College Admissions Process Overview

Introduction

• The college admissions process can be overwhelming.
• Many resources are scattered online.
• Video covers six main stages of applying to college:
  1. Creating your college list
  2. Starting your application
  3. Writing college essays
  4. Getting letters of recommendation
  5. Applying for financial aid
  6. Submitting your application

Stage 1: Creating Your College List

• Timing: Summer before senior year or spring of junior year.
• Number of Colleges: 6 to 12 schools recommended.
• Three Buckets:
  • Safety Schools: Your credentials are above the 75th percentile.
  • Match Schools: Your credentials fall within the middle 50th percentile.
  • Reach Schools: Your credentials fall below the 25th percentile.
• Important Note: All Ivy League schools are considered reach schools regardless of grades.
• Standard Breakdown: 3 safety schools, 4-5 match schools, 2-3 reach schools.
• Shotgunning Phenomenon: Many students apply to several top schools without considering fit.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Colleges

• Size: Large vs. small colleges (academic opportunities vs. personal feel).
• Class Size: Lecture vs. seminar style (access to professors).
• Location: Urban vs. rural, distance from home, climate.
  • Urban campuses offer more job/internship opportunities.
• Programs Offered: Ensure schools have majors/minors relevant to your interests.
• Curriculum Flexibility: Some colleges allow crafting your own curriculum.
• Campus Culture: Diversity, social scene, traditions, and residential life.
• Extracurricular Opportunities: Clubs, sports, and internship programs.
• Cost: Use net price calculators and consider financial aid options.

Stage 2: Starting Your Application

• Timing: Begin in August when applications open.
• Email: Create a separate email for college admissions to keep organized.
• Application Platforms:
  • Common Application
  • Coalition Application
  • QuestBridge (for low-income students).
• Common App Overview:
  • Create an account on commonapp.org.
  • Dashboard includes tabs for My Colleges and Common App.
  • Write supplemental essays and activity descriptions in Google Docs first.

Application Fees

• Average application cost: $50-$80.
• Consider applying for a Common App fee waiver if eligible.

Stage 3: Writing College Essays

• Types of Essays:
  • Personal Statement: Common App essay.
  • Supplemental Essays: School-specific.
• Writing Tips:
  • Show, don't tell: Use stories instead of stating facts.
  • Avoid rehashing your resume; focus on character, worldview.
  • Get feedback from teachers or counselors.

Stage 4: Letters of Recommendation

• Requirements: 1 from guidance counselor, 2 from teachers.
• Timing: Ask in October; prefer junior year teachers.
• Brag Sheet: Provide teachers with a list of your accomplishments and activities.

Stage 5: Applying for Financial Aid

• FAFSA: Opens October 1st for federal financial aid.
• CSS Profile: May be required by some colleges.
• Finding Scholarships: Use College Board scholarship search tool.

Stage 6: Submitting Your Application

• Checklist:
  • Common App completed
  • Teacher and counselor recommendations
  • High school transcript
  • Application fee or waiver
  • Test scores (if required)
• Follow-Up: Check application portals for status updates.
• Interviews: Opportunity to learn more about the school.

Decision Time

• Regular decisions return in March or April.
• Compare offers and make a decision by May 1st (National College Decision Day).
• Financial Aid Appeals: Possible if offers are not sufficient.

Conclusion

• Share this video with other seniors.
• Support available through consultations or essay reviews.
• Good luck with the college application season!