Your Step-by-Step Guide for Applying to College Successfully

Gain an Edge on the Competition!

Applying to college can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but it doesn't have to be! One way to make it more manageable is to break the process down into smaller steps. With the help of this guide brought to you by Quizplus, you will be familiar with the timeline for applying, learn how to create the best application, and know about the resources available which will give you an edge on the competition when applying to college!

Do Your Research

The secret to choosing the best college for you—as well as to putting together an outstanding application package that highlights your strengths—is research. Learn as much as you can about the college or university you are considering, browse through their course catalogs, take a look at alumni success stories, and talk to people who have gone there before in order to get an idea if this school might be the right fit for you.

You should consider factors like size, location, cost and potential outcomes like career prospects and postgraduate study options. Knowing what each school offers will help you narrow down your list of potential colleges and make an informed decision by comparing these elements across multiple schools.

Prepare Necessary Documents
 
You must be prepared with the necessary paperwork when applying to colleges. Make sure to read up on the specific documentation that each school is requesting because each one will have different requirements. Depending on the program you're applying for, these might include letters of recommendation, official transcripts, recent test results, updated resumes, or portfolios.

Before submitting your application, you should have your personal essay ready. Be sure to adhere to all document requirements and double-check all formatting specifications. You might also be asked to submit documentation of your ability to receive financial aid as well as information about any prior college enrollments, depending on the college or university. Gather all of these items as soon as you can to start the process early!

Craft a Personal Essay

Many colleges require an essay as part of their application process. These essays are your opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are and why you’d be a great fit for their institution. Start by brainstorming topics that relate to your passions and experiences, then craft an engaging essay that demonstrates those characteristics in compelling ways.

Your essay should be a reflection of who you are as a person and a student. The essay can be written using any narrative structure and should focus on how your background has shaped your current interests, aspirations and identity. Keep it focused around one particular theme or story in order to make it more memorable and stand out from other applications. 

Ask for Recommendation Letters

Letters of recommendation are an important component of any college application and can make the difference between acceptance and denial. Reach out to teachers, coaches and employers to ask if they are willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. Provide them with specific details regarding the school or program you are applying to, so they can tailor their letter accordingly.

Most colleges require 1 or 2 letters with your applications. Make sure to give the ones who write your letters of recommendation enough time to write the letter, as they may need to contact other people in order to get more information about you. Ask them to highlight positive attributes and skills that make you a good fit for their university.

Submit the Application on Time

Applying for college is only half the battle - it’s important to remember that you must submit your application forms by their respective due dates. So make sure you research the college’s deadline and use an online calendar to remind yourself when it’s time for submission. 

Always read over the application before submitting it, as small mistakes can lead to larger problems down the line. Take into account that any supplemental information should be sent along with the application before or on the day of the deadline. 

Once you’ve submitted all the necessary documents, all you can do at that point is wait – and prepare for your new adventure with Quizplus study tools!