have your transcripts from high school at the ready, along with your college preparation or SAT scores.
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