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What should I know about applying for college?

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Doc’s Answer

Marcus the first step to applying to college is deciding where to submit your applications. Researching colleges is vitally important to decide where you want to apply. Much of this research can be done online now, with some sites even offering 3D tours of campuses and live forums to ask questions from real students. If possible, visit the schools near the top of the list to get a better feel for campus life and the student body. Show colleges you’re interested in them by going to college fairs, talking to admissions representatives, and signing up to receive information online and by mail. Not only does this show colleges you’re interested in them, which is important for admissions, but it will allow you to learn more about the school. You can also gain access to admissions forums to ask current students what the school is like.

Applying to colleges will take time and concentration. Each application is different and involves collecting recommendations, writing essays, and other requirements. Entry requirements for each institution are different, but most colleges require completing an admissions test or essay, the SAT or ACT admissions tests, and providing recommendation letters from teachers. In order to succeed without stress, you need to give this step the time it deserves. You should be starting to collect information and to compile a checklist of all the things you need to do at least 12 months prior to the college application deadline. Regardless of the quality of your application, all your efforts will be wasted if you miss a key date. That is why you need to plan ahead and make sure you are organized. After all, your future is at stake. Create a calendar with all the relevant deadlines so that you are prepared well ahead of time to ensure that all aspects of your application are complete. An incomplete college application is the first step towards rejection. Unless you are focused and start early, you might feel overwhelmed by all the things you need to do during admission period.

Hope this is helpful Marcus

Doc recommends the following next steps:

Set deadlines for completing essays, collecting recommendations and filling out forms a few weeks before they’re actually required. Mark these earlier deadlines on your calendar and don’t miss them. College websites are the best place to find accurate deadline information.
You need to let school officials know which colleges you’re applying to so they can send along your transcripts. The people you ask to write recommendation letters also need to know where you’re applying if they’re mailing the letters themselves.
Careless mistakes on your application can hurt your chances of getting accepted. After you finish an application, put it aside for a day and then check it over for errors. If you can, have a teacher or parent proofread it as well. Save and review online applications before you submit them.
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Nathan’s Answer

Decide what area/major you would be interested in doing in college and research colleges that have you major. Also, make sure you understand the criteria of what is needed for getting into that college as well so you are providing the most accurate information.
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LeAnna’s Answer

Research the schools that interest you and apply as early as possible. You want to be able to make the best possible decision when it come to your education. I would also suggest attending a college fair, as it can led to on the spot acceptance decisions from multiple schools and you'll also get the chance to talk to a number of schools without going far to do so.
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Luis’s Answer

Hi Marcus!

THIS IS A HUGE STEP! Congrats! In addition to the recommendations above, I would also advice that you should also keep an eye out for scholarships. College can be expensive but it is an investment. However, I would also advise you to prepare for the emotional rollercoaster that college can be, sometimes you will get amazing news confirming your admission, and sometimes that may not be the case.

Good luck!
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Stephen’s Answer

Hi Marcus,

It's great that your interested in applying to college. Getting an early start on what's required to apply to college is a great thing, so you aren't rushed to complete requirements before the deadlines. Most colleges use online systems to submit applications and the most common website used is the Common App, www.commonapp.org. However, every school doesn't use it, so once you determine the schools you want to apply to, checkout how the application is submitted.

The obvious requirements:
-high school transcript (your high school handles this)
-standardize testing scores (SAT or ACT)
-letters of recommendations (typically 2 from teachers)
-essays (make sure to check if the school requires supplemental applications where there could be additional essays required)

Do your research on what the colleges have to offer.
-What size school are you interested in (small, medium or large)
-Interested in city school or a school with a large campus
-Financial aid packages (how much does the school typically cover)
-Is attending college sports important
-Is Greek Life something you want to explore

Lots of things to consider, so the earlier you start the better off you will be.
Best of luck!
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