2 answers
Emily
Student
Austonio, TX
1
Question
Asked
269 views
how do i get colleges interested in my application?
how do I apply for colleges? What do I need an application? what are four main parts of an application to look good? how do I get colleges to look at my applications?
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2 answers
Brianna C., MS, SLP
Speech language pathology
148
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
Hi, Emily,
When applying, make sure you know the application deadlines for your chosen college(s). Some, especially trade schools, technical colleges, and community colleges, have rolling deadlines where you can apply throughout the year. Most 4-year colleges only have one application period per year. If you want to apply to a 4-year college, applications usually open in the summer months and end around September-November.
Many colleges use the Common App, which is a standard application you can send out to multiple colleges. However, you need to research what application your target school uses beforehand. Some have their own application separate or in addition to the Common App.
Additional materials you need include:
- at least one personal essay. Many colleges also ask for additional essays about why you are applying to them specifically.
- an official transcript sent by your high school to the college with your GPA
- SAT or ACT test scores. Not all schools require these, but many still do or have them as optional.
- at least one letter or recommendation from a boss or teacher
- application fee. Look into fee waivers if this is too expensive!
An admissions officer is required to review every application. However, you want to make sure that the colleges you're applying for are feasible for you as a student.
You can find information about a college's acceptance rate (what % of students who apply get accepted) online. Try websites like Niche or US News. You can also research what the "average" accepted students looked like in terms of GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, etc.
I typically advise students to divide their college choices into three groups:
- A "safe" option that has a higher acceptance rate, and where your GPA/test scores/etc exceed the average numbers for admitted students. For example, Oklahoma University has an acceptance rate of 85%, meaning you will likely be accepted.
- A "match" option where your GPA/test scores/etc fall in line with the average numbers for admitted students. For example, Northwestern Oklahoma State University has an acceptance rate of 56%, meaning you will likely be accepted as long as your qualifications meet or exceed the "average."
- A "reach" option that has a lower acceptance rate but where your GPA/test scores/etc fall in line with the average numbers for admitted students. For example, Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%, meaning that very many qualified students still don't get accepted.
Good luck on applications!
When applying, make sure you know the application deadlines for your chosen college(s). Some, especially trade schools, technical colleges, and community colleges, have rolling deadlines where you can apply throughout the year. Most 4-year colleges only have one application period per year. If you want to apply to a 4-year college, applications usually open in the summer months and end around September-November.
Many colleges use the Common App, which is a standard application you can send out to multiple colleges. However, you need to research what application your target school uses beforehand. Some have their own application separate or in addition to the Common App.
Additional materials you need include:
- at least one personal essay. Many colleges also ask for additional essays about why you are applying to them specifically.
- an official transcript sent by your high school to the college with your GPA
- SAT or ACT test scores. Not all schools require these, but many still do or have them as optional.
- at least one letter or recommendation from a boss or teacher
- application fee. Look into fee waivers if this is too expensive!
An admissions officer is required to review every application. However, you want to make sure that the colleges you're applying for are feasible for you as a student.
You can find information about a college's acceptance rate (what % of students who apply get accepted) online. Try websites like Niche or US News. You can also research what the "average" accepted students looked like in terms of GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, etc.
I typically advise students to divide their college choices into three groups:
- A "safe" option that has a higher acceptance rate, and where your GPA/test scores/etc exceed the average numbers for admitted students. For example, Oklahoma University has an acceptance rate of 85%, meaning you will likely be accepted.
- A "match" option where your GPA/test scores/etc fall in line with the average numbers for admitted students. For example, Northwestern Oklahoma State University has an acceptance rate of 56%, meaning you will likely be accepted as long as your qualifications meet or exceed the "average."
- A "reach" option that has a lower acceptance rate but where your GPA/test scores/etc fall in line with the average numbers for admitted students. For example, Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%, meaning that very many qualified students still don't get accepted.
Good luck on applications!
Katie Callahan
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Emily!
- Similar to searching and applying for a job- you will be there for a long time, consider that as an investment. Think about where you want to be 24 hours a day.
- Consider the student community, will there be groups who share values with you. Larger universities may have more people...
- Find the right match for you and where you will get accepted, while also finding an option that you love!
- Be realistic about cost of tuition.
- Area of study: considering practicality of your degree.
- Consider what you can uniquely bring to the table and what makes you stand out as an individual.
- Review the university's values or interests and align your application with that.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter based on the university you're applying to.
- Most importantly, if you do or don't get in to certain places... that has nothing to do with you as a person! You can do all of the right things and it might not happen as there are various things that universities have to consider when accepting students. Keep trying and keep moving forward! This is just one step in a long and wonderful journey for you! We recommend staying open to new ideas and opportunities as they present themselves.
Tools to leverage:
- If you have a specialized interest or niche, check out local universities, organizations or community groups that might be aligned.
- Check out organizations who support certain identities such as Unidos or The Urban League.
- Try to connect with a trusted person who might be able to advise you. Some examples: a librarian at a local library, a family member, an alumni from the school, and so on.
- Continue to search Careervillage questions!
- School counselor
- CollegeBoard is a great resource!
- Youtube channels with admissions experts such as Sara Harberson or Ed Zamora College Prep Channel
- LinkedIn: Create a profile (if you don't already have one!) you could reach out to an alumni of a school you're interested in to try to schedule time to learn more about that university. Another way to leverage LinkedIn is to share any personal educational accomplishments on your profile and tag the school!
- Some universities track "demonstrated interest" which means interested students should be sure to attend plenty of admission events and always sign in. They also might be tracking engagement, consider following them on social media platforms!
- One general best practice: be sure to keep your social media channels appropriate. Those can be an extension of your college application, so be sure to keep it college application ready! :)
- Similar to searching and applying for a job- you will be there for a long time, consider that as an investment. Think about where you want to be 24 hours a day.
- Consider the student community, will there be groups who share values with you. Larger universities may have more people...
- Find the right match for you and where you will get accepted, while also finding an option that you love!
- Be realistic about cost of tuition.
- Area of study: considering practicality of your degree.
- Consider what you can uniquely bring to the table and what makes you stand out as an individual.
- Review the university's values or interests and align your application with that.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter based on the university you're applying to.
- Most importantly, if you do or don't get in to certain places... that has nothing to do with you as a person! You can do all of the right things and it might not happen as there are various things that universities have to consider when accepting students. Keep trying and keep moving forward! This is just one step in a long and wonderful journey for you! We recommend staying open to new ideas and opportunities as they present themselves.
Tools to leverage:
- If you have a specialized interest or niche, check out local universities, organizations or community groups that might be aligned.
- Check out organizations who support certain identities such as Unidos or The Urban League.
- Try to connect with a trusted person who might be able to advise you. Some examples: a librarian at a local library, a family member, an alumni from the school, and so on.
- Continue to search Careervillage questions!
- School counselor
- CollegeBoard is a great resource!
- Youtube channels with admissions experts such as Sara Harberson or Ed Zamora College Prep Channel
- LinkedIn: Create a profile (if you don't already have one!) you could reach out to an alumni of a school you're interested in to try to schedule time to learn more about that university. Another way to leverage LinkedIn is to share any personal educational accomplishments on your profile and tag the school!
- Some universities track "demonstrated interest" which means interested students should be sure to attend plenty of admission events and always sign in. They also might be tracking engagement, consider following them on social media platforms!
- One general best practice: be sure to keep your social media channels appropriate. Those can be an extension of your college application, so be sure to keep it college application ready! :)