College Applications

[Pel]

A place to discuss the fun, fun, fun of the application process.

[Elizabeth]

If they offer an online version of the application, do it! I had to fill mine out by hand, but I only applied to one school. I figured if I didn't get in, I wasn't meant go far for school, I was just going to register at the local university if I got rejected. Another tip, apply early! I got my acceptance letter in September, which is unusually early. But the earlier you apply, the sooner you can make plans for saving money, things you'll need, etc. and on your available options for schools.

[jamielikewhoa]

Use the Common Application if possible, so you don't have to fill out individual applications, just fill out the supplements.

[Elizabeth]

Good point Jamie. I think my state had a general application that you could fill out, but you still had to pay for each individual school's application fee. At least it saved some time if nothing else!

[simplymortal314]

I have a question:
How many schools should one apply for?
I get to experience this joy next year oh boy.

[Elizabeth]

I think it depends. What are you looking to major in? Budget? How far you want to travel for school? I only had one school in mind. If I didn't get in, I was going to go to the local university. I got accepted to the school I wanted to attend, it wasn't too far from home (four hours) and thanks to Florida's state scholarship fund, most of my tuition was paid for. I majored in Business, but later changed majors. If you're unsure about your area of study, you can go anywhere. I recommend taking tours of schools your considering, this will give you a better idea of what you may or may not be looking for when applying to various institutions.

[simplymortal314]

I know what I want my career to be (Physician Assistant) and I want to go to Marquette University. I just want to have back ups and don't have a good idea of how many I should have. I want to major something in Medicine. I know if I do my undergrad at MU, I'll have a higher chance to be accepted for the graduate program for PA there since that is where I did my undergrad. I just want to have a secure safty blanket.

[dimber]

I'm really curious about the application process in the US colleges...what do they ask for? High school transcripts, I presume and then...what?
Here in Italy you have an entrance examination. When I enrolled there was absolutely nothing, you just paid and studied. But the organisation of higher education is completely different.

[Elizabeth]

simplymortal: I would think three would be a safe number of backups. Just remember that the sooner you get your application packet together the better your chances for approval. Good luck with everything! If you need any help or more questions, let me know.

dimber: You may want to check with individual schools to see what they require for international students. The information needed may vary by institution and state guidelines. You'll need official documentation showing you can study in the States, such as a Student Visa, but I don't know what other paperwork is required.

[heat of the sun]

I'm really curious about the application process in the US colleges...what do they ask for? High school transcripts, I presume and then...what?

Schools must receive your examinations scores on the SAT and/or the ACT, depending on what the school requires or what you took. Some universities nowadays don't even take standardized test scores because they realize that most of the time, the scores don't reflect a student's real efforts and grades. You must also fill out an application with information and you have to answer an essay [prompts vary]. Sometimes, there are short answer questions as well.