Navigating the college application process can seem daunting with the various deadlines and requirements and getting your materials to each school in a timely manner. As a prospective college student, you want to make a good impression while trying not to spread yourself too thin. The following tips will ease your search and subsequent application journey.
1. Build Relationships
When you go to a college for a tour, be sure to talk to people. You will likely be meeting with someone from the admissions team; this person may be the person to read your application, so get to know them. Make conversation, ask them questions, try to find out if there are any helpful tips they can offer.
The same can be said if you meet current students. Sometimes, the students you meet work with the admissions team, so getting their perspective can be beneficial. Connecting with anyone on your tour can benefit your application, your time at the college (e.g., staff members, faculty) or your overall journey (e.g., making new friends).
2. Prioritize Organization
Applying to one college, let alone several, can be quite taxing. The addition of the Common Application has helped streamline some of the process, but there are still many materials you must submit to complete your application. You need to discover how you best like to organize so you do not miss a deadline or a requirement.
Perhaps your best method is a spreadsheet. On your spreadsheet, include deadlines, required materials, whether you sent recommendations in or requested another person to send them, following up with the admissions team and attending prospective student events. What you include should help you feel more at ease when you start the process; just be sure to stay up to date on completing your form.
3. Follow Up
Following up with admission points of contact, those you request recommendations from and anyone submitting something on your behalf is an important process. Often, applications are not marked “complete” (or ready to be reviewed) until all your materials (essays, transcripts, recommendations, test scores, etc.) are received. Following up helps to ensure that you are not missing anything and that your application can be reviewed smoothly. It can also help to reduce your stress and feelings of unease.
4. Stay Engaged
The college application journey does not stop once you have submitted your application or once you have paid a deposit; instead, it continues until the first day of your first semester. Keep engaged with the university and do your best to create new connections.
Institutions often create safe spaces for prospective/incoming students to get to know one another. These can be events in your area, on campus, or in virtual groups; try to attend and join when and where you can. These are wonderful places to find others with similar interests, peers in your study area and even potential roommates.
Stay connected with all those you have met throughout the application journey. If you happen to not be admitted, remain connected. Those professional relationships you made can share where you can improve your application for future transferability or apply again at a later date. If you are admitted, remain engaged because there may be opportunities shared for connecting with others and more scholarship funding, alumni networking or connecting with campus partners.
The application journey starts well before you submit your application. As you explore where you would like to attend, be sure to continually ask yourself if the school you are focusing on feels right. If it does, take these tips as small guides to help you succeed.
