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Proof read your application to make sure you have completed
all required items or put an “NA” (not applicable)
in the appropriate places. Make a photocopy of your applications. |
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Sign and date each application & sign recommendation
forms if a waiver of your right to review the recommendation
is requested. |
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Submit printouts, or carefully typed-out applications
only. Use black ink only and definitely don’t use
pencil for anything. |
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Make sure you enclose a check, money order, or fee waiver
request for the processing fee. |
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Make sure it’s for the proper amount and make out
to the correct party, such as “The Regents of the
University of California.” |
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Make a photocopy of your check & keep it in your
admission file. |
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Submit your School Report (recommendations) to your counselor.
Make a note of the date for each of these forms you give
to your counselor. |
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Keep track of the Teacher Recommendation forms given
to your recommendation writers. Keep careful records of
who you ask to write recommendations for you and the date
you make the request. (Like the Dear Mr. Ireland letter—it’s
a great paper trail) Don’t forget to give your recommendation
writers a stamped, addressed envelope to send in the recommendation
to be included in your application packet. |
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Give a transcript (or School Report transcript) request
to your counselor or registrar with a notation of the date
it was requested. |
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Ask for a mid-year School Report or transcript request
covering your grades through the first trimester or semester
of your senior year. |
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Request SAT I, II or ACT score reports if the official
report is required. Some colleges will take scores from
the transcript. Others require an official report from
the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or ACT. Score Request
Forms are available in your counselor’s office. **
Remember to check with your colleges to make sure they
have received your scores…many times decisions are
not made b/c official scores have not been sent! |
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Enclose your essays. Carefully proofread for content,
grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. If you have printed
out or typed your application on separate pages, make sure
your name and social security number are on each page.
Make photocopies of your essays for your files. ** If you
have to handwrite any part of your application, attach
a typed version of your handwriting to make it easier for
the admissions counselor to read! |
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Attach photographs, if requested. Photos are used to
identify you as a person, rather than just a set of numbers.
Be sure your name and Social Security number are printed
on the back of each photo. |
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Use your essay as a chance to show admission officers
that you're more than grades and test scores. |
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Include anything that makes you stand out from the crowd,
such as honors, awards, or special talents. |
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Review your high school transcript before it's sent to
colleges, to see that it accurately reflects your courses,
activities, awards, and grades. |
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Find out if the college accepts special material, such
as a sample of your art work. |
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Clarify. Just because you know that "President,
D.C.A.S." means "President, Dawson's Creek Admiration
Society," doesn't mean the counselor will. |
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Don’t procrastinate—everyone
says “I wish I had started sooner” |
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Don’t lie or exaggerate -- it will come back to
haunt you. |
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Don’t forget to print out and mail a hard copy
of anything you have done online…if it doesn’t
arrive via the internet you will have a PLAN B! (IT HAPPENS!) |
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Don’t leave off important details. For example,
if you play in the school band, include what instrument
you play, awards you have won, concerts you have participated
in… |
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Don’t get sloppy with typos or the application's
appearance. Coffee stains, ripped corners…It looks
like you just didn't care. |
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Don’t "borrow" ideas for your essays,
whether from a friend or a Web site. Your essay should
be your own. |
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Don’t use gimmicks to get the admission officers
attention. For example, by sending a vial of red food coloring
with a note, "I'll sweat blood for you." |
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Don’t go way over the college's length limit for
the essay. Admissions officers have limited time, and lots
of essays to review. If you need to, you can include supplemental
material. |
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Don’t forget to have someone read and proofread
all parts of your application. |
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Don’t mail your applications without using a U.S.
Postal Service Certification of Mailing. The cost is small, & the
peace of mind is well worth it. |
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Don’t 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. |
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Don’t be a pest. Contact the admission office judiciously. |
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Don’t be frugal. If you think it is something the
admissions officer should know about you—send it! |
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Remember they are admissions guidelines—not hard
and fast rules |
