College application helpful tips.

Completing any college application is hard work. However, it is worth the effort to invest the time to do the best job you can in filling out each one. They are read! Each part will be reviewed and you would be surprised at the little things that get noticed by admissions officers. Take your time and do your best to provide information accurately and in a way that highlights your strengths. On this page are some strategies and helpful tips to assist you in making your college application the best it can be.

Use an online application.

A handwritten college application just does not give the impression you want. Just about all schools have online applications available now and most encourage you to use them. Be very careful when inputting your information to check for errors and make sure to use punctuation and capital letters (don't use IM lingo either, even though a lot of admissions officers do know it). A lot of online applications give you the option to save your work and/or to print it out. Do both! Take the time to review your work before hitting the submit button. Look to see how you are supposed to move from each entry block. Usually you will use the tab or arrow key to maneuver around the application as hitting the enter or return key is sometimes the command to submit your application. If you do submit it inadvertently, don't worry, just contact the admissions office and ask them to reset your account or how best to finish completing your information.

A popular online option these days is to use what's know as the Common Application. It's a tool that you can use to apply to a lot of colleges in a short amount of time.
To learn more about why you should NOT use the Common Application for your top 3 college choices, click here.

Check your email and IM addresses.

Another helpful tip is to pay attention to your email and IM addresses. You want to avoid using an address that has any possible negative meanings. For example, "lazygirl08@hotmail.com" might say something to an admissions officer that you don't really mean. Get a new address and use that one instead.

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Provide the information you are asked for in the format you are asked for it.

Most colleges will ask you in some fashion about any academic honors you have received and about activities you are involved in outside the classroom. Don't just put "see attached" even if you have invested the time to put together a resume of your accomplishments and interests. It's a smart application strategy to follow the directions, use the space provided and offer information in the format requested. If you have more than the space allows, list the most important or the most significant ones first.

Prepare a separate document that highlights your accomplishments.

If you have more accomplishments than the space provided allows you to list you can highlight all of them on a separate resume to submit in addition to your other amaterials. It's a good idea to use separate headings to highlight your accomplishments or awards, activities you are involved in, any special talents or skills, and your personal hobbies. Be sure to make special note of any leadership positions you have held. Also, colleges want to know about the things you truly care about and not just a list of all the clubs you are a member of so try to focus on the ones that you have devoted a lot of time.

Submit your essay separately from your online application.

Do not attempt to type in your college essay into the text box provided on a lot of online applications. Far too often you will make a mistake that you do not notice before hitting the submit button. Rather, contact the admissions office directly and ask them the best way to send your essay or personal statement separately. Often you can email it directly to an admissions counselor. Ask them to send you a confirmation email in return so you can be sure that they got it.

Check before sending extra items you think will help.

Don�t just assume that it is ok to send the video project you made to highlight your motivation to become the next Steven Spielberg! Some colleges are very strict about what they do and do not want you to submit as part of your application materials and may penalize you for sending additional items. It�s always best to call and speak directly with an admissions counselor about what you were hoping to submit and ask them if they think it�s a good idea. If it is ok, be sure to ask them how best to submit it and to whose attention.

Triple check any document you are sending to multiple schools.

Make sure you triple check any essays, letters or other items that you include that make mention of your interest in a particular school. You don't want to send them to XYZ University when they mention ABC College.

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Read the essay guidelines carefully and stick to them.

Don't assume that you will be able to use the same essay for all your applications. Some schools have very specific topics or questions that they want you to address. It's important to follow the directions on each one.