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College Application:

Request an application form from each of your colleges. You can find it online or request it from the school.

The package will include the application form, submission requirements (essays, transcripts and other) and self-addressed envelopes for the letters of recommendations.

Many schools use the COMMON application form for application submission. Using the COMMON application form saves you time from completing multiple application forms:
see form at commonapp.org

You can save the COMMON application form online until you are ready to submit it electronically to participating schools

Or get the application from your school — link to your college to submit your application form online or to request a application packet:
use our college search directory for your school's web site

Early Decision Note:
you need to decide if you are going to do early admission.

If so, you will need to have your application completed and ready to submit between October and November of your senior year.

• The advantage of early decision is that you will know whether you have been accepted by early January.
• The disadvantage of early decision is that you may be legally bound to attend that school if you are accepted.

So decide on early decisions for schools that are your first choice.

 

College Essays:

Your college admissions application will most likely require 1- 2 essays. Use the weekends to write and edit your essays.

Note that the essay is an important decisional parameter for college admission. So take this seriously.

Essay resource and editing services:
use this resource to edit your essay — you will expert advice from professionals who are experts in college essay review
EssayEdge.com

Quick view: essay writing tips and samples

 

College Recommendations:

Most college admissions require 1-2 recommendations from teachers and/or community leaders.

Select who should write your recommendation. Give the person plenty of time (about 3-4 weeks prior to your deadline).

Also provide them a short autobiography, a list of your outside activities, school transcript and a self-addressed envelope as instructed by your college.

Please note that the teacher works with hundreds of students. So give them plenty of time.

 

School Transcripts:

Double check your transcripts when you start your senior year. You will need to forward these transcripts to colleges for admission review.

Make sure you have the following:

• all grades are posted correctly
• all required courses for graduation are listed
• all required courses for college admittance are listed

It is important that these transcripts are correct and up-to-date. If not, meet with school administration to repair any errors.

 

Extracurriculars:

Take a swim, tennis, karate or other class over the fall semester (either with your school or community group). You want to show well-roundness in your application.

Just the right amount of studies (with good grades) and outside activities. Don't think that a lot of extracurricular activities are a must. You just need to show a balance.

How to build a well-rounded character?

FREE Download
Complete guide on discipline and character building. Has illustrations on the building blocks of success.

view our "building success" module

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College Entrance Exams:

Colleges require different college entrance exams. You need to check with your college to determine which exam to take.

Many students will sit for both exams to make sure they meet qualifications from all colleges.

When you register for exams, make sure test scores will be sent to your select colleges.

Discuss with your guidance counselor about the college entrance exams that will be administered this Fall. Don't miss the registration deadlines.

There are two types of exams:

1. SAT:
   
   SAT Reasoning
   The SAT Reasoning Test is a three-hour test that measures a student's ability to reason problems instead of general knowledge. It has three sections: writing, critical reading, and math. Most of the questions are multiple-choice.
   
   SAT Subject Tests
   The SAT Subject Tests measure the student's knowledge in specific subjects: English, mathematics, history, science, and languages. SAT Subject Tests are primarily multiple-choice, and each lasts one hour.
   
   more information: collegeboard.org
   
   
2. ACT:
   The ACT Assessment® is used by some colleges. The exam has four multiple-choice tests: English, reading, mathematics, and science reasoning.
   
   more information: actstudent.org

 

Preparation Guides:

1. PSAT (practice exams):
   the PSAT is the test prep exam for the SAT tests. The PSAT is usually offered in October and November through your school. Check with your school counselor for dates.
   see collegeboard.org for information
   
   
2. ACT test preparation:
   some colleges use the ACT test. You need to check your college to determine which test they use for admittance.
   actstudent.org
   
   
3. Kaplan Testing Services:
   Kaplan offers online and in-room simulation tests with guidance on weak points that need to be improved.
   kaptest.com
   
   
4. Buy college entrance exam prep books:
   

   amazon: SAT exam prep

   amazon: ACT exam prep

Take notes and pictures when visiting a campus. This will help you make a comparison when it comes time to make a final decision:

• Plan to visit the college for a full day.
  Attend when the school is in session, if possible.
• Arrange an interview with the admission office
  or other "campus visit" groups
• Meet with the financial aid office
  to get all related financial aid information offered by that school
• When doing a visit,
  check out the library, student unions, sporting facilities, and academic centers. Walk the campus to familiarize yourself with the layout.
• Review housing facilities and dormitories
  to determine whether to live on-campus or off-campus housing. Note the college rules for housing. Some colleges require first-time Freshmen to live in dormitories.
• Schedule time to speak with students and faculty. Visit the clubs and societies that are part of the campus life. Check campus rules, safety programs, and facilities that maintain the safety of the campus.
• Drive around the surrounding community
  to familiarize yourself with restaurants, theaters, rec areas, job opportunities, etc.

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• Summer work programs:
  Job listing for teens from many brand-name retail and other name companies:
  snagajob.com
  another posting of summer jobs:
  summerjobs.com
  job postings exclusively for teens:
  teens4hire.org
  
  
• Internship Programs:
  internships in your field of interest is a great way to get experience that will help you college
  internships