SECTION BY SECTION ADVICE ABOUT FILLING OUT APPLICATIONS
While The Common Application, UCA, and different colleges offer different applications are, there are many elements that are the same. The following are suggestions for how to effectively complete the different application sections.

1. FIRST YEAR APPLICATION
To avoid making mistakes or leaving out critical information, first:

• Download the application from the college or application website.

• Carefully read through the application, highlighting or flagging any specific directions.

• Identify due dates, including financial aid, and put them on your calendar/ and or Due Dates list.

• Write down the short and long essay questions on your Essay grid.

• Before you input data onto an online application, handwrite your draft answers on a printed application, proofread the answers, and then type the information onto the online application.

• After that, you can use a printed copy of the first application as a guide for completing all other applications.

LITTLE KNOWN FACT! And while we are on the subject of the Internet, listen up to this. There are wildly differing practices among college admissions officers with regard to searching MySpace and Facebook for information about applicants to their respective colleges. Students should know that what they post on these websites is public information that anyone can access. Admissions counselors recommend that if a student is going to post information about him or herself, it should pass the Grandma test. If you wouldn’t want her or an admissions officer or scholarship committee to see what you have posted, information, don’t post it.

2. PRELIMINARY FORM OR PART
Some colleges and universities, such as the University of Southern California (USC), require applicants to complete a one or two page preliminary information form that asks for basic information. After completing this Part I form, the remainder of the application then becomes available. Just so you know, this form often has a due date that is earlier than the regular admission date.