Hopefully you did some research, and now you are ready to complete an application. Remember NEVER rely on one source solely for your information. What you want to do first is look up the schools on their web sites, in catalogues & in college guidebooks. Speak to friends, family remembers and teachers who are alumni, etc.

What to ask for:

Next comes the application itself. There are a number of ways to do this but most common is to ask the admissions office of the school you are interested in to send you materials. Another way is to go on-line. There is usually a fee for your application, whether it is on-line or through snail mail. When you fill out your application make sure to be as neat and concise as possible. You may want to sketch out an essay on another piece of paper then once you have reviewed it ans tweaked it, type it on the enclosed form. If you cannot afford the fee ask the office if there is a waiver. Most schools have special arrangements for a situation like this. If you look at Peterson's on-line, you may want to apply right there. This site can allow you to download applications or simply fill in data fields. To get more of the skinny on Admissions and issues surrounding it, visit FishNet

The "old time" way of getting an application is to contact the Admissions Office of the institution(s) you are interested in. At this contact point you can request your materials. Some of these may be a:

• A Catalogue : Where information on the college's degree programs, Course descriptions, and faculty information.
• A Viewbook : If you would like to know about the highlights of the college or to find out about it's demographics ( ratio of Male to Female and Faculty to Student, etc.).
• A Video : A great way to see the campus (if you haven't been able to get there yet), and to hear comments from other students about the institution.
• A CD ROM : Which could contain all types of important stuff.

  CLUE: Have these sent to your house and get the name of the person that you spoke with. IT IS ALWAYS AN EXCELLENT MOVE to have a list of people you can recall by name if you run into any difficulties down the road.

  • It may be a good idea to ask for the person you met on thecollege night. Remember that the more familair that admissions is with you, the better decision they will be able to make.

  When you are applying, be sure to write your information as precisely and neatly as possible. If you don't know what information they want you to put down, ask the high school guidance counselor OR go to someone you know who has filled out a college application before.

What will be asked of you:

High School GPA - and other High School Information
SAT scores
Social Security Number **This is very important for you to know**
Extra Curricular Activities
Work experience
Essay
References
Class Rank

You may need to show a portfolio if applying to an Art & Design school
Intended Major

You will need to send your OFFICIAL High School records . (If you attended a college or university prior and are trying to transfer, include your most recent transcript from that college).

Remember to be patient. Some schools are now capable of allowing you to check your STATUS right on line. IF you are not accepted, you have the right to ask why, and if you could re-submit for next semester. If you are accepted, yippie........................., now it is your decision to go there or not. Most schools require you to acknowledge acceptance. Look at your letter of acceptance for details.

©1999 - 2002 Counseling U