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Getting into College:
» Creating a Powerful Application
Application Requirements
There's More Than Just A Form
Applications vary from college to college, but most require some or all of the following parts:
Application form
In the old days (well, a few years ago), you had one application option -- a handwritten or typed form. Today you can apply electronically, entering your information just once.
Application fee
The average college application fee is around $25. [Section B on p. 3 says $50] (Some colleges charge up to $60, while others don't have an application fee at all.) The fee is usually nonrefundable, even if you're not offered admission. Many colleges offer fee waivers for applicants from low-income families. If you need a fee waiver, call the college's admission office for more information.
High school transcript
This form is filled out by an official of your high school. If it comes with your admission materials, you should give it to the guidance office to complete as early as possible. Some colleges send this form directly to your school after receiving your application.
Admission test scores
At many colleges, you have to submit SAT® I/II or ACT test scores. Many colleges require admission tests because they are a standard way of measuring a student's ability to do college-level work.
Letters of recommendation
Many private colleges ask you to submit one or more letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or other adult who knows you well. When asking someone to write such a letter, be sure to do so well before the college's deadline.
Essay
If you're applying to private colleges, your essay often plays a very important role. Whether you're writing an autobiographical statement or an essay on a specific theme, take the opportunity to express your individuality in a way that sets you apart from other applicants. ?Learn more.?
Interview
This is required or recommended by some colleges. Even if it's not required, it's a good idea to set up an interview because it gives you a chance to make a personal connection with someone who will have a voice in deciding whether or not you'll be offered admission. If you're too far away for an on-campus interview, try to arrange to meet with an alumnus in your community. ?Learn more.?
Audition/portfolio
If you're applying for a program such as music, art, or design, you may have to document prior work by auditioning on campus or submitting an audiotape, slides, or some other sample of your work to demonstrate your ability.Remember, all parts of your application should come together to create an accurate portrait of who you are, of what you'll bring to the college. If possible, there should be a theme running through it.
Application Do's And Don'ts
Review These Pointers Before You Send Your Application
DO...
- Read all directions carefully.
- Apply online, if possible, so you're less likely to make careless errors.
- Have someone read and proofread all parts of your application.
- Use your essay as a chance to show admission officers that you're more than grades and test scores.
- Include anything that makes you stand out from the crowd, such as honors, awards, or special talents.
- Review your high school transcript before it's sent to colleges, to see that it accurately reflects your courses, activities, awards, and grades.
- Make copies of everything you send.
- Keep track of when and where you send material.
- Find out if the college accepts special material, such as a sample of your artwork.
- Clarify. Just because you know that "President, D.C.A.S." means "President, Dawson's Creek Admiration Society," doesn't mean the counselor will.
DON'T...
- Procrastinate.
- Lie or exaggerate -- it will come back to haunt you.
- Leave off important details. For example, if you play in the school band, include what instrument you play.
- Get sloppy with typos or the application's appearance. It looks like you just don't care.
- "Borrow" ideas for your essays, whether from a friend or a Web site. Your essay should be your own.
- Use gimmicks to get the admission officer's attention. For example, by sending a vial of red food coloring with a note, "I'll sweat blood for you."
- Go way over the college's length limit for the essay. Admission officers have limited time, and lots of essays to review. If you need to, you can include supplemental material.
- Drop the ball once your application is sent. Write thank-you letters to recommendation writers and call colleges to see if your application is complete.
- Be a pest. Contact the admission office judiciously.
Keep Track of Your Applications
Use this checklist to stay on top of your application tasks, paperwork, and deadlines.
College Application Checklist
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College Name |
College Name |
College Name |
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Applications |
Request info/application |
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Regular application deadline |
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Early application deadline |
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Safety? Regular? Reach? |
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Grades |
Request HS transcript sent |
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Request midyear grade reports sent |
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Test Scores |
SAT® I required |
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SAT II required |
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Release SAT II Scores |
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Send SAT Scores |
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Send AP® scores |
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Letters of Recommendation |
Request recommendations (1 month ahead) |
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Send thank you notes to recommenders |
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Essays |
Write essay/s |
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Proof essay/s for spelling and grammar |
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Have two people read your essay/s |
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Interviews |
Interview at college |
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Alumni interview |
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Send thank you notes to interviewer/s |
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Send and Track Your Application |
Make copies of all application materials |
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Apply online |
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Include application fee |
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Sign application |
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Mail via certified mail and/or return receipt |
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Confirm receipt of application materials |
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Send supplemental material, if needed |
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Financial Aid Forms |
Priority financial aid deadline |
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Regular financial aid deadline |
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Mail FAFSA |
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Mail PROFILE, if needed |
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Mail institutional aid form, if needed |
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Mail state aid form, if needed |
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After You Send Your Application |
Receive admission letter |
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Receive financial aid award letter |
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Send deposit |
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Getting into College
Deciding Where to Apply
» Creating a Powerful Application
Letters of Recommendation/Essays
Acing Your College Interview
Making Your Final Choice
The White House Initiative gratefully acknowledges collegeboard.com for providing the content found on this page.
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