It’s fall! The season for pumpkin spice, sweater weather, and college applications! For any college-bound senior, this can be a stressful time. As a first-generation student, I faced the same application dilemmas. I didn’t even know where to start applying! Here’s a list of what to do when it’s time to start filling out college applications.
- Ask for recommendations early- Make sure you give your teachers a few weeks to fill out recommendations. Provide them with your resume and make sure to remind them about when the recommendation is due.
- Check for fee waivers– College application fees can get expensive so check if you qualify for a fee waiver. Often times, if you were able to get a fee waiver for the SAT or ACT, you can get a fee waiver for your college applications.
- Visit campus again- If you’re unsure about whether or not you want to apply to a school, if possible, try to visit the campus again. This will allow you to get a better feel for the university and helps you think about whether or not you see yourself learning here for the next four years.
- Write essays and ask someone to proofread- You want your essays to reflect the best version of you which means making sure you are using good grammar and not making spelling mistakes. Write your essays early so that you can go through and revise them as needed. Ask a friend to proofread your essay. Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes you missed.
- Check for university scholarships– Many universities offer various need-based scholarships so, when applying, check and see if you qualify for any of the scholarships. They can help immensely when it comes to tuition costs.
Make sure to give yourself enough time to fill out your applications. This time may be stressful, but your hard work will be rewarded once you get your first acceptance letter!
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