How to Apply for Financial Aid

Application Process and Deadlines

When applying to colleges, don't apply to just one college, apply to several. You can select them according to the one or two colleges where you feel most likely to get in, often called safeties or back-ups. Apply to two to four colleges where you may have a 75 percent chance of getting in and one or two 'not a chance' type of colleges.

Tips on Applying for Colleges

Another tip in applying is to not go overboard. Many colleges charge a fee for applications, typically in the $50 range. Applications take a lot of time and thought and you may be depriving another student from applying who really wants to go to that particular school.

In the old days people had the choice of handwriting the application or typing it. Now, one can apply over the Internet as many colleges of their own Web sites.

What You Will Need

You will need to provide your high school transcript typically filled out by a guidance counselor. The transcript form will generally be with your admissions package. Some colleges may send this form to your school. You will also need to provide your SAT or ACT test scores. This is the standard way that colleges use to determine the students' ability to do college level work.

Letters of Recommendations

Many colleges, especially private colleges will require letters of recommendations from teachers, guidance counselors and community members. Colleges will generally ask you to write an essay on a given subject (usually) that is determined by the college. Make it good. It should be well thought out and is a chance for you to express yourself, to make you stand above the rest.

In some colleges, especially if you are majoring in the arts such as theater, television or writing, you may need to audition or provide a video of your work.

The College Interview

Many colleges require an interview, but even if they don't, experts say it is a good idea to set up an interview and meet the person who will have a say in whether you are admitted or not. The whole admissions package you send in should be consistent biography of who you are and what you can bring to the college. And remember, many colleges have deadlines so make sure your application and other necessary forms are sent in plenty of time. All colleges will spell out their deadlines and conditions in the catalog.

Acceptance Letters

Okay, so now you have received acceptance letters from more than one college now forcing you to choose. There are many things that should be considered, such as location, is it urban enough? Will there be good social situations there? How big is the student body? Does the college offer the academic programs you are interested in? What are the extracurricular activities? A visit to the campus and talking to current students is also a good idea. And by all means, compare any financial aid the college is offering to other offers.

If on the other hand you were rejected, don't take it personally. Colleges have many reason for rejecting students and there is always an aspect of randomness it the selection/rejection process. Colleges may need to consider the diversity of the student population or to bolster a sporting team. You and your parents should never take a college rejection too personal.