Haley Donofrio Senior Editor will be graduating and wanted to leave the Class of 2019 with some tips for early college admission.  Haley’s Tips for  Success feature will be turned over to Lanice Bowers.  

College Admissions:

The Application Process

Step 1: Submit an Application!

All colleges have admissions information and applications on their website. Make sure that all required information is submitted before the deadline.

Step 2: The College Reviews Your Application!

All information regarding your application is put into a file. When your file is complete, your application, transcript, test scores, letters of recommendation, etc. are evaluated by an admissions committee.

Step 3: You Are Notified of Their Decision!

Once your application has been evaluated, the college will send you a letter telling you whether you have been accepted, rejected, or put on a waiting list. Most acceptance letters are sent out by mid-April.

Step 4: You Make the Decision

After comparing all of your college and financial aid offers, you decide where you want to attend. This decision generally needs to be made by May 1st.

 Additional Tips

Submit an application that is accurate and complete

• Follow the directions and answer every question.
• Make sure that your application is neat, clean, and easy to read.
• Use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.  Have someone else look over your application before you submit.

Colleges us some, if not all, of the information listed below when determining whether or not to accept an applicant. Individual colleges, however, differ in how they evaluate this information.

Grade Point Average/Class Rank

Colleges know that students who do well in high school are more likely to succeed in college. Colleges therefore consider a student’s GPA in a college prep program to be the most important admissions criteria.

Strength of Subjects 

Colleges examine high school transcripts very carefully. They check to see if students have taken the recommended college prep courses, and whether or not students have taken any advanced or honors courses.

Test Scores 

Most 4-year colleges require that students submit ACT or SAT scores. The more selective the school, the more important these test scores are.

Extracurricular Activities 

Colleges are looking for meaningful involvement. commitment, dedication, and evidence of leadership. They are also looking for students with unique interests and talents.

Recommendations 

Colleges often ask for letters of recommendation from counselors, teachers, coaches, etc…

Courtesy of College InfoGuide