<p>Im a first generation college student (rising senior) who has an idea of how college admissions work, but not sure of just about anything. Anything on here or other websites does not really answer my questions. So here I go...</p>
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<li><p>I've taken the ACT twice now, and selected to not send my four free score reports because I was afraid of what my score would be. The last time I took it I earned a 28. My question is that if I send my score how will I know the school will receive it? Will there be a conformation email?</p></li>
<li><p>Is it ok to send the scores now? (late July early August). I should send these scores through the ACT company right? And will the school keep the scores on file throughout the application process?</p></li>
<li><p>Can someone just go step by step for me about the admissions process, specifically the application, I get really worried about things like this and any info would be greatly appreciated.</p></li>
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<p>1) From what I remember, the ACT company sends your scores and then the schools themselves will inform you whether or not they have received it.</p>
<p>2) You can submit your scores now, but I don’t see why you would. The schools don’t open a file or communicate with you until they’ve received your app.</p>
<p>3) That’s a difficult question because there’s a lot to the application process. However, if you ever have any specific questions along the way, I’d be happy to answer your questions via PM.</p>
<p>^that’s not true, they’ll actually “open a file” for you as soon as they receive a score, but it makes more sense to apply first before sending scores.</p>
<p>Basically you pick your schools and fill out their application and send scores/whatever else they require. Hardest part is just picking which schools to apply to.</p>
<p>Many schools use the commonapp. Depending on what schools you want to apply to, it’ll probably make sense to fill that out; will let you apply to several schools through one application.</p>
<p>You might find it helpful to go to the Common App website and look at the application…the instructions will answer many of your questions.
You may also find it helpful to go to the websites of the specific colleges you are considering…pay special attention to the testing requirements for each school, because these will vary.</p>
<p>Yes, but keep in mind that it can take a few weeks for scores to reach the schools, so be aware of application deadlines.</p>
<p>Another part of the process is teacher recommendation letters; most schools require one or two, preferably from teachers you had during your junior year. If you’re applying for a specific major, it’s good to choose a teacher from a related subject. For schools that use the Common App, you can enter the teachers’ name and email, and the Common App will email them a request for a recommendation letter. Of course, you’ll want to ask the teachers ahead of time, so they’ll be prepared… and now is a good time to do that, before they get slammed with dozens of requests from other students during the busy school year. When you ask your teachers for recommendation letters, give them a copy of your resume so they’ll have something to refer to when writing about how wonderful you are. You can also send your resume to the colleges; it’s a good way to highlight your extracurriculars, awards, leadership positions, etc. in more detail than the application forms allow.</p>
<p>Yes, it would be odd. They won’t have time to read it, so mention it somewhere on your app, if at all. It would be better if you had it professionally critiqued first, because anyone can write a book that long (though most don’t), but it wouldn’t necessarily be good.</p>