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[ Countdown to College ]
Make a great impression
Applications that get you noticed
You've found a few colleges that seem like a good fit for you. Now it's time to show them what a good catch you are.
Without a doubt, the two most stressful parts of any college application process are the admission interview and the application essay. Getting good recommendations is important, too. A few survival tips:
The Essay
- Don't wait until the last minute to start writing. It's not as easy as it looks.
- Write and rewrite. Not many writers nail it on their first try. Give yourself a few chances.
- Use the essay to help the reader understand who you are and what makes you tick. Don't just repeat the accomplishments that you've already listed in your transcript and extracurricular activities report.
- Write honestly. Submit an essay that reflects who you are and what you think.
- Proofread carefully. Sending an essay filled with careless mistakes says you don't really care whether you get in.
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The Interview
- Prepare for the interview by formulating answers to questions like, "Why do you want to go to this college?" or "What would you like to be doing in 10 years?"
- Don't panic if you're asked a question for which you're totally unprepared. Take a deep breath, think about it for a second or two, and give the best answer you can.
- Be yourself. Don't try to guess what the interviewer wants to hear. Answer questions honestly and intelligently.
- Don't hesitate to ask your own questions about the college.
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The Recommendation
Many colleges ask for letters of recommendation from your teachers, coaches, or employers. Ask for these well in advance so your references will have time to write a meaningful letter—and so your college will receive them before the deadline. Check with your guidance office to see if your school has special guidelines for requesting recommendations.
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