It won’t be long now before you start sending applications to schools. If you want to ensure you’re ready, these tips can help. Find out what you need to know to plan for college, what to look for when you choose a degree program, whether you should factor in the location of the school, and more.
Think About Your Strengths
What are your passions and interests? What do you excel at? Use your answers to determine the work industry that’s ideal for you. At your age, your skills still require a lot of improvement. But you’re only in college. You have all the time in the world to grow and improve. By thinking about where you are good at, you may discover jobs and career prospects that are perfect for you.
Consider a Scholarship
If you’re already thinking about your college plans and working equally hard to achieve them, why not consider a scholarship? Many colleges offer scholarships that can help you financially. While their conditions are the same—your grades need to remain within a specific range to make sure you are eligible for the financial support—if you’re confident about your skills and talents, you can look forward to getting into the college in Asheville, NC, you want and paying only a smattering of fees.
Make a List
Start making a timeline that contains all the tasks you need to accomplish. You can add your goals. A timeline helps you to stay on track. Even if you’re busy with all the activities and assignments plaguing students, make time to finish the tasks on your timeline. It can also show you how many weeks you still have before sending those applications. That makes it easier to calculate how much time you have left to work on your Personal Statement or complete the requirements.
Check the Requirements
You will likely apply to more than one school. Increase your chances of getting into those schools by being thorough when you check their requirements. Are you sure your application is complete? Your application might get dismissed if it’s missing a page or have a sheet you forgot to answer. Don’t let that happen. Double-check the requirements every time. It doesn’t matter if you feel it’s obsessive. At least you’re making sure everything is ready and your application has everything they asked for.
Make a Submissions Folder
Applying to school after school is exhausting. You’ll have an easier time preparing an application for every school if you have a submissions folder. It should contain all the files they request. That includes your birth certificate, a copy of your grades, and more. Always have those files in your kit handy, so when you send an application, you only need to reach into your submissions folder for them.
Write Your Personal Statement
It doesn’t hurt to start writing your Personal Statement. Consider the number of schools you’ll be trying for. Create a different Personal Statement for each one. You don’t need to start from scratch every single time, though. Keep the basic information the same. However, personalize each letter by mentioning details about their program, why you love it, and why you want to go to their school. A compelling Personal Statement can help you outperform other students on the list.
Practice Speaking
They’ll be interviewing you. Some may do it on a video call. Others may request an in-person interview. Regardless of the location, it helps to be ready. Practice what you’ll say. Refresh your mind on what you wrote on your Personal Statement. They may ask questions based on that. If you’ve already forgotten what you told them in the letter, that won’t create a strong impression.
Have Fun
No matter how much you prepare, you’ll still feel it’s not enough. While preparing for the application and admission tests will help you stay calm during the process, try and have fun, too. You’re only young once. Applying for college can leave you stressed or pressured by the submission deadlines. But look on the bright side of things. You’re already on your way to becoming a first-year student in college. It’s only a matter of time. So, have fun, savor the moment, and good luck!