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College Admissions Process
Jun 22, 2024
College Admissions Process: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Problem
: College admissions information is scattered across various sources, making it hard to find one detailed resource.
Solution
: This guide breaks down the process of applying to college into six stages:
Creating your college list
Starting your actual application
Writing college essays
Getting letters of recommendation
Applying for financial aid
Submitting your application
1. Creating Your College List
Timeline
When to Start
: Summer before senior year or spring of junior year.
Number of Colleges
Recommended Range
: 6 to 12 schools
Categories
:
Safety Schools
: Academic credentials above the 75th percentile.
Match Schools
: Academic credentials within the middle 50th percentile.
Reach Schools
: Academic credentials below the 25th percentile.
Caveats
All Ivy League and Top 20 schools are reach schools for everyone regardless of academic credentials.
Shotgunning
: Phenomenon where many students apply to numerous prestigious schools regardless of fit.
Ideal Distribution
Safeties
: ~3 schools
Matches
: 4-5 schools
Reaches
: 2-3 schools
Factors to Consider
Size
: Large vs. Small colleges
Large: More opportunities, impersonal.
Small: Limited opportunities, closer community.
Class Size
: Lecture vs. Seminar
Lecture: Less professor access.
Seminar: More professor access.
Location
: Urban vs. Rural, Distance from Home, Climate
Urban: More lively, job opportunities.
Rural: Peaceful, suited for nature lovers.
Distance: Frequency of family visits.
Climate: Consider weather.
Available Programs
: Majors, Minors, Curriculum Flexibility
Campus Culture
: Diversity, social scene, traditions
Extracurricular Opportunities
: Clubs, sports, internship programs
If specific interest exists, check for relevant clubs.
Cost
: Net price calculator, merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, ROI calculation
Tools for Research
Google Sheet
: Track schools and criteria.
Template provided in the description.
College Board College Search
: Based on variables.
Other Tools
: College fairs, guidance counselor, friends, family, Next Admit consultations
Requirements
: SAT/ACT, high school courses, supplemental essays, portfolios.
Keep track using Google Sheet.
Narrowing Down
: Visit, attend info sessions, virtual tours
Early Applications
:
Advantages
: Ends process early, may show interest.
Types
: Early Action (non-binding), Early Decision (binding), Restrictive Early Action.
2. Starting Your Actual Application
Email Management
Create a Separate Email
: For college admissions-related communications.
Application Platforms
Common Application
,
Coalition Application
,
QuestBridge
.
Common App Tour
: Create account, fill details, save essays externally.
Additional Info Section
: Extenuating circumstances, extra awards/accomplishments
3. Writing College Essays
Importance
Significance
: Showcase personality and character.
Main Types
:
Personal Statement
: Goes to all schools applied to.
Supplemental Essays
: School-specific.
Tips
Show, Don’t Tell
: Make essays immersive and evocative.
Conversational Tone
: Not like a research paper.
Avoid Rehashing Resume
: Focus on character, worldview, values.
Get External Feedback
: English teacher, guidance counselor, friends, family.
4. Getting Letters of Recommendation
Guidelines
Number Required
: 3 (1 from guidance counselor, 2 from teachers)
Who to Ask
: Junior-year teachers who know you well.
Ask in Person
: Gauge enthusiasm.
Brag Sheet
: List of accomplishments to help teachers write letters.
Template provided in the description.
5. Applying for Financial Aid
Forms
FAFSA
: Opens October 1st.
CSS Profile
: Required by some schools for more detailed financial info.
Scholarships
: Use tools like College Board scholarship search.
6. Submitting Your Application
Checklist
Components
: Common app, teacher and counselor recommendations, transcript, fee waiver/application fee, test scores.
Post-submission
: Track via application portals.
Mid-Year Report
: Schools may request senior year grades.
Interviews
: Casual conversation, an opportunity to learn about school.
Decision Phase
Early Applications
: Accepted, deferred, rejected.
Regular Applications
: Accepted, waitlisted, rejected.
Comparing Offers
: Visit, financial aid appeal letter if necessary.
Commitment
: National College Decision Day (May 1st), deposit, orientation.
Final Note
Support and Resources
: Share this guide, Next Admit services available for consultations and essay reviews.
📄
Full transcript