Follow the Directions

Today and in the past week or so I seem to be having two very common conversations related to college applications.  Some students are surprised at how "easy" it is to apply to college.  Others are surprised at how "hard" it is to apply to college.

There are a lot of factors that play into how each of you perceives the college application process - probably the biggest differentiating factor is how many colleges you are applying to and how similiar or how different their application requirements are for the colleges.  Those students who are applying to just a few colleges and their requirements are all about the same seem to find the process pretty straightforward and easy.  But for those applying to a larger number of schools with lots of varying requirements and needs are often much more stressed about the process.

Here is what I would like to remind you... the difference is often in the details!  Please, be focused, get organized, and give the colleges EXACTLY what they want and are asking for in their applications.

If they want a 250 word supplemental essay - give them one that is that length.  If they are asking for a list - give them a list.  If they ask for an interview - schedule one in plenty of time.  Yes, I realize that it takes some up-front effort to figure out and keep track of what each school wants, but it will make a difference when the college is looking at and evaluating your application because they will be able to tell who just said, "Oh well, good enough..." and those who truly put forth the effort to make sure that they were presenting a complete and well thought out application.

Take some time today and go through your intended college list and map out exactly what they are asking for so that you can prepare accordingly and then follow their directions including hitting all of their deadlines.