window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-GEQWY429QJ');

 

Entity offers a simple step-by-step guide to applying for college.

Now that your senior year has finally arrived, it’s time to think about college! You’re nearly done with high school (hallelujah) and ready to start thinking about the next chapter in your life. But before you start partying, there are a few steps you’ve got to take if you have decided that college is the best option for you.

Here’s ENTITY’s guide to applying to college.

1 Research different colleges.

What kind of college are you looking for? Private or public? Small or large? Ss USA Today College explains, the college “brand” matters because for the next 50 or so years of your life, you’ll be introducing yourself with your university name. So when you research a college, really consider your future goals, the kind of campus environment you prefer and whether or not it’s something that will help advance your career.

Maybe you want to save money by going to community college and then transferring to a university after finishing your general education (GE) courses. You can use this website to search for your perfect college based on the criteria most important to you.

READ MORE: Picking the Perfect College and Major Is All About You

2 Make sure you’ve met all the requirements.

While you are researching, take note of what each college requires for admission. Academic requirements vary from state to state and college to college. Some universities expect more than others – for instance, a higher level math class, more AP classes, a higher GPA or higher SAT scores. Luckily, it’s easy enough to find these requirements. You simply have to research the school and its “admission requirements.” They have every test, class and score detailed there.

And to make your research easier, websites like Big Future by College Board offer summaries of basic requirements. Use these to peruse through the schools to pick your top five.

Also be sure that the college has the specific program that interests you. You wouldn’t apply to a school that does not have an engineering department if you want to study software engineering.

3 Take the SAT/ACT.

Start preparing for these standardized tests a couple months in advance – ideally, you’ll want to start taking tests late in your junior year to maximize your time. But no matter what time you start prepping, you can pick up practice test books at most book stores. These practice books will give you a good idea of what to expect on the real test, have a list of test-taking strategies and provide explanations for every right answer. Also keep in mind that community colleges do not require the SAT or ACT.

4 Visit the schools on your list.

If possible, take some time to visit the colleges that interest you. Exposing yourself to the campus environment will give you a better idea of which colleges are right for you to help you narrow down your list.

Many campuses also offer tours of the campus, which are helpful because tour guides are knowledgeable of campus life and academic requirements. Schedule a tour so you can ask your guide any questions or concerns you may have.

Also, you should try visit schools while they are in session so you can see the diverse types of people who study there and get a feel for the professors, campus life and clubs.

READ MORE: The Modern Girl’s Guide to Graduating College: A Checklist for the Soon-to-Be Grad

5 Ask for letters of recommendation.

Some of the more prestigious universities will require a letter of recommendation from one or two of your teachers. Think about which teachers know you best and ask them for recommendations. Give them a few weeks in advance so that they have enough time to ask you questions and write a letter that is comprehensive and accurate.

If you need help asking for a letter of recommendation, Harvard Business Review suggests highlighting your teachers’ qualifications, providing them a template and offering them a “no questions asked policy.” With the “no questions asked” policy, you tell your teachers that it’s okay to deny your request for any reason and it also gives them ample leeway to change, modify or edit your letter. By doing this, it increases how comfortable they will feel writing your letter.

Then after receiving your letters, remember to thank them personally!

6 Begin the application(s).

Now it’s time to start applying! Begin applications for each of the schools that interest you. During this process, you’ll have to document all of your personal information, your family’s information and your school history.

Be sure to do this as early as possible. The last thing you want to be doing is rushing these important applications the night before they are due. Also, make sure to consider the application fees. If you need financial help, you can apply for application fee waivers. Each college has a different process for these, so Big Future by The College Board suggests researching the processes for each school.

READ MORE: How to Conquer Your First College Essay

7 Write your personal essay.

Most colleges require a supplemental essay as part of the application. This can be an intimidating part of the process, as you want to prove to admissions officers that you will be an excellent addition to the university. At the same time, this essay actually allows you to show the admission staff what makes you unique, so have fun with it!

Start early and have a teacher, parent or friend proofread your essay for grammar, stylistic and content errors before you submit; you want your essay to sound professional and respectful.

8 Turn in your application.

Review your application, make sure you’ve answered every question with the right information and that your error-free essay is attached. Then click that submit button!

9 Check your portals.

Soon, the colleges to which you applied will start sending you emails. Make sure you read each one, paying special attention to the ones that address how and when you will be hearing back about your admittance. Most colleges use online portals and will give you their decision in the spring.

It’s a waiting game now. We wish you the best of luck!

READ MORE: How Friendships Change When You Go to College

Edited by Ellena Kilgallon
Send this to a friend