The Willowbrook Guidance Department is committed to helping students prepare for their post-secondary-education goals. As part of that focus, the department recently hosted/will host several events to guide seniors through the college application process.
Below are a few tips as students begin the college application process:
Start early. Set deadlines for completing essays, collecting recommendations and filling out forms a few weeks before they’re due. Mark those earlier deadlines on your calendar – and don’t miss them. College websites are the best place to find accurate deadline information.
Be consistent. Using the exact same name on all of your forms makes things easier for admission officers. Decide whether you want to use a shortened version of your legal name, or your middle name, and then always use the same version.
Be careful. Careless mistakes on your application can hurt your chances of getting accepted. After you finish an application, put it aside for a day, and then check it again for errors. If you can, have a teacher or a parent/guardian proofread it as well. Save and review online applications before you submit them.
Submit once. When you apply online, you’ll usually get an automated response your materials have been received. If you don’t, contact the college’s admission office. Don’t apply online again or mail in another application.
Keep copies. Make a copy of each piece of each application. Save personal identification numbers, passwords, canceled checks and notes or e-mails from admission officers. That documentation can save you if a problem arises.
Get confirmation. If you mail applications, put a stamped postcard addressed to your house in each package, so admission officers can let you know your materials arrived. If you get a notice something is missing, don’t panic. Call the admission office and calmly ask what steps you can take.
- Source: College Board (http://tinyurl.com/mx63dug)