KCP >College & Career Counseling

6 Easy Steps to a Great Application

1. Don't stress! Get organized! The first step is to design a checklist and some sort of organizing system that could help you with the process. Different folders, spreadsheets, etc. could be very helpful.

2. Don't wait till the last minute. If you complete the application over the course of a couple days (or weeks), this will give you a chance to look it over and make any corrections to it.

3. Use applications online, such as the common app, but ALWAYS keep a copy! Many colleges and universities have their application on their website and/or they accept the common application. If for some reason your application never reaches their destination, then you will have record that you did send it and you can fax them your copy of the application.

4. Make sure you give teachers/counselors enough time to complete their part of the application. Most teachers and counselor require at least three weeks prior to the deadline so that they can complete their part of your application accurately and on time. Consult your counselor and teachers before assuming they will automatically write a letter for you or send your transcript.

5. Have two people read over your essay, review it again, and then send it out. Once you have gotten feedback from a parent, counselor or teacher, you should then make the corrections and send it with the application. Just as it is a bad idea to wait to the last minute, too many people's opinion can have an adverse affect.

6. Resumes and Activity Sheets can be great for your application. Including a one to two page activity resume might help the applicant show their best talents and attributes to the committee. You don't want to go overboard (like listing every achievement since 6th grade) but you should let the committee know what's important to you and show how it has shaped your life.

Good luck to you in the college application process!

Margarita Cortissoz
High School Counselor/College Advisor
Karl C. Parrish School
Barranquilla, Colombia

College Application

Knowing how and when to apply to college gives you and advantage in the admissions process. Your chances of admission increase the earlier you apply. It’s best to get you application and supporting documents in before the application deadline. Whenever possible, apply online.

Before sending your application, be sure that you have:
·- Read and followed directions
·- Included anything that makes you different: special talents, interests and experiences
·- Reviewed your high school transcript
·- Written an essay that shows who you really are
·- Ask someone to proofread your application
·- Make photocopies of everything you mail
·- Send your test scores

· It is harder to raise your GPA in the junior year than you think it will be.
· Start looking at colleges in the spring; start your essays over the summer.
· Make sure that colleges offer a good environment for you.
· Ask about the negatives when you visit colleges.
· Campus visits can help you narrow your list down.
· Like your back-up schools, you may need them.
· Don’t just pick a school because your friends like it.
· Don’t get hooked on just one school, you might not get in there.
· Your ideas about what you want will change over time.
· Don’t obsess over the college process; you still need to do well in school.
· Don’t focus just on school; find an activity you love.
· Don’t let the college process dictate what activities you do.
· Start forming good relationships with teachers now so you have people you can ask to write recommendations for you.
· If you want to submit artwork with you applications, talk to your art teacher now about what you will need to do.
· Look at some applications now to learn what they ask.
· Plan carefully to take your SAT’s and SAT II’s so you can fit them all in. Check which tests your schools require.