College Application Help

Steps in Applying to College

1. Research exactly what the college you are applying to require from you.

2. Read the application.  It provides details about application fees, deadlines, interview requirements and essay option.

3. For those programs that require a portfolio or other creative work, research the requirements, deadlines and point of contact.

4. Give those individuals you have requested letters of recommendations from plenty of time to review, complete and forward those letters to the college.  Also provide them with the contact at the college that will receive the recommendation.

5. The essay is an important piece of the application process.  Take time to research, review, write and submit it.

6. Arrange a campus visit and take the time to investigate the campus and the surrounding community.

7. Maintain a proactive relationship with the admissions office.  If you have questions or concerns, contact the college.

Guidelines for Filling Out College Applications

Fill your applications out early August- November of your senior year and mail them well before the deadlines.  Here are some basic steps that you should follow in filling out your applications:

1. Read the entire application.

2. Read the directions carefully.

3. Practice on the copy.

4. Be very neat. Try to type your application or use an erasable black pen and your best handwriting.

5. Use the space wisely.  Stay within the space allotted for your answers.  If you absolutely must have more space to answer a question, attach an additional sheet of paper rather than try to cram your answer into a small space.

6. Be truthful.  You are describing the real you and your actual accomplishments.  You want this to agree with what the school record and your recommendations say.  It is not necessary however, to point out your weaknesses.

7. Pay attention to details.  Don’t forget to answer any questions.  Remember to sign your application.

8. Proofread your application. Never mail and application until you have carefully proofread it.  Watch for spelling and grammar errors.

9. Photocopy your completed application.  This is simple insurance in case it gets misplaced in your home, the mail, or the admissions office.

Admission Criteria

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

1. Grade Point Average (GPA)  

2. Class Rank

3. Strength of subjects

4. ACT or SAT scores 

5. Recommendations

6. Activities/awards

7. Personal essays

8. Interviews

Apply For Admission And Observe Deadlines

Narrow your choices; Review college admission test requirements; Know application fees and deadlines; Submit application materials (paper/electronic)-Application for admission - High school transcript - Recommendations -Admission test results; Know scholarship requirements.

When You Write Your College Essay

Do start early.   Do read the directions carefully.  Do tell the truth about yourself.  Do focus on an aspect of yourself that will show your best side.  Do feel comfortable in expressing anxieties.  Do tie yourself to the college.  Be specific about what this particular school can do for you.  Do speak positively.  Do write about your greatest assets and achievements.  But … Don’t repeat information given elsewhere on your application.  Don’t write on general, impersonal topics.  Don’t use the personal statement to excuse your shortcomings.  Don’t use clichés.  Don’t go to the extremes: too witty, too opinionated, or too “intellectual.”

The Common Application 

The Common Application is accepted by 255 colleges and universities. The Common Application is designed so that you can apply to several colleges with just one application. For a complete list of schools that accept the Common application (and to apply online), visit htt://app.commonapp.org.  Common Black College Application:  The EDU, Inc. Application allows students to apply to all 31 Member Institutions for a one time fee of $35.  Students are encouraged to use the EDU, Inc. Online Application (www.eduinconline.com) because the application can be viewed by all 31 Member Institutions minutes after being submitted.

10 Tips from a Scholarship Judge 

1. Use the scholarship application itself-don’t type the questions over. 

2. Fill out a practice application first. 

3. 3. Pay attention to details. Be careful omitting information can cost you.  

4. Be concise, but creative.  Judges will be impressed by what you write not how much you write. 

5. When reporting accomplishments, don’t be cocky. Watch for a bragging tone.   

6. Have some self-respect.  When explaining how you overcame a hardship. 

7. Do the math!   If your application asks for your family’s income or college expenses, make sure those financial numbers are correct and add up. 

8. Choose your teachers wisely for recommendation letters.  Outstanding teacher letters may make the difference. 

9. Help your teachers write the best letters possible.  Give them a summary of your achievements and goals and all the scholarship information. 

10. Don’t miss the deadline!

10 Scholarship Tips 

1. Apply only if you’re eligible.  

2. Complete the application in full. 

3. Follow directions. 

4. Neatness counts. 

5. Make sure your essay makes and impression.

6. Watch out for deadlines. 

7. Make copies before sending. 

8. Give it a final “once-over.” 

9. Ask for help if you need it. 

10. Remember-your scholarship application represents you!

HOW do you apply for Federal Student Aid? 

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)-the online version or the paper FAFSA (these forms will be available to students in late December or early January in the guidance office for seniors only). Forms may also be picked up at a college financial aid office, local public library, or Federal Student Aid Information Center by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).  You can apply beginning January 1 and you have until June 30 of that school year.

Steps to Apply For Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available after January 1 of your senior year.  Applications may be obtained each year from your guidance counselor or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov

1. Complete the FAFSA and mail it as early as possible.  It takes an average of four weeks for the FAFSA to be processed by the US Department of Education.

2. The Student Aid Report (SAR) from the US Dept of Education will be mailed to you in approximately 4-6 weeks.

3. Submit a copy of all requested federal tax form (signed and dated) if selected for verification.

4. To receive financial aid funds from the Stafford or Perkins Loans complete the appropriate loan application, and submit it to the Financial Aid Office of your choice.

5. Applicants should allow the Financial Aid Office 30 business days to process the financial aid award.  An award letter will be mailed to you by the Financial Aid Office indicating the amount of financial assistance awarded.