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What does a college application look like or how is it formatted ?
If there is no specific way how should I organize it?I would like to know for future purposes.I would also want to know if there is something I can do I middle school or high school that would standout to colleges
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4 answers
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Jane’s Answer
Hi, Sophia! There is not one single format that all colleges use, but most applications follow a similar structure and are submitted online. Many colleges use the Common Application, which allows students to apply to multiple schools with one form. Others may use platforms like the Coalition Application, the UC Application for the University of California schools, or their own school-specific application systems.
In general, a college application will ask for several main components. First, you will provide basic personal information such as your name, address, and family background. You will also include your high school information, such as the classes you have taken and your grades. Most applications include a section where you list your extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, volunteer work, part-time jobs, or anything else you do outside of class. You will usually write one main essay, called a personal statement, and possibly additional short essays that are specific to each college. Some schools also require or allow standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT, although many colleges have made these optional. Finally, most applications include letters of recommendation, which are written by teachers or school counselors who know you well.
Even though the application itself will guide you through the process, it helps to begin organizing your information ahead of time. A good way to do this is by keeping a list of your activities, leadership roles, awards, and accomplishments. You can also write short notes about what each experience meant to you and what you learned. Keeping track of important documents like report cards, certificates, and recommendation letters in a folder will make things easier when you start applying.
If you are in middle school or early in high school, the best thing you can do is explore your interests and get involved in things you care about. Colleges are not looking for students who do everything—they are looking for students who show genuine interest, growth, and effort. You can stand out by participating in school or community activities, starting a small project, joining clubs, volunteering, or even developing a skill on your own. What matters most is that you are consistent, motivated, and making a positive impact in whatever you choose to do. Best of luck!
In general, a college application will ask for several main components. First, you will provide basic personal information such as your name, address, and family background. You will also include your high school information, such as the classes you have taken and your grades. Most applications include a section where you list your extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, volunteer work, part-time jobs, or anything else you do outside of class. You will usually write one main essay, called a personal statement, and possibly additional short essays that are specific to each college. Some schools also require or allow standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT, although many colleges have made these optional. Finally, most applications include letters of recommendation, which are written by teachers or school counselors who know you well.
Even though the application itself will guide you through the process, it helps to begin organizing your information ahead of time. A good way to do this is by keeping a list of your activities, leadership roles, awards, and accomplishments. You can also write short notes about what each experience meant to you and what you learned. Keeping track of important documents like report cards, certificates, and recommendation letters in a folder will make things easier when you start applying.
If you are in middle school or early in high school, the best thing you can do is explore your interests and get involved in things you care about. Colleges are not looking for students who do everything—they are looking for students who show genuine interest, growth, and effort. You can stand out by participating in school or community activities, starting a small project, joining clubs, volunteering, or even developing a skill on your own. What matters most is that you are consistent, motivated, and making a positive impact in whatever you choose to do. Best of luck!
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
If you are currently in middle school, you don't need to worry about the exact format of a college application yet. It will depend on the college you want to apply to and the major you want to study. Sometimes you apply to the university directly. Sometimes there is a central application service. And by the time you are old enough, it could be different anyway.
You should start to figure out what you may want to study. Examine your interests and talents. Get information on different careers and what education they require. Research university websites and find out about different majors and what careers they could ead to. Talk to your guidance counselor at school about your goals and dreams. They can help you with information and maybe aptitude tests.
You can also find out what is generaly required in a college application. You'll need a CV. Look up how to write one and what goes on it. You'll need your high-school diploma or GED. Often, SAT or ACT scores need to be submitted. Find out what those tests are and how to take them.
To apply for FAFSA and CSS your parents need to be on board and fill out the financial details for your family.
There will be essays to write. Those are different for different universities and majors. Sometimes there are prompts or specific questions, sometimes it's a free text. Generally, you need to write about yourself and what you hope to contribute.
You'll need letters of recommendation. Those come from teachers, supervisors, coaches, mentors etc.
For some fields, like anything medical, you need to have experience in that field. You get medical experience by volunteering and interning in medical settings.
For other fields, like anything artsy, you'll need a portfolio and there will be auditions.
For most applications, you want to have some extracurriculars and some volunteer activities. There is no particular requirement what that has to be, but it helps to demonstrate characeristics like leadership, team spirit, social skills etc.
Things that help you stand out are e.g. club activities, awards, or special projects.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
If you are currently in middle school, you don't need to worry about the exact format of a college application yet. It will depend on the college you want to apply to and the major you want to study. Sometimes you apply to the university directly. Sometimes there is a central application service. And by the time you are old enough, it could be different anyway.
You should start to figure out what you may want to study. Examine your interests and talents. Get information on different careers and what education they require. Research university websites and find out about different majors and what careers they could ead to. Talk to your guidance counselor at school about your goals and dreams. They can help you with information and maybe aptitude tests.
You can also find out what is generaly required in a college application. You'll need a CV. Look up how to write one and what goes on it. You'll need your high-school diploma or GED. Often, SAT or ACT scores need to be submitted. Find out what those tests are and how to take them.
To apply for FAFSA and CSS your parents need to be on board and fill out the financial details for your family.
There will be essays to write. Those are different for different universities and majors. Sometimes there are prompts or specific questions, sometimes it's a free text. Generally, you need to write about yourself and what you hope to contribute.
You'll need letters of recommendation. Those come from teachers, supervisors, coaches, mentors etc.
For some fields, like anything medical, you need to have experience in that field. You get medical experience by volunteering and interning in medical settings.
For other fields, like anything artsy, you'll need a portfolio and there will be auditions.
For most applications, you want to have some extracurriculars and some volunteer activities. There is no particular requirement what that has to be, but it helps to demonstrate characeristics like leadership, team spirit, social skills etc.
Things that help you stand out are e.g. club activities, awards, or special projects.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Sophia,
It is great to hear you are considering what you will need for college applications. It is a process that can be length and stressful, but once you start to get the ball rolling you will see it is not so bad. Every university will have their own application that will vary slightly. For the most part, colleges will ask for a written essay about yourself. This can tell about what it is you want to study and why, as well as a personal narrative about yourself. Most times, students write about a challenging personal situation that they had to overcome. The most intense, the better, don't afraid to be descriptive. They will tell you how long they would like it to be and will most likely have a prompt prepared. Be sure to take your time during it and have people proof read it. Also, don't afraid to be a little risky to catch their attention. There will also be a section of general information like your location GPA etc. Many schools will ask for references or letters of recommendations. You can ask a teacher, counselor, boss that you have a good relationship with to write you one. Some schools have third party sites to submit this so that you cannot see what they have written. If you had a good relationship with them, they will most likely be willing to write it for you, but make sure not to wait last minute. Some courses might also ask for a portfolio or writing examples. If they do not tell you what they are looking for on the website, be sure to reach out to professors, admins, and enrolled students to find out more. Also, apply to a few schools, but there is no need to apply for a ton. I had classmates who applied to 10+ schools which is overdoing it.
Give it your best go, follow your gut, and don't forget to have fun! Best of luck to you!
It is great to hear you are considering what you will need for college applications. It is a process that can be length and stressful, but once you start to get the ball rolling you will see it is not so bad. Every university will have their own application that will vary slightly. For the most part, colleges will ask for a written essay about yourself. This can tell about what it is you want to study and why, as well as a personal narrative about yourself. Most times, students write about a challenging personal situation that they had to overcome. The most intense, the better, don't afraid to be descriptive. They will tell you how long they would like it to be and will most likely have a prompt prepared. Be sure to take your time during it and have people proof read it. Also, don't afraid to be a little risky to catch their attention. There will also be a section of general information like your location GPA etc. Many schools will ask for references or letters of recommendations. You can ask a teacher, counselor, boss that you have a good relationship with to write you one. Some schools have third party sites to submit this so that you cannot see what they have written. If you had a good relationship with them, they will most likely be willing to write it for you, but make sure not to wait last minute. Some courses might also ask for a portfolio or writing examples. If they do not tell you what they are looking for on the website, be sure to reach out to professors, admins, and enrolled students to find out more. Also, apply to a few schools, but there is no need to apply for a ton. I had classmates who applied to 10+ schools which is overdoing it.
Give it your best go, follow your gut, and don't forget to have fun! Best of luck to you!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
sophia
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
Others have already provided some great response to your question. One thing to keep in mind is that your school counselor is an excellent resource to help you navigate the college process and help you with your applications when it comes time to complete those. It’s a great idea to connect with your counselor early on in high school and let them know about your plans for college they can help you plan ahead and make sure that you are taking college preparatory coursework.
Thank you so much for the advice.
sophia