What You Need To Know About The College Admission Process

March 21st, 2008

Experts agree, getting a college education is a wise choice. It can be a very exciting, yet confusing time for prospective college students. The application process alone can cause a great deal of confusion for students and parents alike. Before you start searching for a college, you must first decide whether you want a four-year degree or career training. This guide will help clarify the differences between the two types of degrees.

Sharpen Your Number Two Pencils - You May Have to Take a Test

For most four-year colleges, the first step in the admission process is taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the ACT. These tests are generally taken while students are still in high school but they can be taken by anyone. College admission offices use these exam scores to help determine your acceptance to their college. Other acceptance factors include good high school grades, a high class rank, athletic talents, and involvement in extracurricular activities.

If you are not a great test taker or didn't have stellar grades in high school, you still have options. Trade schools and career colleges provide another great route to higher education. Career colleges don't require SAT or ACT scores, and most only require a high school diploma or GED.

Research Colleges To Match Your Career Interest

The next step is discovering the college that's right for you. The best way to research a particular school is to visit the campus or tour the website. The more research you do, the more prepared you will be.

Without a high GPA, college acceptance can be difficult. Most experts recommend applying to a wide range of schools. Know their acceptance policies and apply to schools whose GPA range meets yours. Sometimes colleges will accept a lower GPA if you provide letters of recommendation and complete an essay stating why they should consider you for admission.

The process of applying to a career college is simpler. Once you know what you want to study, do a search of your local career colleges and apply to the ones that offer your desired programs. Applying to a career college is usually a better option for people who may have difficulty gaining acceptance or who don't have the time to attend a four-year program, such as single parents or those with a full-time job.

Start Sending Out Your Applications

The next step is the lengthy process of filling out applications for admissions. Each school has a different application process. Many prestigious schools require a more in-depth application, which can take weeks of planning. The most basic applications include information about your high school grades, class rank, SAT/ACT scores and a general essay. Plan on setting aside a few hours for each four-year college application.

Most four-year colleges also require letters of recommendation from your high school teachers or coaches. It is important to get positive and meaningful letters that describe your progress, determination and skills, etc.

Students are often asked to write one or two essays as part of the application process. The possible topics range depending on the school. Common essay topics are:

1. Describe a significant interest or experience that has special meaning for you.
2. Why have you chosen this career or profession?
3. Have you ever struggled for something and failed? How did you respond? Have you experienced a feeling of disappointment and dissatisfaction of yourself?
4. Write about someone you admire even though you disagree with that person.

It is important to remember that colleges use these essays to learn more about your interests, thought processes and the quality of your writing.

When you are finished filling out and mailing your application, it is time to wait for a response. Many students find this to be a nerve-racking time - anticipating an acceptance letter they may not receive. Most schools start sending out acceptance letters between December and January of the student's senior year.

Students who wish to attend a career college can avoid this long and complex application process. Simply contact the school and inquire on how to enroll. Many schools now have online applications. Typically the application process only takes a few days to gain acceptance and enroll into a career-focused program of your choice.

Start Checking Your Mailbox

The planning process continues once you start hearing back from the schools.

1. If you have been accepted to more than one school you’ll have to pick the one you are most interested in attending.
2. Compare all the positives and negatives of each school, to help make your choice.
3. Find out if you qualify to receive financial aid and if so, how much.
4. Search for scholarships and loans to help pay for your schooling.

Pick The School That Fits Your Goals

Once you choose the school you want to attend, you'll need to inform them of your decision. If you choose a four-year university, you will have to fill out more school specific paperwork, such as housing forms and freshman orientation paperwork. You will also have to start making plans to move into your college residence, if you plan to live on campus.

If you decide to go to a local career college, you have less to worry about. Since the school is close to your home, you don't have to worry about finding a new place to live and moving all your belongings.

Ultimately, a little planning can go a long way when looking for your path to higher education. It is important to do your research and find a school that fits your career goals. The more research you do before hand, the more satisfied you'll be in your college and career choice.