Maximize the Process of Applying to College

Applying to a college or university is a long process that does not happen overnight. The journey is different for students around the world. Based on my experience, I’m going to show you now a recommended timeline to follow in order to maximize your time and make your application process as efficient as possible. With that being said, the best time to start the application process would be during your junior year in High School.

 

Junior Year of High School

 

Fall

Visit colleges

If you have no idea of where you would like to apply, visiting colleges is the best way to get a feel of the university and one of the fool-proof ways that can help you chose your home for your collegiate years. If you don’t know anything about a college campus, this is the best way to get informed. An ideal time to start visiting universities would be during the fall of your junior year.

Many students don’t have the chance to visit the university in person though, for example many international students cannot really afford a trip to the United States just to visit few college campuses. In this case, if you cannot tour in person, many schools offer a virtual tour online that you can take. If that is not enough, you can always try to contact admissions offices and they can lead you to someone that can best help you. In any case, it is highly recommended to collect as much information about the university as possible in order to make the decision that best fits you.

Take the ACT and SAT exams

Websites will tell you that you can take this exam in your last year of university, but it is better to take it this year for a couple reasons. The first reason is that if you do not like your score, you can take it again with enough time to send a better score with your applications. Some universities require a high score to get accepted, so if you tank your first exam you have given yourself enough time to retake it. Second, to apply for college, applications require that you submit your test scores. This is crucial especially if you are applying to an Ivy League school or if you are applying early decision. Preparing and doing the ACT and/or the SAT early is going to help you a lot through the application process.

 

Spring

Begin your university research

This is the time to get informed on where you would like to apply. When doing this you need to look up the following things; the cost of attending the university, documentation needed to apply, where to apply (do you apply through the university webpage or through a platform), what the deadline to apply was for the previous school year (they are more than likely to be the same for the following year) and finally, what test scores you need to get accepted. Once you have done your research, it is best to develop a list of universities you want to apply to and put them in order of when the applications are due.

It is important to know that each institution has a different application process. For example, public universities in the state of Texas use a platform called Apply Texas where you can apply to numerous universities in the same place. Not only is the place where you apply to university is different, but also the cost of applying. Applying to certain universities can cost an upwards of $100 and some applications are free. It is important to choose wisely and know things like this beforehand.

These are the recommended duties to do during your junior year of High School. If you can accomplish them, great job!! If not, don’t worried. You will still have time to do it during your senior year, but now you will need to put an extra effort and dedication to accomplish it.

 

 

Senior Year of High School

 

Summer

Look at application deadlines or openings.

Some applications for universities open during the summer, you may know the deadlines, but you also need to keep an eye out for when the applications open as well.

 

Fall

Apply to colleges

Get all your applications submitted. This is the time when most students apply to universities. In some cases, the earlier you apply, the earlier you get a decision. This step is a lot easier if you prepared with care and anticipation in the research stage.

Visit colleges

During this stage, visiting colleges can help you decide of whether you want to attend a university. You could be between two universities, and visiting the campus is often a deciding factor. Many college advisors tell you that a visit is important because they ask you if you can picture yourself at that school, in that environment.

 

Spring

Once you have been accepted

Once you’ve been accepted there are several things you need to do to transition into your first year of college. First, you need to select your dorm room and pay the down payment to secure your spot. Normally when you sign your dorm room contract, the university requires that you select a meal plan as well. Part of the dorm room selection process means that you also can select your roommate. This process is different for different institutions. Some institutions have Facebook pages set up for first year students where they can chat and meet potential roommates.

Another thing you must do is select your orientation date. Universities provide various orientation dates for incoming students. If you are an international student, some universities have dates set apart for you so that you do not have to travel back and forth.

 

 

This timeline is merely a suggestion to help you with the applications process. Like the application process, the more informed you are, the better and the easier the process. Adapt this timeline to best fit your needs, but most importantly be informed about the process from beginning to end.

If you would like to know more information about universities, scholarships available, and all the information need to apply to college, I highly recommend you register in Mooxye. Once you have created your profile, you will be able to chat with universities, as well as with college coaches.

• Brily 12 July, 2018 at 4:05 am – Reply

  Quisiera mas informacion sobre las becas de fiosterapia y tambien para deporte “soccer” para mujeres.
  • Manuel Montenegro 13 July, 2018 at 1:21 pm – Reply

    Buenas Brilly,

    Debes registrarte en Mooxye y crearte un perfil. Una vez dentro veras todo lo que tienes que hacer para ir a estudiar a USA. Saludos Brily!