Don’t stress about getting into college! Applying to university doesn’t have to be stressful, and following these steps will help you through the process from start to finish with ease and confidence. Take some time to think about what you really want from your time in university and how you will go about finding the right one for you, then get started on your applications today! Here are some tips on starting the university application process.
1. Meet Application Deadlines
Your first college deadline is to get your application in on time. When you apply to a university, the school has an allotted number of slots they can accept before the end of the year. If they fill those slots with applications, then you’ll be rejected. There may be, however, early deadlines, and if you miss one it’s possible that your application will still be considered if there is space available at the school. But final deadlines can never be missed.
2. Engage with the University
Visiting the campus or contacting their admissions office before applying to university is a great way to learn about their academics, campus and student life. Speaking with the college will also give you an idea of what they look for in a student and what might be best suited for you. The admissions office is also an excellent place to ask questions about financial aid and how much school will cost. If possible, try not to wait until the last minute. It’s a good idea to start your application around six months before the deadline, which can give you time to get everything together.
3. Apply Consistently to Colleges
If you’re applying to university, it’s important to be patient and apply consistently to colleges. Doing so will increase your chances of getting accepted at one. The general rule is to apply at about five to eight at a time. The process of applying can feel tedious, as it’s vital you maintain consistent information across all applications, but it’s worth the effort. The application should be a clear picture of who you are as a person and what you want to do with your life. Colleges want applicants that represent their values, and who are passionate about learning new things and advancing society through knowledge.
4. Letters of Recommendation
When applying for university, students should get letters of recommendation on their behalf. Letters of recommendation can be written by teachers, coaches, or work supervisors. The purpose of this letter is to give colleges an insight of how the student has shown leadership or initiative in their academic life and extracurricular activities. These letters are written by those who know you well and can speak to your strengths, the skills you’ve accomplished, and are often a vital part of the application process.
5. College Essay (Personal Statement)
The university application process usually includes the applicant’s personal statement, or college essay. It’s sometimes referred to as an admissions essay. This is a roughly 500-word essay that should be written in the applicant’s own words. This is the student’s opportunity to show your personality, express any extracurriculars you might have, or talk about what makes you unique. It can also help you stand out from other applicants by writing about something not typically found on a resume. The essay is usually broad-ended — without a narrow focus to the topic, and this allows colleges to see what types of things the student has to say and their overall perspectives.
6. Proofread your Applications
Students should proofread their admissions applications to make sure there are no mistakes or errors. It’s also a good idea to make sure that the application is formatted correctly and to the college’s submission guidelines. Not following their instructions could result in a weak application and could hurt your chances of getting accepted. A strong piece of application advice is to have someone else look over your application to catch any careless mistakes, or to draft your application one day, then proofread it the following day.
7. Request College Transcripts Early
Applying to university includes requesting your college transcripts to be sent for their review. To do this, you typically will need to submit a transcript request to your high school’s counselor office or school registrar, to be forwarded directly to each college you’re applying for. Universities will also want to see a list of the classes you plan on taking in the future as well as any grades or extracurricular activities that may make you an excellent applicant.
8. Prepare Your Resources for College
Students should take time learning about the many resources available for entering into the college world. They should also know that to be considered for financial aid, they need to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). There are deadlines, so it’s important to plan ahead. Other resources to consider are student benefits like reduced application access to Microsoft office, websites and bookstores to purchase cheap textbooks like eCampus.com, discounted streaming services for students like Amazon Prime, Spotify, Youtube Premium, and more. The world is full of benefits for those seeking to further their academic goals.
Be sure to connect with us @ecampusdotcom on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook for more resources, tips, and some great giveaways! And when it’s time for textbooks, eCampus.com has you covered for all your course material needs at savings up to 90%!