Five Tips for Making College Applications Easier

You are on your way! You’ve got your college list finalized, common app essay completed and recommendations requested. With the application deadlines around the corner, you’ll soon be finished with the college application process. These five tips will help you stay organized and on track.

1. Set up Application Plans. Know what is needed to complete each college application. Recommendations? Transcripts? Essays? Make a list to keep track of the requirements for each school.
2. Check Application Deadlines. Early Action, Early Decision or Priority Deadline? Record the application deadline you are using for each school on your calendar app. Don’t forget – you can only apply to one school as an Early Decision applicant.
3. Follow Directions and Proofread. It sounds simple but it is important to carefully check the instructions for each application. You don’t want to put credit card information in the section meant for international student visas! Double-check your applications for accuracy and make a good impression by avoiding careless mistakes.
4. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute. Although you have the deadlines recorded on your calendar app, don’t wait until the night before to hit the submit button. Your computer can crash, you could catch a cold or you might have a test or school assignment due.  Don’t let outside circumstances affect your college applications. Submitting your applications early will be a weight off your shoulders.
5. Follow Up. Check with the college (either through your student portal account or by email or phone) to be sure all of your application materials have been received. Also, check with your advisor or teachers to confirm that your recommendations have been submitted (if required). Don’t be caught off guard by a missing test score or an unsent recommendation.

Take Action

It always helps to list the tasks you need to track. Make a list of everything you require for each college and mark it completed when submitted. It is also a good idea to put in all the deadlines in a calendar app and set reminders. Stay organized and never miss a deadline!