Follow the Directions

Many of the seniors made good use of the long weekend and, as a result, made lots of progress working on college applications.  Throughout the day I was busy reading college essay drafts, answering Common App questions, reminding about the steps for requesting transcripts to be sent, and reviewing applications before students hit submit.  It was both busy and productive.

As the day progressed though the one point I kept going back to was "follow the directions!"  Look at what the college is asking for and give them that exactly.  If they ask for complete sentences, give them complete sentences.  If they don't specify, you can probably use phrases, but remember that capitalization and spelling still matter.  If they ask for one recommendation letter, give them 1 letter - NOT 3!  If they say that they won't consider recommendation letters and don't give you a way to upload them (which is becoming MUCH more common) that does NOT mean that they want you to mail in a letter.  If there is an essay asking for 250-650 words, please make sure your word count is within that range.  They truly are asking you for every piece of information they want to have about you with their application.

All too often today I would ask the students, "what did the college say they wanted?" And I would get blank stares back of confusion.  I get it, you have never done college applications before.  That is completely fine and that is why I am here to help you, but the college is also telling you, so read what they want.  Know that going into the process.  Be organized and pay attention to details.  I promise you that it matters.  (Plus, it will decrease your stress a ton when you are able to balance out your time and not get caught off guard by an additional essay that the college wants that you hadn't previously noticed because you weren't careful in reading about what the college was seeking.)

Don't let the small details be what makes the difference in being accepted or not.  Follow the directions exactly.  And, of course, feel free to come see me if you need help figuring out what a college is asking you to submit.