HEY! You there! Read this now because it can potentially save you a tremendous amount of stress. So sit back and read on.
When you apply to college, there are many things to take into consideration, here are just a few.
1) Where do I want to go?
How can you even start your applications to anywhere if you don’t know where you will apply to? I know that there are many colleges out there and it is hard to even begin to narrow them down. So where do you start? Well, I would advise you to have a basic concept in your mind to as what you would like to do. From there, research your future career. If you don’t like it, change it. On average, you will change your career plans three to four times. Search for colleges that specialize in advancing in your knowledge in that career. Other factors to keep in mind are specific areas you would or would not like to be in (for me this was extremely hot locations likeArizona) and the cost of tuition. Once you have a basic idea to where you want to apply, WRITE THEM DOWN. There doesn’t have to be a specific order to your colleges yet, but it’s nice to have a paper telling you what to do.
2) Which ones should I apply to first?
It is simple. Colleges have an application deadline, so I would begin with the colleges on your list that require your application to be due earlier.
3) What about the actual application?
Most applications require generally the same things. Things to keep in handy: Basic contact information, social security, your financial information, transcripts, test scores, and essays and letters of recommendation (for some colleges).
4) If I get accepted into many of my college choices, how do I choose which one to accept?
When your colleges send you those letters of acceptance, it may become difficult yet again to choose which one to say yes to. My advice to you would be to talk with many people. The more opinions you get the better. Speak with your counselor, your parents, your siblings, your best friend, anyone with ears and a tongue. This is your first important decision, so make it right. Listening to people’s opinions will help straighten yours. But keep in mind that it is YOUR decision. You must make the last call.
5) Any other advice?
Yes! Keep these in mind. Start your research. You don’t want to be the kid who waited till the last week to apply to your colleges. Get those letters of recommendation. I would suggest trying to get at least two letters a year starting from freshman year so you can have options. But if you do this, keep in touch with those teachers. Sharpen your writing skills. Colleges say they don’t put much on the essays, but you don’t want to put your name on anything that isn’t the best. Make it yours! These colleges, these essays are all going to be yours, so make the best decisions.
Now for a little scare tactics. I waited till last minute to do everything. Now I have a shortage of letters of recommendation, rushed college apps, and not fully developed career plans. Don’t stress yourself out anymore. Be smart. It’s your life.
