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:
    1. Creating your college list
    2. Starting your actual application
    3. Writing college essays
    4. Getting letters of recommendation
    5. Applying for financial aid
    6. 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.