Read carefully!
For each application note all deadlines and requirements for admission as well as whether they require supplemental information. Proofread all parts of your application (and, consider asking someone else to proofread your application. If you don't have anyone to ask, slowly read all parts of the application out loud -- remember, spoken language and conversation may be different, or considered abridged, from written language). Submit your application as early as possible and keep a copy of the completed application.
College Applications - Vary by institution. No two (paper or online) application forms are the same. And, if you use a common application be prepared for some schools to ask you to submit their application (too) or provide supplemental information. For each application, note all deadlines and follow all directions. Be complete; fill out important dates and geographical data accurately. Be neat; consider typing or hand-writing a rough draft, the appearance of your application does make an impression.
Consider calling a week or two after sending or submitting your application to make sure the college has it on file.
Click on the link below to search the library's online catalog.
Universities and colleges -- United States -- Admission.
Colleges choice -- United States.
Writing an Application Essay - Some schools require a short essay or two, some require a long essay and some don't require an essay at all. The college preparation books listed in this guide suggest the "Less is more" approach, "Write it, edit it, review it, rewrite it" and, don't repeat your answers. Just remember while spelling, grammar, content and style count, this exercise is intended to show that you can organize your thoughts and present them concisely.
If a colleges requires additional supportive materials, use this opportunity to try to show why you are unique and how the college will benefit having you in its student body. Market yourself. Be creative (ie: provide them with a tape of your best musical performance, show them your photography portfolio, submit a copy of your published writings or an exceptionally graded paper as a writing sample). Emphasize your passions, preferences and strengths. Provide them with background information about yourself, your interests, ambitions, values and insights as well as your weaknesses, and energy. Illustrate the kind of person you are (or hope to become).
Campus Visits - Visit the campus during the semester to see how classes are run and students live. Call the office of admissions to sign up for a group tour or arrange an individual tour and, for some colleges, an interview.
See Barron's Profiles of American College for a list of 25 critical questions to ask during your campus visit and Peterson's Four-Year Colleges for examples of the kinds of questions that you might ask during your interview.
Interviews - This can be done on campus or sometimes in your hometown.