Write Web Content

Want to write a great college application?

First of all, you must thoroughly research the colleges you apply to.

Let’s go for the obvious first. Make sure you have done your homework.

Where is the college located – urban, suburban, rural? How many students attend the college? Do they offer the major you are currently most interested in? How many students are in that major? Is the college or university particularly renowned in a certain area? If so, what area? – If it is known for its sports program, will you be comfortable if you don’t care a lick about sports. All you want to do is study the visual arts. Is it largely a commuter school where the campus closes on the weekends What is the average class size? What is the profile of students admitted for the past few years?

You should also research the names and reputations of the professors and athletic coaches that you will be working with if accepted. If you’re an athlete, your potential coach will be one of your best allies during the admission process. Recruiting is important to every college or university athletic program, so let the coach know who you are. It’s especially important to contact the coach if the school is among your top choices. Coaches like recruits who are dedicated to the school’s programs, and they know how to get your application the attention it deserves from the admissions committee.

Make sure your application has one central theme and all of the components of the application support that theme. Check for typos, correct standard written English. I encourage every student to apply online. This always creates a neat and legible application.

Make sure that all of your myspace, facebook, or other social media websites have information that will help you out if they are browsed by admissions officers. I know of students who have lost jobs because of what they posted online. Employers and admissions officers are increasingly trolling online.

Be especially mindful of anything that might be considered racist, sexist, hateful, insensitive or offensive to any group. Chances are these groups will have a presence on campus and campus administrators won’t knowingly accept an applicant who makes offensive statements regarding or acts inappropriately toward these groups. Keep in mind that what you consider funny and harmless might not be considered that way by someone else.

Don’t underestimate the importance of the essay. Each essay should be tailored to the particular institution to which you are applying. Make each one personalized, with something you feel they should know about you that the rest of the application process does not capture. If your essay is a work of art that you want to reuse, make sure you review it carefully to ensure your comments and references clearly could refer to the receiving college or university. Your application will probably be promptly round-filed if it contains obvious references to a different institution.

Don’t try and re-invent yourself. If you get into the college by pretending to be something you are not, you may feel like you have to spend 4 years or more putting on an act. Admissions programs are staffed by experienced professionals, who are experts at evaluating your application. Authenticity, sincerity and originality are valued by everyone, and college application reviewers are no different. They can spot your genuine enthusiasm for their institution, and they can detect your forced effusions. Don’t make them wade through all the things you think you should say, and end up leaving out what you really wanted to say. Make up your mind that you are about to create the best college application ever, and show you are going to be the best college student ever!

Angela Arnold, a college advisor who has helped many students get into college, has prepared 7 free videos about the university admissions Download your copies today.

Tweet This Post