While going to college fills many students with excitement, most dread filling out the application forms. It’s just one more thing to do for busy high school seniors, and increasingly, for working adults who have decided to continue their education.
“College applications seem overwhelming because they have so many different parts to them, and all of them are important,” said Staci Hutto, recruiter for Troy University in Alabama, which also has five campuses in Georgia.
Contrary to popular belief, college admissions officers don’t look at grades and SAT scores only. The fact that you can solve equations like Einstein may impress, but it won’t necessarily get you in.
“We look at the whole application package because we want well-rounded students who we believe will be successful in college, will contribute to our campus community, and who will be happy here,” Hutto said. “Many nontraditional students freak out at the thought of taking a standardized test, but we tell them that their chance of success can’t be determined by one test score alone. We’re going to look at their work history, their motivation for wanting the degree and their recommendations.”
To present an applicant’s best, most well-rounded picture, Hutto recommends starting early and breaking the process down into more manageable parts.
1. Organization
“Go to the school’s website or call admissions to ask what is required,” Hutto said. “So many nontraditional students are trying to decide between different programs with different admission requirements, so we email them a checklist for each.”
You can make your own checklist for each school and your own timeline for finishing requirements, such as taking the SAT test, requesting transcripts from present or former schools, and writing essays.
2. Deadlines
Put all important deadlines on a calendar. “Scholarship deadlines are usually earlier than regular deadlines,” Hutto said.
If you don’t file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, you won’t get federal financial aid. Ignore a housing deadline and you may not get to live on campus. Missed deadlines mean missed opportunities — including not being accepted by the college of your choice.
3. Transcripts
“Admission officers see grades as a good predictor of whether you are ready for college-level work,” Hutto said. “Take the most rigorous classes you can and work hard.”
Remember that an average GPA at a college means that about half of the admitted students scored lower. Don’t let it keep you from applying.
However, a required minimum GPA for prerequisites to a competitive program is a standard to meet or exceed. “You may be offered conditional admittance, and that gives you a chance to prove yourself,” Hutto said.
4. Standardized test scores
“They’re scary for everyone, but you can improve your scores by using the free test-prep resources provided on the test websites, or by taking classes offered by schools, libraries and others,” Hutto said.
5. Volunteer and extracurricular activities
“These are part of the college success equation,” she said. “If you have decent grades and played a sport, sang in the chorus and built Habitat for Humanity houses, it tells us you can balance academics and life.”
Activities can also speak to your special talents, passions, leadership ability and dedication to pursue personal goals.
6. Essays
Much of the college application process is about facts. Essays provide a chance to show your personality.
“Write in your own voice. Tell us your story, what is important to you and why you want to come to our college,” Hutto said. “Grammar and punctuation count. Ask a teacher, counselor or parent to be a second pair of eyes in the editing process.”
Nontraditional students may want to tap community-based writing service programs or tutors for help in refreshing their writing skills.
If an essay requires you to reply to a question, make sure you answer it and follow directions carefully. If you are asked to write a letter to your future roommate that describes yourself and your hopes for college, write it as a letter, not an essay.
7. Letters of recommendation
“Don’t ask a parent or relative. Ask someone who can speak to your involvement inside of class or out. Your club sponsor or coach can talk about your enthusiasm, persistence or get-it-done attitude,” Hutto said. “For nontraditional students, a boss or volunteer sponsor can attest to your work ethic and ability to meet goals. In either case, we want to read nitty-gritty details, not generalizations.”
As a common courtesy, ask your references well before the deadline so they have time to write a thoughtful letter.
8. Ask for help
If you want to contact a college coach, or find out how to submit an art portfolio, call the admissions office and ask.
“We want you to be able to make an informed decision about applying here, and calling yourself — as opposed to your parents calling — shows initiative. We notice that.”
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