Top 10 College Application Tips

As your child nears the end of her time in high school, it’s important to start preparing for the next step. Whether your child knows which colleges are at the top of her list or she’s still deciding, these application tips can help her submit the strongest possible application.

  1. Start Early

September or October might feel too early for college applications, but many schools have early deadlines. Encourage your child to start his application and essay well in advance of each school’s deadline. It’s also important to do your research and find out if there are benefits to an early application at various schools.

  1. Request Transcripts and References Right Away

High school offices, teachers, and counselors spend a lot of time processing transcript and reference requests. To ensure that each document arrives on time, ask for your student’s paperwork long before application deadlines. This is important when it comes to reference letters as well — your child should give her references plenty of time to write a personalized letter.

  1. Choose References Carefully

When selecting letter writers for references, have your student pick adults who know her well. Each reference should have a unique experience with her personal and academic strengths. Counselors, teachers who have impacted her life, and youth group leaders are all excellent options.

  1. Confirm Important Dates and Information

Double check due dates and required forms for each college. Missing a form or date can disqualify a student from consideration.

  1. Highlight Your Strengths

It can be hard to write about your strengths, especially if you’re naturally modest. However, there’s no room for shyness in college applications. Encourage your child to think about his most important accomplishments and to hone in on a few crucial skills while filling out applications.

  1. Make Sure You Understand Essay Requirements

Help your child keep the requirements for each school separate to avoid mixing up deadlines, length requirements, and topics.

  1. Write, Rewrite, and Edit

A college application essay needs plenty of time and reflection. After writing the first draft, have your child set it aside for a few days before coming back to reread it. Go through the piece and read it out loud to you. This will make it easier to catch any lingering errors or awkward phrases. Your child should consider asking a teacher to edit it as well! It’s important to save the essay in a Word document; while topics differ for different schools, many parts of your child’s finalized essay can easily be tailored to a new school rather than starting from scratch.

  1. Make Copies for Your Own Records

If your child is sending a paper application, make a copy before mailing the original. If he submits the application electronically, keep all copies of confirmation emails and pages.

  1. Verify Receipt of Your Materials

About one week after submitting materials, have your child start checking the college’s application system to see if all of his materials have been received. He may find out that the online portal gives him an answer before a letter in the mail does! This also gives him time to address any missing paperwork.

  1. Keep a Calendar of Decision Dates

Waiting is the hardest step. Keep a calendar that includes each college’s date for making application decisions.College applications might seem intimidating, but with a little bit of planning, your child can showcase his personality and abilities to find a college that fits his needs.Our blog page has helpful hints for parents to encourage their children to excel academically, spiritually, and socially. To learn more about schools in Orlando, contact us at 407-246-4800. 

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