Going to college is every kid’s dream at one point in their school life to further their careers and live their dreams. However, applying to your preferred university may be tricky since most people do not know what to look for and what steps to take. It may also be trickier if you do not have parents or older siblings to help. Here is a guide to help you apply to your favorite university and garner admission.
Take Note of College Application Deadlines
Universities usually offer different deadlines for the applicants to ensure they do not miss out. One type of deadline is the Early Decision deadline. This deadline is usually in November, and you have a chance of getting an earlier response from the college compared to other applicants. The response usually comes by December. Some institutions offer two EDs, with the second one in January and the response coming out in February. The acceptance of EDs is binding.
Another type is the Early Action application which is the same as ED but is not binding. The other type is a regular decision where students apply as early as November but get a response in Mid to late March or early April. The last one is rolling admissions, whereby the institution accepts all admissions till all spots are filled in a class. You should choose nonbinding forms if money is a concern for you so that you compare financial aid offers from different schools.
Platform You Should Use For College Application
There are various platforms you can use to ensure your application is successful. One of the most well-known methods is The Common Application. This mode is accepted in over 900 universities in and out of the United States. You need to fill out the common App once and submit it to your preferred colleges. This method also comes with essay questions segments that you will need to fill out.
Other methods of applying include the Coalition Application and the Common Black College Application. Some colleges have application modes that you will need to find out yourself. Visit your preferred college’s website to find out what mode of application they prefer. Some states also have different modes of application. To get the best state universities, you should use their preferred modes.
Know If There Are Any Application Fees to Pay
Most college applications will require you to pay a little token for the application process. Most colleges will charge between $50 to $90, with the highest at $100. However, you can waive these fees, especially if you come from a low-income family. In addition, the College Board usually sends SAT or ACT fee waivers for students eligible for college. However, you should note that not all schools accept these waivers.
Students and school counselors can also fill out an ACT fee waiver request. Students can also apply for the waiver in the Common App.
Visit a Campus Near You For Advice
It would be best if you also considered visiting college campuses all over to make sure you get a feel of the culture and daily activities in the area. This will help you choose the best college for you so far. You can also find out what the procedure for applying to the college entails. It will also give you a glimpse of the daily life of learning and living on the campus. The good thing with technology is if you cannot do a personal visit, you can always take a virtual tour arranged by the institution. Although it may not be like a real-life experience, at least you will have a glimpse of how life is on campus.
Also, make sure you find out about any components that you will need to consolidate in your application. Such components may include a high school transcript, personal information, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and whether you are required to give in a resume.
Choosing and applying for your preferred university is usually intimidating for most students. You will need to consider a few things before applying to a university to ensure you do not mess up your applications. You will need to note the type of application that is more favorable to you, know the platform you will use to apply if there are any fees, and if they are affordable to you, you will need to visit the campus for more advice. If you follow these guidelines, you will have a successful application.
AUTHOR NAME : ALISON LURIE