College of Your Dreams

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Admissions Checklist

Deadlines

There are many things to consider when filling out your application. Every aspect is important and every one of them needs to be carefully delivered. I advise you to make a calendar of deadlines before you start the applications process. There are several deadlines that you need to pay attention to:

  • AP registration deadline: if you are taking APs in the spring, make sure you sign up in time.
  • College application deadline: including Early Decision/Early Action
  • FAFSA deadline
  • College Reply deadline: make sure you read your acceptance letter carefully.

Admissions Requirements

Within the application, there are a lot of extra things you need to submit that are not necessarily on the physical application form. Make sure that you do not overlook any of the following elements:

SAT scores

If you do not have the scores that you want by senior year, make sure you register on time to take the fall SAT test of your senior year.

Be sure to send the scores to the college you are applying to. There are two ways to send your scores to colleges. 1) During registration: "In a recent survey, colleges said that receiving score reports is important to them because it shows which students are interested in their schools." 2) After registration. There is a fee for sending score reports after registration.

College Essays

A college essay can mean the difference between acceptance and rejection. This one element can make your application a two dimensional object into a three dimensional one.

For more information on writing your college admission essay, click here

Resume

You should include a resume if a college requests one, or if the application does not have enough space to describe all of your accomplishments and activities. To create your resume, you need the following basic information:

  • Heading: Name, Address, Phone Number, E-mail address, social security number (if asked).
  • Education: Name of your high school, location, GPA, class rank
  • Extracurricular Activities: Clubs, sports, journalism, religious groups, dance...etc. Mention leadership roles, period of involvement, press.
  • Awards: Academic, extracurricular activities. Specify the dates and describe the award.
  • Work Experience: Include both paid and volunteering.
  • Special Skills

Letters Of Recommendation


Early fall, you should ask your counselor, teachers, and coaches or employers for letters of recommendation. You should give them plenty of time to meet application deadlines and with the form, you should provide them with stamped and addressed envelopes. After the application deadline, send thank you notes to your letter writers.

For more information on how to approach the College Admission Letter of Recommendation, click here.

Interviews


Most colleges don't require an interview. However, we believe that if you have a chance to interview, you should take the opportunity. A person to person interview will once again bring your application to life. It also gives you an opportunity to meet somebody who is associated with that university. The interview is a good time to also explain why there are any weak points in your application.

Additional Material


Some applications allow the students to include additional material that will supplement their application. They could include a portfolio (art, photography, acting reel), Youtube video, collage of pictures, blog...etc. Remember, the key is to stand out from the crowd. Anything that can showcase your uniqueness will be helpful in your application.