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College Prep for Seniors
All This Paperwork is Killing Me!
Your Transcript,
the Common Application, and Forms, Forms, Forms
BY DAVE PETERSON
© Copyright
2003 by Parents' Press
Originally published in the December 2003 print edition of Parents'
Press
Illustration © 2001, Artville, LLC
Seniors, are you counting the days until Christmas? That's okay so long as you don't forget all the other time-sensitive duties and issues facing you this month (that is, if you plan to meet all the many deadlines for college applications, admissions, testing, and financial aid procedures). In the past, seniors have most often asked questions about the following issues:
Q. I was admitted under Early Decision. Any advice?
A. Congratulations! Your challenge now is to keep up your "growth curve" as usual, in classes and in the activities that you included in your application. Reply promptly to all college requests for data, forms, deposits, and updates.
Q. I was deferred from Early Decision. What next?
A. Promptly complete applications to your other college choices, some of which have deadlines just weeks away. If the ED college is still your first choice, tell them so in writing, and update them every month or so with new achievements and grades. Only a few applicants are accepted this way, but you may be one!
Q. Some of my choices have optional interviews. Should I have one?
A. Always have an interview if the college permits. Among other things, you can ask important questions directly. Strong questions showing a real desire to attend that school always improve your chances for admission.
Q. I have four good recommendations to send. Is that too many?
A. That's the outer limit, so ask yourself: Is each of the four different, genuine, based on close knowledge of you, and revealing something about you not covered elsewhere?
Q. Application paperwork is killing me. Every college sends every form, most of them similar. Are there any shortcuts? Must I use only the form with their name at the top?
A. All colleges provide all necessary forms in case you don't have an option. But everyone expects you to copy a standard form similar to theirs, and to send copies to all. This includes the activity sheet and similar attachments.
Teacher and counselor recommendations are handled similarly in the guidance office.
Using a standard resume form covers a lot of information and is welcomed. Essays are individual, but often one essay can be adapted for some or all colleges.
When you leave a form blank, cross-reference that section to the attachment you provide.
Q. I have one glaring weakness in my record. How do I handle that?
A. Don't try to hide it. Turn it into a strength by addressing it and showing how coping with it has matured you, made you more aware of values, ways to compensate, build humility, etc.
Q. I have a real talent in music. Do I send a recording?
A. Yes, unless you can visit campus, play for a music professor, and see if the music department will influence admissions for you. This often works for any area of performance or talent. Become known!
Q. The major I want is highly competitive. Should I declare a different one, and switch later on?
A. You may be stuck in a major you don't want! Tell the truth, or list yourself as undecided.
Q. I'm undecided about majors; will this hurt?
A. No, this simply shows colleges what they already know most students change anyway, once college opens their eyes to new options.
Q. The application forms do I type or write?
A. Legibility is the key. Printing the line item sections by hand and typing the paragraphs often works well.
Q. What are the pros and cons of the Common Application?
A. Saves scads of time; just fill it out once, and copy it as often as you need to. But mail something personal along with it, mentioning that college's name and your special reasons for applying.
Q. I was suspended once. Will my transcript show this?
A. Normally, behavioral records are not included, but ask. If there's a problem, ask to have it deleted.
Q. Who submits evidence of my achievements, the counselor or myself?
A. Sometimes both. Ask your counselor what the system should be in your case.
Q. What is actually on my transcript?
A. The grade page, of course, and usually other pages of data about you: teacher and counselor references, school profile, your activity record, test score data, and so on. Ask to see yours so you know just what is there and how it is presented; that way, you can complement it effectively.
Q. On application timing does first come, first served carry any weight?
A. No. Any application filed by the deadline must be given full consideration. If there are exceptions, the college's catalog should clarify this. If your record will become stronger as the year goes on, don't rush to apply too soon. Wait until your record is at its best, but watch the deadline.
Q. I haven't decided on a first-choice college yet. Problem?
A. No, but when you do decide, write a note to #1, saying you will come if admitted.
Q. What grades are the most important?
A. The ones you got most recently! Then junior year, then earlier, in that order.
Q. Should I sign the waiver of inspection?
A. If you are confident your evaluators will be fair and positive, it helps. If you have a values problem with this act, then skip it. Either way, there's little effect on content or admission.
Q. My school has an amazing record for college preparation. Does this help me?
A. Yes, unless a number of your classmates are applying to the same campus colleges need diversity, too.
Q. My school is small and little known. Problem?
A. Tell your colleges what a great experience it has been, and why; make it a plus! Colleges seek students from diverse backgrounds and seldom find enough of your kind.
Q. I took algebra in grade 8, so have no high school credit. Will this be understood?
A. Yes, this often happens. Add the grade 8 line to the transcript anyway, to be sure.
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CLICK HERE for more College Prep articles by Dave Peterson. COLLEGE
PREP Dave Peterson is a college counselor, a former college admissions officer and a consultant to the College Board. He used to run the "old" America Online/College Board college admissions message boards under the screen name of CBD Dave. |