TIPS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION

TIPS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION

READ THE DIRECTIONS and follow them explicitly.

Complete the application NEATLY. You may type, print legibly, or use your word processor to cut and paste your information. You are encouraged to use the Common Application whenever possible. The Common Application is a consortium of several hundred schools who all use a single application form. It is available to file on-line or may be downloaded, completed on the computer, then printed out. The Common Application is available at www.commonapp.org.

NOTE: Make sure you check to see if the schools you are applying to have any supplements.

The supplements will be available either on the Common Application site or on the college’s website.

PROOFREAD! This is equally as important when you submit an application on-line as it is when you do a hard copy version of the application. Spelling and grammatical errors are absolutely unacceptable.

Keep a copy of all documents that you submit. This includes when you apply on-line.

Applying on-line. Many colleges are encouraging students to apply on-line. You should apply on-line as long as you are completely comfortable with the computer. Here are a few recommendations if you do choose to apply on-line:

a. Always print a copy of what you are going to submit BEFORE you actually submit it.

b. Make certain that you print out the directions and READ THEM BEFORE you begin to complete the application.

c. Print out the “checklist” that colleges offer for the steps that you must complete after you submit the on-line application. This will include the list of additional documentation you submit or that our offices must submit in order to complete your application for admission.

Additional Pages: If you need to use additional pages to answer any question on the application, be sure to put your name and the other identifier you are using at the top of EVERY additional page. This identifier could be your social security number, your address, or a number assigned to you by the school.

Application Fee: Be sure to securely attach your application fee to your application.

 Signature: BE SURE to sign your application and the waiver statement on all forms you will be using to request a recommendation.

Photographs: If an application requests a photo, know it is always optional.