how to apply to college from start to finish

Summary

This comprehensive video guide demystifies the college admissions process, outlining six key stages: creating a college list, initiating applications, crafting essays, obtaining recommendations, applying for financial aid, and submitting applications. It offers strategic advice on selecting schools, understanding application platforms, and writing compelling essays, while addressing financial considerations and the importance of recommendation letters. Aimed at high school seniors, the script provides actionable tips and resources to navigate the complex application journey successfully.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Understanding the college admissions process requires thorough research, including online forums, videos, and books.
• 📋 The six main stages of applying to college are creating a college list, starting your application, writing essays, getting letters of recommendation, applying for financial aid, and submitting your application.
• 🏫 Build your college list by categorizing schools into safety, match, and reach categories based on your academic credentials.
• 🔍 Consider various factors when selecting colleges, such as location, extracurricular opportunities, majors offered, cost, and climate.
• 🏢 Decide on the size and type of college (large, medium, small) and the class sizes (lecture vs. seminar style) that fit your preferences.
• 🌐 Use tools like College Board's College Search, attend college fairs, and consult with guidance counselors to find suitable colleges.
• 📧 Create a separate email address for college admissions to manage the influx of important messages effectively.
• 📝 Write compelling college essays that showcase your personality and experiences, avoiding rehashing your resume.
• 📝 Get recommendation letters from teachers who know you well, preferably from your junior year, and provide them with a brag sheet to highlight your accomplishments.
• 💸 Apply for financial aid using the FAFSA and CSS Profile if required, and use net price calculators to estimate the cost of attending different colleges.

Q & A

What are the six main stages of the college application process mentioned in the script?

The six main stages of the college application process are creating your college list, starting your actual application, writing college essays, getting letters of recommendation, applying for financial aid, and submitting your application.

Why is it recommended to start building your college list during the summer before senior year or spring of junior year?

It is recommended to start building your college list during this time because it allows you to research and identify the colleges that best fit your needs and preferences, ensuring you have enough time to explore your options before the application process begins.

What is the suggested number of colleges to apply to, and why?

The suggested number of colleges to apply to is between 6 to 12. This range ensures a balanced application process, providing a variety of options including safety, match, and reach schools, which helps in managing expectations and increasing the chances of acceptance.

What are 'safety schools', 'match schools', and 'reach schools' in the context of college applications?

Safety schools are colleges where your academic credentials are well above the 75th percentile, match schools are where your credentials fall within the 50th percentile, and reach schools are where your credentials fall below the 25th percentile. These categories help in managing the risk of not getting accepted and ensuring a balanced college list.

Why is it important to consider the size of the college when building your college list?

The size of the college is important because it can impact the academic and extracurricular opportunities available, as well as the overall college experience. Larger colleges may offer more opportunities but can feel impersonal, while smaller colleges provide a more intimate experience but may have fewer resources.

What factors should be considered when deciding on the location of a college?

Factors to consider when deciding on the location of a college include whether it's urban or rural, the distance from home, the climate, and the opportunities for jobs or internships. These factors can significantly affect your college experience and career prospects.

Why is it recommended to create a separate email address for college application-related communications?

Creating a separate email address for college application-related communications helps to keep important messages organized and prevents them from getting lost or mixed up in your personal inbox, ensuring you receive and respond to all necessary communications promptly.

What is the purpose of the 'additional information' section in the Common App, and how should it be used?

The 'additional information' section in the Common App is a place to provide context or details about extenuating circumstances, special classes, or other relevant information that doesn't fit elsewhere in the application. It should be used concisely to highlight important aspects that could influence the admissions decision.

What is the difference between 'early action', 'early decision', and 'restrictive early action' when applying to colleges?

Early action is non-binding, meaning you can still choose whether to attend the school if accepted. Early decision is binding, requiring you to attend the school if accepted. Restrictive early action is a type of early action that prevents you from applying early to multiple schools at once.

Why is it important to submit a 'brag sheet' when asking teachers for recommendation letters?

A 'brag sheet' provides teachers with a list of your accomplishments, activities, and classroom anecdotes, which can help them write a more detailed and compelling recommendation letter. It ensures they include the most relevant and impressive aspects of your academic and extracurricular profile.

What is the significance of May 1st in the context of the college application process?

May 1st is known as National College Decision Day. It is the deadline by which students must commit to a college, typically by submitting a deposit or signing up for orientation. This date helps colleges manage their enrollment and allows students to finalize their college choice.