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Read those college applications carefully
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Seniors everywhere are sitting down at their computers, ready to take on the task of completing those college applications. But before you start typing madly, I’d like to suggest that you take the time to read the directions that most colleges have painstakingly crafted to help you avoid mistakes and frustration.
In those directions you may find some pretty important information. For example, in UW’s instructions you will see that in order to be considered for scholarships and direct admission to some majors, you must apply by their Priority Deadline of December 1st. Lots of schools have deadlines like that. Every year students miss out on scholarships and merit aid (free money) because they didn’t realize their application had to be in by a certain date.
Think the only thing you have to submit is the application? Better think again. Most schools require that you send them an official high school transcript. (UW is a local exception to that.) There’s also the matter of ACT or SAT scores. Most schools want those sent to them directly by CollegeBoard or ACT. Applying to a private university or a special program? Better read the directions to find out if, or how many, recommendations are required.
If you happen to be an artist, dancer, or musician, there could be even more at stake if you decide to skip the instructions. Nestled in those words are directions for submitting portfolios and setting up auditions, as well as links to supplemental forms that may be required and possible scholarships.
Then there’s the application itself. Every year students make mistakes which slow down the processing of their application. For example, WSU wants students to enter all the courses they will be taking Senior year. However, it looks like there is only one place under each term to enter a class. Students who have not read the directions often just fill in the three blanks they can see and move on – even though they’re taking seven classes each term. So, a student who has a very full schedule ends up looking like they’re only taking one class each term. What they missed is the direction that tells them to click on the “plus sign” to add additional classes. Oops.
So, slow down and read carefully. This is a case where finishing first may not necessarily be the outcome you want.
Other articles you may find helpful:
Writing your college application essay: 5 simple tips
Making applying to college less stressful
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