College Application Timeline

Now you have decided to go to college. You have any idea of where you wan to go but when should you start the college application process? Well that question can be answered after you know when the schools you are interested in have their application deadlines. Make sure you leave enough time before the applications are due so that you can put your best foot forward. You will need to put together your transcripts, letters of recommendation, transcripts, create application essays, fill out FAFSA and financial aid forms and more.

You should check into your target schools and make sure you know whether they have rolling admissions or a set admissions schedule. If they have rolling admissions you still probably want to set some deadlines that match up with the other schools you are interested in that may not have a rolling admissions schedule. Some colleges even have multiple start dates which can make things a little more complicated.

Research When You Must Apply

If you know which colleges are right for your needs take your list and look on the school websites or call them to get the application deadlines. Make sure you set up a target deadline so that you get all your materials in before the deadlines.

In high school? Use the resources available to you like the school counselor. You should talk about your career direction and goals and make sure that the colleges you are applying for are a good match in terms of GPA, SATs and other test and academic measures.

For people who are working it does not mean you should not look to others for guidance and advice. Often a company mentor or senior manager is a good person to discuss your college options with. If those people aren’t approachable or you don’t feel comfortable you may want to contact your company Human Resources department to discuss your target career path and the education you need to get you there.

Gather College Applications, Letters of Recommendation and Request Transcripts

You have your hit list of schools to apply to, now you need to get all the applications in one place so you can get everything you need organized. Many schools now have their applications online so you should put together a list of all the web site addresses you will need to complete your applications. Any schools that require a written application you will need to call, email or write to request your application.

For your letters of recommendation you should create your list of potential people you want to ask. It is best to have people who know you and are high up in your company or have an interesting background or point of view about their experiences with you.

The best way to get your transcripts in order is by requesting as many copies as you think you will need plus a few extra for safe keeping. Contact your high school and any colleges you have attended and follow their instructions for requesting the transcripts. Make sure you review the college applications first in case you need transcripts sent directly or you need multiple copies of them for the school.

Begin College Applications, Request Letters of Recommendation, Organize Documents

Start filling out applications and get your essay outlines going. The earlier you start the less stress you will have about your essays. This is probably the second most important part of the application after your grades and test scores so take the time you need to write them well.

You should ask all the people who you want to write your recommendations if they are willing and provide them with a deadline of when you need them. Make sure to give them a deadline before you need to send them in so that if they are not what you expected or they don’t come through with the letter you can still get a replacement.

Open up a copy of your transcripts and make sure that everything is included and correct.

You may want to go to college and career fairs so you get a good idea of your options and tips on applying from school representatives.

Some applications have multiple parts the first part is often basic information called the “Common Application”. You should send this first part of the application in at this point.

If you are applying early decision it is probably time to submit your full application at this point. Often you can apply early and if you don’t make it in the first time you can still re-apply for regular admission.

Compile a list of scholarships, grants and come up with a financial aid plan. There are many resources to help you find scholarships, do your research and get all the applications that you think you might qualify for.

Extra Tip: It is a good idea to scan and or make copies of everything you submit to the schools.

Finish Full Application, Find Housing, Apply for Financial Aid

Go ahead and fill out the full application at this point. You should send it out early enough so that if there are any mail delays it wont effect you. We suggest that you call a few weeks after you send the application in to make sure the school received everything.

You should fill out your FAFSA application and any other scholarships or grants you would like to apply for.

If you want to live on campus you should send in your housing information at this point. If you are not sure about how to find a good place to live do some research online to find out whether campus housing or off campus apartments are right for you.

Extra Tip: When it comes to application materials you may want to send them in a registered return receipt envelope from the USPS, this way you can be sure that the application gets in on time.

To use this timeline you should start about 6-9 months in advance of your first application deadline. If you can’t start that early it is OK but make sure you give yourself enough time to get your transcripts, letters of recommendation and any other materials you need to get from other people.

You have your application strategy so now what are you waiting for? It is sometimes hard to start these things but the best advice it to jump in and begin. The faster you start the faster you can finish and get your college degree. Good luck and go get that diploma.

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