I need to apply to college!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I have spoken with my guidance counselor at the end of junior year (about a month ago now that I think about it!), and I asked her what I should do to prepare for college admissions and applications. I also asked her about the application process- how it should be done and the fact that it may differ from school to school, however I am STILL confused about some stuff! From what I know, this is a general idea of how things will work:</p>

<li><p>I have the option of using the Common Application (if the school accepts it), and I can send this same application to the desired schools, but in addition to this Common Application, most (if not all) schools will have a supplementary application. (My application fee or waiver will be sent in with this.) Is the Common Application solely electronic and sent via e-mail/internet? If I choose not to use the Common Application, instead use the school-specific application, am I able to just print it off of their website or get them to mail me one?</p></li>
<li><p>I will have to have a form signed that allows the release of my transcript to the colleges that I want to apply to. I give this form back to my guidance counselor, and she will mail my transcript to the respective schools.</p></li>
<li><p>I prepare empty envelopes with the addresses of the schools I want to apply to, and I give these to the teachers, who will write me a recommendation. Also, I will give one to my guidance counselor. The teachers and guidance counselor will then mail their recommendation to each school.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>It feels like I may be missing some stuff, and incase I am, I would greatly appreciate it if someone could fill me in! </p>

<p>Also, I am considering whether I should play tennis for some of the colleges that I want to attend. How do I take care of this? I have not had a chance to speak with any of the recruiters, but do I talk to them weeks before I apply, when I actually apply, or if I am accepted to a school? I have tried reading through informational websites that may answer my question, but none are very informative! I think they assume that I know how this works exactly, but I’m having much trouble figuring it out. Sorry if these questions are annoying, but they are annoying me too! Thanks for your time!!</p>

2

<p>Get them to mail you one or they might have their own app (to be completed) online (e.g. Pomona, who does commonapp too). Also, they might just send you a commonapp (e.g. Amherst) if they don't have their own app.</p>

3

<p>The common application isn't just electronic. While it's accesible online, its also possible to write out the application and send it to the colleges to which you apply along with your application fees and supplements. You can print a copy from hte internet or request apllications from the schools you plan to apply to.</p>

<p>Don't forget about sending in your AP, SAT, SATII, and/or ACT scores, which you must do through collegeboard.com. There is also a mid-year report form that must be filled as part of the application process. All of the elements you need to know about applying can be seen easily on the application itself.</p>

<p>If tennis isn't a big part of who you are and how you appear to colleges, then don't worry about talking to recruiters about it until you decide to go to a college. If its something you have contributed alot of time to and is an indicator of your dedication, then you might want to speak with someone about it. Unless its one of your key aspects, don't worry about it just yet.</p>

4

<p>At our kids' HS, students addressed #10 envelopes for letters of recommendation from teachers with the teachers' return address at the school and affixed 37-cent stamps to them. #10 envelopes for mid-year reports (37 cents) and large manila envelopes for HS transcript and GC recommendation were addressed and stamped with 60-cents of postage; again return address was GC's.</p>

<p>You may want to consider using the school's paper form for the school at the top of your list. Otherwise, the common app is the way to go to facilitate the process.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

5

<p>Regarding tennis, if you are a strong enough player for it to make a difference in your admission, do not wait. A coach on your side can be a boost. You will have to determine what your athletic level is and where it might be an advantage.</p>