Watch Out for Deadlines
This is probably the most important tip we can give you. Turning in application materials before the deadline is extremely important and can affect your chances of being accepted. Don’t wait until the last minute to get a letter of recommendation or another important document as it could come back to hurt you. Turning forms in early is always better. Also make sure you don’t forget about the deadlines for financial aid and housing applications as well as scholarship deposits.
Follow Directions When Applying
It may seem like a given, but you need to make sure you follow specific instructions when completing an application. The application process can sometimes be confusing and frustrating, but we recommend that you complete the application by yourself. Don’t be lazy and make your parents do it for you! With essays, colleges want to hear what you have to say, not your parents.
Don’t Procrastinate on Letters of Recommendation & Essays
Check online to see if the colleges you are applying to require letters of recommendation and essays. Forgetting to complete either or both of these important things will not help your cause. In essays, make sure to show what sets you apart from the pack and makes you unique.
Visit Colleges
It is important to visit as many colleges as you can, as a visit can make or break your decision to go to a college. Visiting will give you a feel for the campus, which is a very important aspect for many applicants. If you can’t visit in person, an online virtual tour is the next best thing. Also, make sure to attend CCC college visits for all the schools that interest you.
Meet With Your Counselor
Your counselor is here for a reason, to help you! Your counselor is not going to seek you out to help you with your college search and application. If you have any questions regarding your post-high school plans, go set up a meeting with your counselor in the 2nd-floor counseling office. Your counselor is the best resource to help you on your college journey.
Compare and Contrast Choices
Write down in a journal what you liked and disliked about the colleges you have visited so when it comes time to make the big decision, you remember certain aspects of the college. Record things like what you liked about the campus, how many students go there, how much financial aid is available and what the overall tuition cost is to attend the college. It’s a lot easier to have all of this information in one place, rather than having to search and try to find it later.
Familiarize Yourself With Resources
WHS has many different resources to help you find what college is right for you. Naviance is a resource that has information on every college such as the average GPA, ACT scores, tuition cost, number of students and information about financial aid. The Minnesota Career Information System (MCIS) is a tool that will help you find information on careers that are an interest to you and they also have some ACT practice tests as well. There are many resources to help you choose a college, you just have to go out and use them.
Form Your Own Opinions
Deciding on which college to attend is a decision that you need to make for yourself. The best college for your friend is not necessarily the best college for you, so don’t base your decision on where they are going. Don’t let others affect your college decision too much, as you need to figure out the right place for you. You’re the one who needs to be happy with your college choice, not your friends!
Give Yourself Options
When applying to colleges, you probably want to apply to at least 3 colleges. If you only apply to 1 college you aren’t giving yourself enough options, which could come back to hurt you. On the other hand, you don’t want to apply to too many colleges, as the application fees can really add up. Most importantly, apply to as many colleges as you feel you need to. When it comes time to decide which to attend, having more options will benefit you a lot.
Discuss Financial Aid
One of the biggest factors in deciding which college to attend is the cost. Discuss the options for financial aid with your parents and with your counselor. Look up scholarships and loans, don’t miss the FAFSA deadline and look for some on-campus work options they would have for you when you get down to the university. Don’t let the cost of the college push you away from where you want to go. There are many financial aid options for everyone out there to help you get where you want to go!
