Completing an Admission Application
It can seem like all you do is fill out forms. Scholarships, financial aid, permission for the senior trip – shouldn't there be some sort of central place all these people can go to find your information?
Well, there's not, and the college admission application form is one you'll want to make sure you fill out. It's one of the most important steps in the admission process and a good opportunity to show that you're the kind of student a college wants.
Different schools may ask for different materials or have different forms, but you'll most likely need to include:
- Admission application fee.
This may or may not apply to your school. Read your form and the school's website to find out for sure. - Official high school transcript.
Normally, you'll send an unofficial transcript when you apply, and then have your high school send a final transcript when you graduate. - Biographical information.
Besides the typical birth date, address and parental information, you'll be asked about your high school education. - Test scores.
ACT® and/or SAT® test scores are usually needed. Learn more about college admission exams: how to prepare, what to expect, registration deadlines and test dates. - Letters of recommendation.
Ask adults who aren't related to you to write letters about what kind of person you are – your character, responsibility, creativity, discipline and initiative. Good people to ask are teachers, school counselors, coaches, clergy and employers. - Essay.
Not all colleges ask you to write an essay, but some do. Lean how to write an effective application essay.
