What to Expect on a College Application

The college application process marks an exciting and vital chapter in a student's academic journey. It's your chance to present your accomplishments, aspirations, and unique personality to the colleges you're interested in. Consider it your formal introduction to the institutions where you might spend some of the most pivotal years of your life.

College Application Basics

You will come across 3 primary types of college applications:

Common Application: A widely used college application tool that allows you to apply to multiple colleges with one application. It is accepted by over 900 colleges and universities.
Coalition Application: Similar to the Common Application, the Coalition Application is accepted by over 150 schools and emphasizes affordable college access.
University-Specific Applications: Some universities have their own application process. These can provide a more personalized application experience but require you to manage each application separately.

General Components of a College Application

Personal Information: Basic details such as your name, address, and demographics. It may also include questions about your family background and life circumstances to provide context to your achievements.
Educational Background: Information on your high school education, including the school's details, GPA, class rank, and coursework.
Standardized Test Scores (SAT, ACT): Many colleges require you to submit scores from one or both of these standardized tests, though policies are evolving, with some schools adopting test-optional policies.
Extracurricular Activities: A section is provided for you to share your involvement outside the classroom, including clubs, sports, volunteer work, and other interests that demonstrate your leadership, commitment, and passions.
College Essay(s): This is your opportunity to speak directly to admissions officers in your own voice, sharing significant experiences, challenges, or the values that define you.
Letters of Recommendation: Usually required from one or more teachers who can speak to your academic performance and personal characteristics.
Application Fees and Waivers: Most applications come with a fee, but waivers are available for eligible students to ensure that application costs do not pose a barrier to college access.

Section-by-Section Guide to the College Application

Personal Information

The section on Personal Information in your college application is more important than it might initially seem. It's the basis of your application, ensuring that all of your achievements and documents are attributed to the right person.

Name: Use your legal name as it appears on official documents like your passport, driver's license, and school records. Inconsistencies can cause delays or mix-ups in your application. If you go by a preferred name or nickname, many applications provide a space to indicate this separately.
Address: Provide your current mailing address. For students who split their time between two households, use the address where you spend the majority of your time or where you’re registered for school.
Family Background: Be detailed but succinct about your family situation. Colleges use this information to understand your context, including any challenges you've faced that may not be apparent from the rest of your application.
Correct Contact Information: Your email and phone number are the primary ways colleges will communicate with you. Use an email address that you check regularly. Avoid using school email addresses that might expire or filter out important communications.

Educational Background

Next in the college application process, is your Educational Background. This section reflects your academic achievements and intellectual readiness for college-level work.

High Schools Attended

If you've attended multiple high schools, list each institution along with the dates of attendance. Transparency here is crucial for providing admissions committees with a clear understanding of your academic journey. If frequent moves were due to family, military, or personal circumstances, consider sharing this context in other sections of your application, like the additional information section, to shed light on any inconsistencies or gaps in your education.

Courses Taken and Grades

When listing your courses, include the most challenging ones (AP, IB, honors, and college-level courses) to highlight your preparedness for more challenging college studies. Your transcript will detail the specifics, but in the application, focus on drawing attention to the breadth and depth of your academic interests and the progression in subjects relevant to your intended major.

For grades, you do not need to list these in the application if your transcript is part of your submission. However, understanding that grades play a significant role in admissions decisions, ensure that your transcript is accurate and reflects your performance and growth. If there are anomalies in your grades due to extenuating circumstances, the additional information section is an appropriate place to explain these.

Non-Traditional Educational Experiences

For students with non-traditional educational backgrounds (homeschooling, online schooling, gap years involving academic work, etc.), the approach in presenting this information should be both strategic and detailed:

Homeschooling: Clearly outline the structure of your curriculum, including subjects studied, and emphasize any independent or project-based learning experiences. Highlighting involvement in community, extracurricular activities, or co-op classes can also illustrate social engagement and commitment to community.
Online Schooling: Specify your reason for choosing this path. Detail the courses taken, like how you would for traditional schooling, and be sure to underline any collaborative projects or unique challenges you undertook.
Gap Years: If your gap year included academic courses, research, or other learning experiences, describe how these contributed to your academic and personal growth. Mention any schools attended or programs taken, focusing on how the experience has prepared you for college.

Standardized Test Scores

Sharing test scores can seem like a simple task but do take care in how you approach the submission of standardized test scores, such as the SAT, ACT, AP, and IB exams, effectively:

Deciding Which Scores to Submit

SAT/ACT: If you've taken both the SAT and ACT, compare your scores to determine which one best highlights your abilities. Colleges do not prefer one over the other, so the choice should be based on your performance. Additionally, if you've taken either test more than once, review the college's score-use policy—some schools consider your highest score from a single sitting, while others review the best scores across different sections from multiple sittings (super scoring).
AP/IB Scores: Submitting Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores can showcase your academic strengths, particularly in areas related to your intended major. High scores (typically a 4 or 5 on AP exams, or 6 or 7 for IB) can sometimes earn you college credit or placement in advanced courses.

Test-Optional Policies and Your Application

The trend toward test-optional admissions policies allows you to decide whether you want your standardized test scores to be considered as part of your application. Here's how to approach these policies:

When to Submit Scores: If your SAT or ACT scores are strong relative to the college's average admitted student profile, submitting them can enhance your application. Conversely, if your scores are below the school’s average or if you feel other components of your application better represent your academic abilities, you might choose not to submit test scores.
Impact on Your Application: Schools with test-optional policies genuinely do not penalize students who do not submit scores. Instead, greater emphasis is placed on other aspects of your application, including your essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and academic record.
Holistic Review Process: Remember, selective colleges employ a holistic review process, meaning they consider your entire application. Test scores are just one factor. Your academic performance in challenging courses, leadership and involvement, personal essays, and letters of recommendation provide a comprehensive view of who you are as a candidate.

Extracurricular Activities

When it comes to your college application, the Extracurricular Activities section is your opportunity to showcase your passions, commitments, and leadership skills outside the classroom.

Choosing Which Activities to List

Prioritize Depth Over Breadth: Focus on activities where you have invested significant time, shown commitment, and demonstrated progress or impact. Colleges are more impressed by dedication to a few activities over several years than a long list of one-time involvements.
Showcase Your Leadership: Highlight activities where you've taken on leadership roles, whether as a team captain, club president, or project lead. These positions illustrate your ability to manage tasks, lead by example, and influence others positively.
Reflect Your Authentic Self: Choose activities that genuinely reflect your interests and passions. Authenticity resonates with admissions officers, painting a clearer picture of who you are and what matters to you.

Strategies for Describing Your Involvement and Leadership

Be Specific About Your Role and Impact: When describing an activity, clearly state your role, responsibilities, and any accomplishments or tangible outcomes resulting from your involvement. Use action verbs to convey your contributions (e.g., "led," "organized," "created").
Quantify Your Achievements: Where possible, use numbers to quantify your impact, such as the amount of money raised for a cause, the number of participants in an event you organized, or the percentage increase in club membership during your tenure.
Explain the Significance: Discuss why the activity was meaningful to you and how it has contributed to your personal growth or understanding of a community or issue. This reflection can offer deeper insights into your character and values.

College Essays

The college essay is important, offering a personal dimension to your application. Unlike test scores and GPAs, essays are your opportunity to engage directly with the admissions committee, to tell your story, and to appeal to their humanity and empathy. It's where the holistic review process comes to the forefront, allowing officers to connect with you on a personal level, beyond just the achievements.

Key Elements of a Compelling Essay

A compelling essay is built on three foundational elements: storytelling, authenticity, and reflection.

Storytelling: Your essay should narrate a story that only you can tell—one that captures a significant aspect of your identity, experiences, or goals. The best essays are often about modest subjects but reveal profound truths and observations about the world through a well-told story.
Authenticity: Genuine stories resonate more strongly than those that feel engineered to impress. Be honest and true to yourself in your writing; admissions officers can discern authenticity and are more likely to be moved by sincerity than grandiosity.
Reflection: Colleges seek individuals who are thoughtful and capable of introspection. The reflection aspect of your essay should explore how your experiences have shaped you, altered your perceptions, or contributed to your personal growth.

Tips for Brainstorming Essay Topics and Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When brainstorming topics, start by reflecting on moments in your life that have defined or changed you fundamentally—experiences that highlight your resilience, creativity, passion, or empathy. Engage in self-reflection or dialogue with friends and family to uncover these nuggets of personal insight.

Avoid choosing a topic because you think it's what the admissions committee wants to hear. The most common pitfall is writing an essay that lacks personal touch and authenticity in an attempt to impress. Also, steer clear of overused themes that don’t offer new insights into your character, such as clichéd volunteer trips or sports victories. In the end it’s your quality of expression and depth of insight that will carry more weight than the subject matter itself.

Letters of Recommendation

The Letters of Recommendation are a fundamental component of your college application, offering a third-person perspective on your academic abilities, character, and potential to contribute to the college community. These letters empower the admissions committee to see you through the eyes of educators and mentors who have known you in various capacities.

How to Choose the Right Recommenders

Selecting who should write your recommendation letters is as crucial as the essays you submit or the extracurricular activities you list.

Seek Recommenders Who Know You Well: Ask teachers, counselors, or mentors who have a deep understanding of your personality, work ethic, and academic achievements. They should be individuals who can discuss your contributions, growth, and how you interact with others in a detailed and nuanced way.
Consider the Subject Matter: Whenever possible, choose recommenders from core academic subjects who can vouch for your intellectual curiosity and academic strengths relevant to your intended college major or area of interest.
Diversity in Perspective: If more than one recommendation is required, select individuals who can provide varied insights into your character and accomplishments. For example, a recommendation from a science teacher and another from a history teacher or extracurricular advisor can offer a well-rounded view of your capabilities and interests.

Guidelines for Requesting Letters and Providing Recommenders with Helpful Information

Ask Early: Approach your potential recommenders well in advance of your application deadlines, ideally giving them at least one month to write the letter. This courtesy ensures they have ample time to reflect on your accomplishments and compose a thoughtful letter.
Provide Context: Offer a resume or a summary of your academic and extracurricular achievements, including any specific accomplishments or experiences you hope they might highlight. This information can guide them in crafting a more personalized and detailed letter.
Discuss Your College Goals: Sharing your aspirations, why you're applying to particular colleges, and what you hope to achieve can help the recommender align their letter with your future goals, making it more impactful.
Be Polite and Professional: Keep in mind, recommenders are doing you a favor. Approach them politely and express genuine appreciation for their support. Afterward, a thank-you note is a gracious way to acknowledge their contribution to your application process.

Application Fees and Waivers

The application process for colleges often involves various fees, which can add up quickly, especially if you're applying to multiple schools. Understanding these costs and knowing how to potentially reduce them through waivers can play a big role in your application strategy.

Overview of Typical Application Fees

Most colleges and universities charge an application fee, which covers the administrative costs of processing applications. These fees can range widely from around $25 to over $75 per application, depending on the institution. Some highly competitive or private colleges may charge higher fees. It's important to factor these costs into your overall application budget, especially if you plan to apply to a broad range of schools.

Applying for Waivers

There are provisions in place to help students who may find these fees burdensome. Application fee waivers are available and are designed to ensure that no student is barred from applying to colleges due to financial constraints. Here's how you can apply for these waivers:

Eligibility: Generally, if you qualify for free or reduced-price lunch at your high school, you are likely eligible for a fee waiver. Other eligibility criteria may include family income guidelines, enrollment in federally funded programs, or if you’re an orphan or ward of the state.
How to Obtain a Waiver: You can request a waiver directly from the college to which you are applying, or through the Common Application if you are using that platform to apply. Additionally, your high school counselor can provide you with a fee waiver form if you meet the eligibility criteria.
SAT/ACT Fee Waiver: If you've received a waiver for the SAT or ACT testing fees, you're automatically eligible for college application fee waivers from colleges that participate in these programs.
NACAC Waiver: The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) also offers a fee waiver form for students facing financial hardship, which is accepted by many colleges.

Best Practices for Filling Out College Applications

Successfully completing the college application process requires a blend of organizational skills, time management, and sincere self-reflection. Here are some best practices that can guide you to present a compelling and polished application:

Start Early and Manage Your Time Efficiently: Avoid the stress of last-minute submissions by starting your application process early. Create a timeline for each college’s deadlines for applications, essays, and letters of recommendation. This proactive approach will give you ample time to carefully consider and refine your application components.
Be Organized: Keep track of each college’s application deadlines, essay prompts, submission requirements, and any other unique prerequisites. Utilize spreadsheets, planners, or digital tools to monitor your progress on each application and ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.
Proofread Everything: Small errors can detract from the overall quality of your application. Carefully check your applications for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. Additionally, ensure all information is accurate and complete. This attention to detail demonstrates your commitment and professionalism.
Be Honest and Authentic Throughout Your Application: Authenticity resonates with admissions officers. Your application should reflect your true self, from your achievements and aspirations to your challenges and growth experiences. Honesty not only reinforces your integrity but also provides a genuine snapshot of who you are beyond test scores and grades.
Seeking Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from teachers, counselors, or trusted mentors on your essays and application answers. External perspectives can provide valuable insights, identify areas for improvement, and confirm when your application truly represents the best version of yourself.

Each part of the application is an opportunity to showcase your strengths, character, and potential contributions to the college community. By adhering to these best practices, you can craft an application that not only highlights your achievements but also conveys your unique story and aspirations.