How do I begin
the College Application process?
The first step is to organize the college application information. There
is so much to keep track of during a relatively short period of time;
many students find it helpful to organize the information in chart form.
Forming a chart seems time consuming, but it will save time to be able
to compare and evaluate information in one place. Here are some items
you may want to include in your chart:
· College Names.
· Designated Major(s).
· Applications Collected
If applying by
hard copy versus on-line.
· On-line Registration
If applying
on-line versus hard copy.
· Application Deadline.
· Application Type
Rolling, early
decision, early action, or regular deadline
· Campus Visits
Indicate which
colleges you have visited.
· College Entrance Exam Requirements
ACT, SAT-I or
SAT-II Subject Tests.
· Official Copies of Scores Requested
All college
entrance exam scores appear on the transcript but some colleges want
official copies of the scores sent directly from the testing
service. Determine which colleges require official copies and consult
the registration manual or the testing service web site (SAT, ACT)
for the process.
· Recommendations Completed.
· Essays Completed.
· Applications (biographical portion) Completed.
When should I start
completing the applications?
Once you decide on your college choices, you can start completing the
applications. Review the applications and prioritize which application
needs to be completed first. Examine the essays. Most of the time, a
similar essay is seen on multiple applications. Determine how many essays
in total you need to write by recycling essays.
Is it beneficial to
apply early decision or early action?
Early decision is good to pursue if you have one college in particular
that stands far apart from your other choices. If you are accepted,
applying early decision allows you to find out early enough so may not
have to submit additional college applications. If you are not accepted
during early decision, your application will be reviewed during the
regular admission process. Therefore, you are given two applicant pools in
which to be reviewed. However, early decision is usually binding. This
means that you agree when you apply to enroll if you are accepted. If you
are counting on financial aid, this removes room for negotiation because
you are committed to attend.
Early action shares the
same benefits with early decision, but the agreement is not binding.
Therefore if you are accepted through early action, you are not committed
to attend that college.
Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation?
A recommendation needs to be an accurate reflection of you that is written
in a clear and concise manner. Though someone may know you well, writing
may not be their strength and they may not be able to convey their
knowledge of you effectively. Moreover, someone may be a good writer, but
does not have a good insight into you as a person.
Second, choose a diverse
representation of people who will encapsulate different perspectives of
you: teachers, guidance counselors, extra-curricular activity advisors,
coaches, community service coordinators or spiritual advisors. Avoid
asking relatives or peers.
Should the
recommendations be sent with the application package?
Recommendations can be sent with the application package or separately.
However, it is better to keep as much of the application package together
as possible. For those individuals completing recommendations, a stamped,
addressed envelope to mail their recommendations should be provided.
Should additional
materials, which are not required, be included within the application
package? You are allowed to send additional recommendations. A student
resume is a helpful way to encapsulate your academics, awards, community
service, job experience, co-op experience, etc. on one piece of paper.
Upon completing an
application, should I send it myself?
You can send or bring it to the campus yourself. However, the
Campbell-Savona High School Guidance Office would prefer that you bring the completed
application, essay, recommendations, application fee and stamped addressed
envelope to the Guidance Office. A transcript will be attached and
forwarded with the application package. The office documents when the
application package is sent. It is advantageous to send as much
information together as possible. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your
counselor to process your application: to review, complete any forms and
write a recommendation if requested.
Is it best to complete
the hard copy application or complete the application on-line?
It is a matter of what would work better for you. However, some colleges
require no application fee if you apply on-line via their web site. If you
do decide to apply on-line, you must notify the Guidance Department so a
transcript will be sent. Colleges will not notify you if your application
package is incomplete. Without your transcript, the admissions office will
not make a decision.
Bottom Line:
· Take control of the application process by organizing it in your own
way. Do not let it control you!
· Complete your application using a black pen or typewriter. Do not use
blue pen.
· When asking individuals to write recommendations, put your request in
writing with the date it needs to be returned.
· Ask individuals writing recommendations well in advance of the
deadline. If you want them to write a "quality" recommendation,
avoid asking them the night before.
· Your counselor will assist you with any part of this process. You are
not in this alone
8455 County Route 125 * Campbell, NY 14821
Phone: (607) 527-9800 * Fax: (607) 527-9863
