By Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz

Table of Contents

Definition Of College Admissions Application

The Common Application
A College’s Own Application

FAQ #1: I have heard about a new application that’s supposed to be like The Common Application. Should I use it?

Usual Application Forms
Special Application Forms

The Bottom Line

Summary Of College Application Steps

Timelines For Completing Applications

Junior Year, Fall Semester
Junior Year, Spring Semester
Summer before Senior Year (Before School Starts)
Senior Year

Organizing A System For Dealing With Admissions Materials From

9th Through 12th Grades 9

• Admissions “Stuff” Sent To You By Colleges
• College Visit Files
• Information From/For Your High School Counselor
• Books And Other Materials

Insider Advice, Common Sense, And What Matters Re Applications

A. Keeping Your Audience, The Admissions Officers, In Mind
B. Put Your Best Face Forward on Applications
C. Neatness, Accuracy, and The Lack Of Mistakes Really Make A Difference
D. Follow The Application Directions

FAQ #2: I don’t have access to a computer. Can I handwrite answers on a paper application?

E. If Something Is Optional, Do It! Never Leave Anything Blank, Unless…
F. Describe And Explain Everything
G. Emergencies: Late Applications and Extensions

FAQ #3: My parents keep telling me that I have to get my applications in early. Will that make any difference?

H. When In Doubt, Ask
I. Make Copies Of Your Applications Before You Send Them Off
J. Avoiding Disasters As You Use Online Applications

Section By Section Advice About Filling Out Applications

1. First Year Application
2. Preliminary Form or Part I
3. Student Information

Social Security Number
Identification With An Ethnic Group

4. Family Information
5. High School Academic Information

High Schools, Summer Schools And Other Academic Programs
Educational Preparation Programs
Courses, 9th-12th grades

6. College Academic Information

Major
Post-college Career Plans

7. Test Information

SAT And ACT
Subject Tests
AP and IB Tests

FAQ #4: Do I have need to have test score reports for my AP and/or IB scores sent to the colleges?

8. Application Grids

Academic Distinctions, Honors and Awards
Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer And Community Service
Activities Resume Or Summary

9. Miscellaneous Questions

Disciplinary Action, Dismissal, Suspension Or Criminal Charges
Where Else Are You Applying?
Taking Time Out After High School

10. Short And Long Essays

11. Supplemental Materials

FAQ #5: My friends tell me that one way of getting an admissions office to pay attention to me is to send them cookies or something a little weird or very creative. What do you think?

12. Recommendation Forms

13. Transcripts

14. Scholarship Application Forms

15. Mid-Year Grade Report

Follow-Up On Your Applications

Preadmission Letters

ENDNOTE

Recommended Resources

Websites
Books