When it is time to start college applications, many do not even know where to start. It is never too early to start anticipating what you will need for your college applications. So let’s take a look at some things you can be doing.
- Activity List: beginning your freshman year, keep track of all the activities you do. Keep track of awards, volunteer hours, special projects and books you read (besides assigned books). Don’t wait until you are filling out the application to try to think of your activities. Start a list now. Include grade level you did it, how many hours a week you participated and how many weeks a year you did it. This takes awhile.
- Affordability: Parents need to know how much they can afford before students choose their school. After all, you wouldn’t let them pick a Lamborghini if you couldn’t afford to pay for it. Knowing your Expected Family Contribution will help you with this. You can calculate yours at: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/paying-your-share/expected-family-contribution-calculator. Every college also has a net price calculator. This will give you some idea about how much a specific school will cost.
- College List: Students should start researching colleges. When they get ready to apply, they should make a list make a list of 8-10 schools they want to apply to. Some private and some public. After all, sometimes the private schools actually cost less than the public schools. The student should find a good fit; weather, size, location, major, academics, etc. Research required!
- Essays: The summer before the senior year, students should start working on their essays. This is quite an overwhelming task and these essays are not like the typical high school essay. They are more of a biographical narrative in most cases.
- Letters of Recommendation: These are only required by some colleges. If you are a senior, give your teachers plenty of time to write these. Provide them with some information about yourself in the form of a resume or “brag sheet”.
- Financial Aid: File the FAFSA in October of the senior year!
- Do not procrastinate! Try to get all your applications done early. You will do a better job if you focus in the Fall. Treat it like an interview, and make sure you know your deadlines!
Well that is it in a nutshell! As you are reading this article, you should begin making a plan to get your applications started. In order to present your “best self” you must dedicate some time to the process. Don’t miss out on your dream school because you do not do a good job on your application. Start early!
