🏫College Process Applications

What's This Unit About?

• Focuses on the college application process, a critical step in the journey to higher education
• Covers the various types of applications, including the Common App, Coalition App, and school-specific applications
• Explores the key components of a college application, such as personal statements, essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation
• Provides strategies for crafting compelling and authentic applications that showcase your unique strengths and experiences
• Discusses common mistakes to avoid during the application process to ensure your submissions are polished and error-free
• Examines the timeline and deadlines associated with college applications, emphasizing the importance of staying organized and on track
• Delves into the steps to take after submitting your applications, such as monitoring your application status and preparing for potential interviews

Key Concepts to Know

• Holistic review: Admissions officers consider the entirety of your application, not just grades and test scores, to gain a comprehensive understanding of who you are as a candidate
• Personal statement: A central essay that allows you to share your story, values, and goals with admissions officers
• Supplemental essays: Additional writing prompts specific to each college that enable you to demonstrate your fit with the institution and express your genuine interest
• Academic transcripts: Official records of your high school coursework and grades, which provide evidence of your academic performance and rigor
• Extracurricular activities: Pursuits outside of the classroom that showcase your passions, leadership, and commitment (clubs, sports, volunteering)
  • Depth over breadth: Admissions officers value sustained involvement and growth in a few activities rather than superficial participation in many
• Letters of recommendation: Testimonials from teachers, counselors, or mentors who can speak to your character, abilities, and potential
• Application platforms: Online systems (Common App, Coalition App) that streamline the application process by allowing you to apply to multiple colleges using a single application

Types of Applications

• Common Application (Common App): Widely used application platform accepted by over 900 colleges and universities
  • Provides a standardized application form, including a personal statement and activity list
  • Allows you to apply to multiple schools with a single submission
• Coalition Application: Similar to the Common App, accepted by a group of 150+ member colleges committed to access, affordability, and success
• Universal College Application (UCA): Less common but accepted by a number of institutions, offers a standardized application form
• School-specific applications: Customized applications required by some colleges in addition to or instead of the Common App or Coalition App
  • May include unique essay prompts, short-answer questions, or additional information requests
• University of California (UC) Application: Required for all nine undergraduate UC campuses, consists of a personal insight questions in lieu of a traditional personal statement
• Texas Application: Used by public universities in Texas, includes the ApplyTexas essay prompts

Application Components

• Personal statement: Central essay (typically 650 words) that showcases your personality, experiences, and goals
  • Prompts may include topics such as overcoming challenges, personal growth, or intellectual curiosity
• Supplemental essays: School-specific writing prompts that allow you to demonstrate your fit with the institution and express your interest
  • May include questions about academic interests, extracurricular pursuits, or diversity and inclusion
• Activities list: Section to highlight your extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and achievements
  • Provides space to describe your responsibilities, skills gained, and impact made in each activity
• Academic transcripts: Official record of your high school coursework and grades, submitted directly by your school
• Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT): If required or optional, official score reports sent by the testing agency
• Letters of recommendation: Typically 1-2 from teachers and 1 from a counselor, offering insights into your academic abilities, character, and potential
• Additional materials: Portfolios, auditions, or research abstracts may be required for specific programs (art, music, engineering)

Tips for Crafting Standout Apps

• Start early: Begin brainstorming and drafting essays well in advance of deadlines to allow ample time for revision and refinement
• Be authentic: Share your genuine experiences, passions, and voice rather than trying to fit a perceived mold
• Show, don't tell: Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points and bring your experiences to life
• Highlight growth and learning: Demonstrate how you've overcome challenges, learned from setbacks, and developed as an individual
• Tailor your application: Research each college and customize your essays and activities list to showcase your fit with their unique offerings and values
• Proofread and edit: Review your application thoroughly for grammar, spelling, and clarity, and consider seeking feedback from trusted mentors or peers
• Be concise: Adhere to word limits and focus on conveying your key points and experiences effectively
• Emphasize depth over breadth: Prioritize quality over quantity in your activities list, showcasing sustained involvement and leadership

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Procrastination: Waiting until the last minute to start your application can lead to rushed and subpar work
• Generic essays: Failing to customize your essays for each college or rehashing the same generic content across applications
• Neglecting supplemental essays: Treating school-specific prompts as an afterthought rather than an opportunity to demonstrate fit and interest
• Focusing solely on achievements: Overemphasizing accolades while neglecting to share your personal growth, challenges, and lessons learned
• Exceeding word limits: Disregarding stated word counts, which can demonstrate a lack of attention to detail and respect for guidelines
• Inconsistencies: Ensuring that the information across your application (essays, activities list, transcripts) is consistent and accurate
• Overlooking instructions: Failing to read and follow application instructions carefully, which can lead to missing components or incorrect submissions
• Relying on clichés: Using overused phrases, quotes, or ideas that fail to showcase your unique voice and experiences

Timeline and Deadlines

• Junior year (spring): Begin researching colleges, drafting your activities list, and brainstorming essay topics
  • Take standardized tests (SAT/ACT) if required or desired
• Summer before senior year: Continue essay drafting, finalize your college list, and gather application materials (transcripts, test scores, recommendations)
• Senior year (fall): Finalize essays, complete and submit applications by the specified deadlines
  • Early Action/Early Decision: Typically due in November, with decisions released in December
  • Regular Decision: Typically due in January or February, with decisions released in March or April
• Senior year (spring): Review admissions decisions, assess financial aid offers, and commit to your chosen college by the May 1 deadline
  • If waitlisted, follow the college's instructions for expressing continued interest and updating your application

After You Submit

• Confirm receipt: Verify that each college has received your complete application, including all required components
• Monitor your portal: Check your application status regularly through each college's applicant portal for any updates or requests for additional information
• Prepare for interviews: If offered or required, schedule and prepare for alumni or admissions interviews to further showcase your interest and fit
• Apply for financial aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any college-specific financial aid forms by the designated deadlines
• Evaluate admissions decisions: Carefully review and compare admissions offers, considering factors such as academic fit, financial aid, and campus culture
• Visit campuses: If possible, attend admitted student events or schedule visits to help inform your final college decision
• Submit your deposit: Commit to your chosen college by the May 1 National College Decision Day and submit your enrollment deposit to secure your place in the incoming class
• Notify other colleges: Inform the colleges you will not be attending of your decision, so they can offer your spot to another candidate