COMPLETING
AN APPLICATION
The application forms used by colleges and universities vary a great deal.
Some ask for little more than basic biographical and academic information on
one side of a piece of paper while others can be several pages long. Regardless
of the form it takes, it is important that you recognize the fact that the application
is the primary tool the admission offices use to collect information from you.
The questions asked and the credentials required tell you a lot about the school,
and the answers you provide tell the school a lot about you.
Completing applications takes time, a lot of time if you are going to do a good
job. You should know that even the mechanics of the completion of the
application form is a significant "sorter" for the admission office.
A sloppy, incomplete or late application sends a very clear message to the college,
whether that was your intention or not. You would expect that the college
will favor the applicants who have taken time with their application, have followed
directions, and who have presented themselves in the best possible manner.
You should answer all of the questions asked on the applications honestly and
forthrightly. The application is not a place for you to be modest.
List your accomplishments and activities as requested. Some students find
that attaching an easy-to-read résumé is easier than trying to make your information
fit within certain boxes or on lines. If you attach anything additional
to your application, however, be certain that you have followed the instructions
on that application very carefully. Some schools will not accept attachments!
The basic information from most applications is transferred into a computer
file when it is received, and not having the necessary information in the appropriate
place at the time of entry into the program could be detrimental. Avoid
the temptation to "over-word process."
In the past couple of years, there has been a proliferation of computerized
and on-line applications which are making the mechanics of applying much easier
and neater. By investigating the Web sites of many colleges and universities,
you will find still other applications which can be started and/or completed
on-line.
Have your completed application proofread and be certain that it is neat and
clean. It is suggested, but not necessary, that you type your applications.
Before mailing any application, you should make a copy of it to keep for your
records. Make sure you affix the correct amount of postage to the envelope.
Some colleges request that all application materials be sent together in one
envelope. Many colleges have a two-part application process. These
schools ask you to first submit some basic information along with the application
fee and then send you the longer second application. Some state university
systems, such as those in California and New York, centralize their application
processes. One application is completed and mailed to a central office,
along with the appropriate fees for the campus(es) to which you are applying.
The central office then distributes your application to the campuses you specify.
There are FOUR very important things you should remember to insure that your application will help you get into the college of your choice:
• Fill out your application(s) ACCURATELY, COMPLETELY, AND NEATLY .
• KEEP A NOTEBOOK OR BINDER with everything related to your applications in it. Make a copy of every form you complete, and keep copies in the notebook.
• FILE YOUR APPLICATIONS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE DURING THE FILING PERIOD . The priority filing period for the UC and CSU systems begins on November 1 and ends on November 30.
SEND A COMPLETED STUDENT RELEASE FORM TO THE NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE IN YOUR JUNIOR YEAR IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN COLLEGE ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY . Forms and NCAA bulletins are available in the office. This is the
student’s responsibility.