How To Ace Your College Applications

Submitting your college applications can be a daunting task during one of the most exciting, yet nerve-racking times in your life. From the essay portion of the application to the recommendation letters, not many students know where and when to start. Here is a helpful guide that will show you how to ace your college applications, providing you with all the information you need along with some useful tips.

How Many Colleges Should You Apply To?

There is no ideal number when deciding how many colleges you should apply to. Just remember that it takes time and money to send each application, so choose wisely. A good rule of thumb is to make a list of colleges you've been aiming for and divide them into several categories:

• Safety Colleges: These are the colleges that you are pretty sure you can get into. You should apply to at least one or two of your top picks in this category as backup or "safety" colleges.
• Ideal Colleges: These are the colleges that you would truly enjoy attending, and there is a good chance they would accept you. This is the category where a large majority of your college applications should be devoted to. If anything, aim for applying to at least two or three of the colleges in this category.
• Dream Colleges: These are the colleges you might consider a long shot, but still have a slight chance of getting into. Instead of aiming for the top picks in this category, apply to one where you have the best chances for acceptance. And if you're up to it, send a second application to your number one pick. It's always worth a try.

College Application Schedule

Use this schedule to help you plan out your college applications so that you don't miss important deadlines, and to give yourself ample time to obtain the materials you need and complete a well-written essay:

• Before your senior year starts: Visit any colleges you are truly interested in. You should also try to set an appointment for an interview with admissions before you visit the campus. Make a list of admission deadlines for all the colleges you are applying to. Finally, register for the SAT or ACT for the fall if you still need to take your tests.
• September: Set an appointment with your school counselor to help you with your college application process, and to make sure you are on track. Your high school counselor will also make sure you have taken, or are taking the classes needed to gain acceptance from your selected colleges. Also, start working on your college essays.
• October: Obtain letters of recommendations from teachers, counselors, employers or volunteer supervisors. Take your SAT or ACT tests and make sure the scores are sent to the colleges you wish to apply to. Find out what the state, federal and college deadlines are for financial aid applications. Financial aid deadlines vary between colleges.
• November: Submit any early applications. Take your SAT or ACT tests if you haven't already and make sure the scores are sent to the colleges you wish to apply to. Continue working on your college essay if you still need to.
• December: Wrap up your college applications by this month.
• January: Make sure your first-semester grades are sent to the colleges that have requested a mid-year report.
• February: Continue your studies and do not slack off. Your second semester grades can have a strong impact on your acceptance.
• March and April: Acceptance letters should now be arriving. Make your decision and send in the necessary materials for enrollment. If you are on a waiting list for a desired college, notify the college that you are still interested. Ask admissions what you can do to raise your chances of gaining acceptance to their institution.
• May: Take the Advanced Placement test for any AP classes if you wish to receive college credit. Finish the remainder of the school year with great effort.
• June: Make sure your final transcript is sent to the college you've chosen and enjoy your final days in high school.
• Summer vacation: Enjoy your final summer before college. Make sure you find the appropriate accommodations at the college you've chosen. You should have already chosen on-campus or off-campus housing. Make sure you attend your freshman orientation to select the classes you will be taking in your first semester/quarter of college.

Tips for the College Essay

The college essay is a vital piece of your college application. It basically tells the admission board about yourself outside of what they can see from your grades, test scores, extra-curricular activities and anything else listed in your application. Here are some tips to help you complete the best college essay possible:

• Remember, it is a personal essay. Don't be afraid to open up and show the admissions board the type of person you are. This will help you make an original piece that stands out above the rest.
• Be witty and creative. In other words, try being yourself. Your application forms are for showing your accomplishments and scholastic merit. Use your college essay to show the admission board a whole other side of your personality.
• When writing your personal experience, remember to focus on yourself and how you interpreted and learned from it. If you are writing a story where a friend or family member is involved, it's easy to lost track of who the main character is. Remember, the admission board wants to know about YOU. Don't let another character in your college essay steal the spotlight.
• DO NOT plagiarize.
• DO NOT pay someone else to write your essay for you.