The College Admissions Process

By: EducationQuest Foundation

If you haven’t already visited your top colleges, plan to visit early in your senior year. A campus visit can help you narrow your choices and get started on the admissions process. Along with a campus tour, visit admissions and financial aid offices to learn more about the school and get personal help.

In October and November, contact your top colleges to learn about admission requirements and deadlines to apply for admission, college-based scholarships and financial aid. If possible, meet with college representatives who visit your school, or find this information on the colleges’ websites.

Most colleges require the following items with your application:

Your high school transcript with class rank
ACT/SAT scores
List of extracurricular activities
Application fee

Some colleges also require an essay and letters of recommendation. See your guidance counselor for tips on writing the college admissions essay. If you need letters of recommendation, ask your teachers or counselor for them well in advance.

Stay Organized

The college admissions process is all about gathering information, paying attention to detail, and meeting deadlines. Staying organized is crucial to your success -- and your sanity!

Keep a calendar with the multiple deadlines for each school and create a checklist and file for each school to store correspondence, brochures, and other information. Keeping your electronic files and email organized on your computer is also a good idea.

Get Help

You don’t need to tackle the college admissions process alone. There are many resources available to help you through.

Parents can help keep track of deadlines, gather required records, visit campuses with you, and give you encouragement and feedback. You’ll need your parents’ help with planning finances and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Guidance counselors can help you articulate your academic goals and match you to appropriate schools and programs.
Admissions representatives can help you get to know the campus and keep you on track with deadlines and application requirements.

EducationQuest Foundation in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha provides free college planning services and can answer your financial aid questions and assist with completing the FAFSA if help is required. Call 391-4033 for details.