Just when it seems like you’ve finally gotten the hang of high school, it’s time to think about college. The college application process may seem daunting, and with so many things to keep track of, like deadlines, essays, and financial aid, it may seem like you’ll never get through it. Don’t get overwhelmed. Instead, use the tips below to help understand and navigate the college application process.
Figure Out Who You Are and What You Want
Before you can begin applying, you must figure out which schools you want to apply to. The best approach is to apply to schools you really want to go to, as opposed to applying to as many schools as possible and seeing where you get in. Take the time to understand yourself, your needs, wants, and any career goals you may have at this point. Do you want to be in a city or a suburb? Do you prefer a larger or smaller school? Is there a particular major or career that you’re interested in, and if so, does the school have a program in that space? Considering these types of questions will help you determine what’s important to you, and what you may want out of your college career. Every school is different, so it’s important to understand what you need and want in a school. Remember that the well-researched information in the "Top 200 Colleges for Indigenous Students" in every Special College Issue of Winds of Change magazine can be a big help in deciding where to apply. Once you identify the schools you want to apply to, you can focus on their specific application processes.
Decide How You’ll Apply
Choosing how you’ll apply to a college can be just as difficult as deciding where you want to apply. Many schools offer multiple options for when students can submit their applications, including applying as part of the general admission pool, through early decision, or early action. For most schools, applying early decision means that you send your application and receive an answer by an earlier deadline than if you applied through the general admission process. It’s important to note that if you’re accepted via early decision, you are obligated to attend that school. The early action process is similar, but if accepted, you are not necessarily committed to attending. If you are set on one college as your top choice and would absolutely go if accepted, then early decision may be a good option. If you’re not certain and the school offers early action, that might be a safer option. You may even decide to apply in a combination of submission options. Whatever you decide, be sure you and your family are fully comfortable with the decision.
Know Your Deadlines
While the overall college application process follows the same general timeline, specific application deadlines may vary by school. Make sure you are aware of every deadline for each school where you intend to apply. Keep in mind that many schools require supplemental materials that may have different deadlines. Take the time during the initial stages of the process to map out the deadlines. Ensure that you know the important deadlines for each school and give yourself enough time to prepare those materials so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Creating a comprehensive schedule can help you navigate the process more smoothly.
Not Everything Is Required
In recent years college application requirements have changed drastically. Many schools no longer require standardized test scores or supplemental materials. Make sure you fully review individual application requirements for each school and note what is required versus optional. If something is optional, think about whether or not it will enhance your application. If it will, then consider including it.
Get to Know the Platforms
The majority of schools use an online application system. The two most popular options are the Common Application and the Coalition Application. Colleges do use other platforms or their own internal applications as well, so make sure you know which application platform each school utilizes. Platforms like the Common App allow you to apply to multiple schools using the same primary application, though most college also have their own school-specific supplement. The Common App can greatly reduce the time it takes you to apply.
Understanding the college application process can be a challenge as elements of it continue to evolve from year to year, and some schools have their own unique requirements. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to think about where you want to apply, review the deadlines, and understand what is required or optional for each school. Also, become familiar with the application system you’ll use to submit your applications. Soon, those lurking college applications will behind you, and the acceptance notices will be your future.
ON TOPIC
Guess what. College admissions counselor are checking out your social media presence. That’s right, they’re reading your Tweets, checking out your Facebook and Instagram — photos and captions too — and even scrolling through those random profiles you haven’t used in years. They’re looking at all this because your social media accounts showcase your personality and interests. So be sure what’s out there is what colleges, coaches, and future employers want to see.
Sometimes we get caught up in the moment and post a controversial meme or leave a less than friendly comment on a news feed. But remember, the internet is a public space where nothing is truly private. Before posting anything, stop and consider what a stranger might infer about you after seeing it. Note: You can’t always detect a sarcastic or ironic tone through a post. While you might read this and think we’re being dramatic, we’re not. Students have been punished for offensive posts, and colleges have reversed admissions decisions based on social media.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your social media presence.
Google Yourself
Search for your name on Google and see what you find. Perhaps that nasty comment you made on a blog a few years ago pops up. Or maybe a few photos you were tagged in show you in an unfavorable light. Do your best to clean up what you can, and be more purposeful about what you post moving forward. Start promoting yourself and your achievements; leave positive comments on local or national news outlets; or even launch your own blog. Just keep your presence upbeat and positive.
Check Your Privacy Settings
Ensure your privacy settings allow you to know who can see your stories, tag you in photos, or even look you up. Don’t rush — there are several options within privacy settings and you want to be sure you go through all your accounts carefully — even those that you haven’t used in a while.
Clean Up Your Photo Library
So much can be inferred from a photo, and you don’t want a college admissions counselor making any wrong assumptions. Consider removing photos that are questionable or could be misunderstood by someone perusing your account. Take the time to also check photos that you’ve been tagged in. Anything that could be construed as objectionable behavior should be deleted.
It’s important to realize that social media is an opportunity to show colleges (and future employers) who you are beyond your transcript. While reviewing social media feeds may not be an official part of the college decision process, post as if every admissions counselor is looking.
