Whether you’re a junior getting a head start or a senior writing your applications, these tips will help you research schools, prepare materials and submit your applications on time.
Tip 1: Connect with colleges
When building your college list, consider priorities like location, size, programs, campus culture or cost. To find schools that meet your priorities, use College Navigator, a free website part of the U.S. Department of Education that lets you compare tuition, acceptance rates, majors and test scores at different schools.
Next, look at the school’s website and Common Data Sets, questionnaires that colleges fill out annually to provide information on admissions, enrollment, financial aid, academic programs and expenses.
When creating your list of schools, try to include a mix of school types. Public universities tend to be larger and more affordable, especially for in-state students. Private colleges are smaller and can offer specialized programs. Liberal arts colleges focus on broad, well-rounded education with smaller class sizes.
Tip 2: Make a Common Application junior year
The Common Application is what many students use to apply to multiple schools. Check to see if all the colleges on your list accept applications through the Common App, because some do not.
Common App resets Aug. 1, so when you make your application junior year, don’t fill it out. But add schools you’re interested in. By adding schools to your list, you’ll receive update messages from them. Those messages may have sign-up forms for virtual info sessions about the school or a specific program.
Tip 3: Build a support group
To make your application the best it can be, you need feedback.
One way to get feedback is to create a support group.
Include someone who will encourage you, someone who gives constructive feedback and a few others in between. Creating this group ahead of time keeps you grounded while you finish your applications.
Tip 4: Make an academic resume
Before asking for recommendation letters, create a one-page academic resume that your recommenders can use. An academic resume is a normal resume, but focused on your academics: GPA, test scores, advanced courses, extracurricular activities and awards.
Also, when creating your resume, review college resume samples from top schools. Even if you’re not applying to those schools, the samples will be useful for future resumes.
