What was applying to college like for you?

Question

Any tips? Thanks!

Answer 1

I started visiting colleges in the spring of 10th grade, and then more heavily in 11th grade and in the summer between 11th and 12th. I applied to 9 schools. What I suggest is looking at the common application and seeing if there are any schools that appeal that don't require any additional essays. That's how I applied to one of my schools (American University).

My mother was big on me getting my applications out early. Me, being a procrastinator, had radically different ideas. She kept pushing the deadlines back...Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas. I recall filling out an online scholarship application at 10:30 on New Year's Eve because it had to be in by the 3rd of the month.

I got into all 9 schools that I applied to. Most of them were schools that, with my grades, I thought I would get into. 8 of them offered me money, 7 of them offered me more than $10,000 a year. 1 of the 9 was an Ivy League school. And that is how I came to UPenn.


So, any tips?

1. Make a list of colleges that you think you'll get into, and ones that you're not so sure. Apply to some on both of this list
2. VISIT schools. I cannot emphasize this enough. I had my heart set on one school, but when I went to visit it and realized that it was LITERALLY in the middle of nowhere, I changed my mind
3. Try not to procrastinate. Seriously.
4. Don't apply Early Decision unless you're 100% sure that you want to go there AND that you can afford to if you get no financial assistance, because you have to accept before you find out what kind of aid you get.


Hope this helps!

Answer 2

START EARLY!

i'm waiting for my letters now, but I started late, I had no idea which schools to apply to and by the time I had chosen I wasn't able to visit any out-of-state colleges before I applied. And I probably could have done a lot more research than I did

Be very organized with your stuff. Keep folders, separate things, and make sure you keep track of deadlines. Especially financial aid deadlines...

Start your essays early, you don't want to turn in something that doesn't represent your best work...

Study for the SATs/ACTs early, I could have started much early and probably done better.

Some schools do early action, which makes some schools easier to get in than regular decision. There is a difference between early DECISION and early ACTION so read carefully!

that's all I can think of right now...Good Luck!

Answer 3

Melody, it was awfull.......advice, expect it to be awfull and just accept it, it all turns out okay in the end but getting there is no fun. All the forms, the financial aid stuff, the rejections, the choices and so on......everything in your life is uncertain. If you can relax just a little and remember how lucky you truly are to even be in a place where you can go to college may help you and don't forget your guidance counselors at school they know a thing or two about this too.......good luck.

Answer 4

To me it was no big deal because I had good grades and I knew I would get in to the two colleges I applied for.

Talk to your guidance councilor and see what colleges are the best fits for you. Some people can handle big schools and others can't.

Answer 5

Hell....I applied to 3 schools Northwestern University, UCLA, and Barat College. I didnt get into the first two, but I got into Barat and that's where I graduated from.

Answer 6

It was fine. It's been so long ago though so I can't give much detail. Just be sure to apply in time! Don't stress over it. It's not that big of a deal. Just a little paperwork.

Answer 7

It was pretty simple for me....I would suggest to stay organized and focuses make sure you send the correct materials, and I would suggest visiting the college since admissions people love to see that you show that sort of a interest.

Answer 8

If was fine, I filled in a form, and sent over my high school transcript, took a couple hours tops.

Oh, I also did SATs... but the hardest part was choosing where to go really.