While the essay is the focal point of most applications (see next section “The Essay”), you should not overlook the importance of the rest of the application as well. A sloppy application indicates that you are not very interested in the outcome of that particular application.
Make sure the application is neat and legible. It will look best if it is typed. If you opt to complete the questionnaire sections by hand, print clearly in blue or black ink. Your essay should be typewritten and either attached to the application itself or enclosed with it.
Remember that the application readers may not be familiar with the acronyms or terms you use. Spell it out! For example, NCCT is the North Country Community Theater, TAP is the Teen Awareness Program, and PIZZAZZ is the annual Variety Show.
The Common Application
The Common Application is a standardized application form accepted by a large number of private colleges and universities. The application, teacher and counselor recommendations can all be copied for your various colleges, saving you time. Colleges who accept the Common Application agree to accept it just as they do their own application, without discrimination.
Electronic Applications
More colleges are now accepting applications via the Internet. The Common Application is also available in disk form. If you are interested in pursuing one of these formats, we will be happy to assist you.
Keep in mind the Guidance office has many applications on file.
COMPLETING THE APPLICATION
Colleges are not alike and application forms may vary significantly. However, there are some four-year institutions that will accept the Common Application. Without a formal application, colleges will not consider you. See your counselor for details.
A college or university typically collects five different kinds of information about its applicants:
- The Application – This serves the purpose of identifying the student to the college (name, address, high school, etc.), as well as manifesting the student’s personality (personal statement). It is highly recommended that students type their applications, although careful printing or neat script is just as presentable.
- SAT Scores – These are sent directly to colleges, if students so request when they take the exam. (Colleges only accept scores reported to them through the testing agency or on the high school’s official transcript.)
- The Transcript – Courses taken in grades 9-12 are supplied to colleges. In addition to a record of grades through four years of high school, the transcript shows the student’s rank in class and scores on standardized tests (SAT’s or ACT’s). The student’s high school counselor has the responsibility of sending the transcript to colleges via the student’s request.
- The School Recommendation Statement – While it is true that for admissions purposes colleges place great emphasis on a student’s academic record through four years of high school, it is also true that other factors are important, particularly when admissions officers are trying to distinguish among hundreds of students with quite similar grade point averages, SAT scores, and extracurricular