<p>I 'm a senior in high school, and I'm trying to start my applications, but I have absolutely no idea of what to do or where to start.
Can someone please help me out!</p>
<p>Start with the easy parts like the fill-in data.</p>
<p>For the essays, start by making a list of thoughts inspired by the prompts.</p>
<p>Check each college to see what the admissions requirements are (essays, teacher recommendations, counselor/school recommendations, transcripts, test scores, midyear reports, etc) and NOTE THE DEADLINES. Create a checklist for each school. Find out any deadlines your high school has for requesting recommendations, transcripts etc (does it take 2 weeks minimum notice?). Once you have submitted items to the colleges, check to see if your file is complete - have they received everything?</p>
<p>Then there's the necessary financial aid filings.... Work with your parents on this one.</p>
<p>Yes...
1. Look at requirements / deadlines
2. Fill out lame parts of the application (Personal information / Fill in the Blank)
3. Ask People for recommendations , the more time they have the better they will be
4. Print out the essays and spit out a few rough drafts, and edit them over time
5. Let your counselor know where you're applying so you can order transcripts and get a recommendation.
6. Order Test Scores
7. Checklist....</p>
<p>You might start out by making a separate "activities list" - a resume of sorts that highlights your high school extracurricular activities for the last four years. Include work experience and things you did outside of school, as well. List them in order of importance to you, noting any leadership positions held, awards won, etc. When you ask your teachers for their recommendations, include a copy of this list so they have a better picture of what you've accomplished and what's meaningful to you. This list will also help you fill out the part of the application that asks you to list your activities, since you'll have your list at hand.</p>
<pre><code>Visit the websites of each college you're interested in, and read their admissions material online. Almost everything you need to know can be found on their websites. You'll begin to notice that they all have similar requirements, with slight variations. Make a folder for each school you plan to apply to, and keep whatever information you get, as well as a list of their deadlines and any additional application pages they may need, your checklist for what you have completed for that college such as test scores sent, deadlines, essays written, etc.
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<p>Be sure to talk to your college counselor this year, the earlier the better. How helpful and knowledgeable they are depends on your school, but most likely they will be very helpful. Your counselor will need to fill out the "counselor recommendation form," for each college you apply to, so you want to give these to him or her early in the process and discuss your plans and goals - the better relationship you can build with your college counselor, the easier this process will be.</p>