Applying to College: Log On, Get In
Applying to college has become an increasingly demanding and arduous task. With students more qualified than ever, the chances of admission have slimmed across the board; rigorous advanced research and preparation are increasingly important. Since you're probably planning to apply online, why not also use Internet resources to familiarize yourself with the process before you start? Then, use the Web to figure out where to apply and how to make your application as strong as it can be. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
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Expand All Guide SectionsSteps in the application process
The college application process is a multi-step affair with many deadlines and due dates that can ... read more »
Choosing the right college or university
If you're not sure what exactly you want out of college, these sites can help make the choice ... read more »
College application and entrance essay tips
Getting your applications complete and turned in on time is a huge accomplishment. Making sure that you write a great admissions essay, have letters of recommendation from the right people, and fill out the paperwork properly is a bigger challenge. We've collected a few Web resources that offer tips and guidance on how to do it.
Dulcinea's Insight
- We're not all writers, but small things like proper spelling and grammar make or break your essay. Have a teacher or parent look over your essay for basic syntax. Don't make a mistake on something you can easily control when so many other factors outside of your control will come into play throughout the process.
- To help you track all of the forms you'll need to send in with each application, try using an online spreadsheet such as Google Spreadsheets or Zoho Sheet. You can mark what schools you apply to, what forms you'll need for each, and can enter the dates when you send in each part of the application. This will ensure that you'll be on top of all of your forms and deadlines.
- Applying to more than one college? Lots of schools now accept a common application so that you don't have to fill out your basic information over and over. Note that some schools require supplementary material in addition to the common application, and that some schools do not accept the common application at all. See the Common Application Web site for info about which schools accept the application, and how you can fill it out online.
- The easiest way to apply is to apply online. You can go back to your application whenever you want—until the day you submit it—and can check spelling on a document before you send it in. Also, you'll find out sooner when it has been received.
- Part of a successful application is applying to the right combination of schools: some reaches, some maybes, and some safety schools. Before you start writing essays and getting recommendations, visit College Data, which helps you determine your chances of being admitted to a college.
Dulcinea's Picks
College Board
has a wealth of useful information and tools in its "apply to college" section. Use the "College Application Calendar" to plan each month of your high school senior year so you don't miss any of your application deadlines. "The Application" tab in the upper left corner will take you to articles about how many colleges to apply to and how to get letters of recommendation. Click on "Essay Skills" for help choosing your essay topic. You'll also get a few writing tips that can make your essay shine.
College View
has a number of articles that will prove helpful for perspective college students, starting with "Acing the College Application Process," which describes each element of the application.
Family Education
has a series of articles that can help you avoid "Common Application Mistakes", figure out if early decision applying is right for you, and get advice about asking for letters of recommendation.
Preparing for the SAT or ACT
Most colleges require that you take a standardized test and submit your scores with your ... read more »
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