Hello incoming seniors or any underclassman who wants to get ahead of the game. College applications are right around the corner and I want to help you get prepared for the 

dun dun dun….College Applications.

For those who don’t know, most of the colleges you will apply through the Common App platform.  However, not all colleges are available on the common application so I would recommend researching beforehand.

Something to look into before applying to the colleges:

• Major: Do they have the major you want?
• Opportunities/Extracurriculars: What opportunities outside of academics can they offer you? (e.g. internships, study abroad, jobs, residency, research studies, clubs, sports)
• Location: This will be where you live for the next 2-4+ years so make sure you are comfortable with or at the very least tolerate the location of the school. Don’t expect to just stay stuck on campus the whole time.
• Finances: Do they offer financial aid? 
• Community: Do they have a very diverse community where you can explore new groups and also have your own group to connect with?

College App Suggestions (Before you get started):

• START EARLY!! Don’t get behind. Some deadlines are sooner than you think. 

• Get all your recommendations in order either before or immediately after summer break. Some teachers will get ahead and are open to starting earlier, but I would get on those lists immediately before they start filling up. Most out of state schools require a letter of recommendation as well as certain scholarships and private schools. BE INFORMED. Also let your teachers know before you invite them.

• RESEARCH & TOUR!!!! Look into your schools ahead of time and tour them. You want to get a good feel of the school but you also want to know your stuff. Schedule grouped tours or go by yourself but make sure you are well-informed.

• Organization. Create a folder in your personal drive to organize your college information, scholarship information, college application supplementals, etc.

• Have your information ready. Test Scores, Extracurriculars, Volunteer Services, Transcript, etc. Be prepared for anything. This is especially important if you are applying to scholarships.

• Join Dr.Keller’s College GC. He creates one every year and this includes a list of scholarship opportunities, internship opportunities, and school information. Also, I suggest visiting him if you ever have a question; he’s the best help with college applications. 

Steps to Completing the Common App:

1. Create an account.
   • Use your personal email. I would suggest creating a new Gmail account in order to keep track of your responses. If you don’t know how, here’s a link to teach you how to make a new Gmail: How to Create a Gmail Account. Make sure it is formal, no cute nicknames or emotes.
2. Add your schools. 
   • These may change as you learn more about your schools, but make sure you have a good idea of what schools you want to apply to.
3. Complete the general information section of your common app.
   • This is arguably the longest section in the common app. GET IT DONE EARLY!! I know procrastination hits hard during the summer of your upcoming senior year. But if you get it done over the summer, you will be so relieved at the beginning of the year.
4. Invite recommenders to your schools. 
   • Each school is going to have a section labeled “Recommenders and FERPA”. You have to invite your recommenders in this section. Make sure to notify them that they have been invited so that they can complete the process properly and in time.
5. Work on each college application.
   • Each school has their own questions and supplementals. Make sure to stay organized and really understand why you are applying to that school so you can answer questions honestly and correctly.
6. Write your personal essay.
   • This is one of the most important parts of your college application. There are plenty of tips and tricks on the internet to help you write it. I would suggest taking something specific to you or special to you and apply that to how it’s shaped your perspective, your decisions, or your life.  I would also recommend having 2-3 people peer-review your essay. Dr.Keller was a great help for me so I would definitely get his input and maybe your parents and an English teacher. Anyone you trust.
7. Make sure to double check your information before submitting.
   • This is important, you don’t want to make silly mistakes. Always make sure everything is in order before you submit. 

GOOD LUCK SENIORS!!