HOW TO FILL OUT A COLLEGE APPLICATION

Before you start filling out college applications, you should have:

• Visited the campuses of as many as possible of the colleges you're considering.


• Narrowed your list of schools to which you are going to apply to no more than eight.
1. Why eight? Two reasons:
1. The cost. Applications require anywhere from $40 - $70; so even if you hold your list down to eight, it may cost you hundreds of dollars.
2. There is a lot of paperwork involved in applying to a college - by you and by many other people as well (teachers, counselors, registrar, etc.). In addition to the application with its essay question, each college may require the following:

a transcript of your high school record
a letter of recommendation for some universities
a report of your test scores
a copy of your FAFSA form
2. Make sure you know the deadline for submitting application. Each college may have a different deadline! Get to work on you applications at least a couple of months in advance.

First Steps

• No matter how early or late your start, DO NOT begin by putting the official application form in your typewriter. Practice first on some scratch paper or on a copy of the official form. It's a good idea to get someone else to read over the application, particularly the essay questions, before you type the final version.

Final Steps

• It's up to you to see that your high school transcript is sent to each college to which you are applying and that each person you have asked to write a recommendation completes it on time. Don't wait till the last minute and expect people to respond to your needs. Give people time to work on your requests! Give those who are doing the writing for you an outline of your involvement, your strengths, interests, you achievements, and you commitment.

One Important Chore That You May Forget

• Make copies of everything before you send them off. It is also advisable to ask for a certificate of mailing (which currently costs ninety cents) to document mailing date.

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