1 Apply Yourself! Week Three Admission Requirements and Applications

2 We will learn…  about admission requirements  about parts of an application  about the application process  how to locate admission requirements and applications

3 Admission Requirements To Look For  Age  Standardized Tests  High School Diploma / GED  Coursework Requirements  Citizenship Status

4 Admission Requirements  Age: Some schools require students to be a certain age upon admission. Make sure you are old enough to attend.  Standardized Tests: Most schools require the ACT or SAT for admission. Official scores must be sent from the testing authority.

5 Admission Requirements  High School Diploma: Most schools require a high school diploma or GED equivalent. You will have to request that your diploma be sent directly to the school.  Coursework Requirements: Many schools require a certain amount of classes (esp. Math and English) in order to apply. They may also require specific subjects in order to gain acceptance.

6 Admission Requirements  Citizenship Status: Know what your status is. Some schools may require you to be a legal resident or citizen. Your status may also affect your financial aid.

7 Parts of an Application  General Information  Academic Information  Extracurricular Activities  Essay or Personal Statement  Letters of Recommendation  Transcripts  Application Fee  Supplemental Application  Deadlines

8 Application Components  General Info: Basic information such as name, address, family members, etc.  Academic Info: High school classes, standardized test scores, schools attended, college credit, etc.  Extracurriculars: Clubs, sports, volunteering, work experience, etc.

9 Application Components 1  Essay/Personal Statement: Brief essay describing your career goals, yourself, or why you want to attend a specific school. (Usually 1 long essay or 2 short essays)  Letters of Rec: Statements written on your behalf from teachers, staff, employers explaining why you would benefit a school. (Usually 2-3 required)  We will discuss these both in more detail in a few weeks!

10 Application Components 2  Transcripts: Official documents showing your coursework. Must be sent directly from your school!  Application Fee: Fee required to process your application. Some schools waive the fee if you apply online or if you are economically disadvantaged.

11 Application Components 3  Supplemental Application: Some programs may require an addition application. Pay attention! Other programs may require an interview or audition.  Deadlines: Deadlines are final! There are usually no exceptions. Give yourself plenty of time!

12 Application Components 4  Check to see if you are applying to 2 or more schools that use the Common Application.  Saves time by having 1 application to fill out.  Over 390 colleges and universities participate 

13 Application Process  Regular Admission  Early Decision  Early Admission

14 Application Process  Regular Admission: Applying to begin the semester immediately following high school. Most students choose this option.  Early Decision: Applying early to a single school. You are notified early and will forfeit all other applications if accepted.

15 Application Process  Early Admission: Admission before you finish high school. You will still enter as a Freshman for most schools. This option is usually for mature candidates who can handle attending school before high school is completed.

16 Locating Information  Websites are a great way to learn about admissions or applying.  You may also call the school and request pamphlets or applications.  Check out potential schools’ websites. They are often packed with tips and information.  There are many books in public libraries to help make your applications look good.  Talk to other students that have applied and gone to college. Ask them what works!

17 Let’s Try It Together!  Go to  Look for key words that might help you find information such as “Future Students,” “Admissions,” or “Apply”  Find the admission requirements for Freshmen  Locate a printable application or a link to an electronic application.

18 Now It’s Your Turn!  Handout: This table will help you keep track of the admission information you find.

19 References    Rochester, L., and Mandell, J. (1989). The one hour college applicant: You don’t need to read a 300-page book to apply to college. Memphis: Mustang Publishing Company.

20 Questions??