HOW TO SURVIVE THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

Based on My Experiences

By: Allison Collier

MY HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Freshman and Sophomore years: Kept grades up

Joined a few clubs (member only)

Attended C-Tech^2 at Virginia Tech

Junior year Continued to keep grades up

Joined many clubs, gained leadership positions

NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing

FBLA National Convention

NGCP Panel

Girls State

Internship with EIC

MY HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCESenior Year

COMMUNITY

Supportive, understanding community

Discussions of various topics

Summer program/internship/scholarship opportunities

Interesting news articles

Inspirational/funny videos

There are at least 10 other girls

Interested in a single topic

Every girl is interested in some facet of technology

There is no such thing as too nerdy

MY INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

Entertainment Industries Council

Ready On the SET and…Action! Initiative

Debugged SETforJOBS.org

Worked on building network and social media

SET Awards Video Contest

SET Awards

MY APPLICATION EXPERIENCE

Knew where I wanted to go since C-Tech^2

Hypatia Living Learning Community

Be Involved with CEED

Major in Computer Science

Applied to two other colleges

University of Pittsburgh, Urban, (accepted)

Campbell University, (accepted)

MY APPLICATION EXPERIENCE

Backup Plan

Major in mathematics, transfer into COE Sophomore year

Curie Living Learning Community

Be Involved with CEED

Applied in October, Notified in October

Major: Mathematics

Why?: SATs

Networked with Faculty Before Applying

Received a call in March

Moved into the College of Engineering

WHY I CHOSE VIRGINIA TECHAcademics Lots of support if you need help

Living Learning Communities

NCWIT Community

Top-notch education

Financial Aid Scholarships

Atmosphere Rural, beautiful scenery

Large school

Lots of clubs and events

People School spirit

Kind students

THINGS I NEVER HAD TO DO1) Pay an application fee

2) Pay to visit the schools I applied to

HOW YOU CAN DO THE SAMECheck off the “Let Colleges Have My Information” Box (AP tests)

Read all emails from colleges Then delete them if you aren’t interested

Check your Spam Box

WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE APPLYING

Transcripts GPA

Class rank

Classes taken

Résumé Just in case

List of Extracurricular Activities and Descriptions Summer programs/internships

Recommendation Letters Teachers, Employers, Community Leaders

SAT or ACT scores Math and Critical Reading

List of 3-5 colleges of interest Pick at least ONE safety school

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING COLLEGES

Where do you want to be?

East Coast/West Coast/Midwest/New England

What environment do you want?

Urban/Suburban/Rural

Do you know exactly what you want to do?

Specialized school?

What can you afford out of pocket?

In state/Out of State

Public/Private

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN APPLYING TO COLLEGES

SAT Subject Tests

Recommended, Required, or None?

Interview

Required or Recommended?

Application Type

Common Application, School Application?

STEPS TO AN EASIER APPLICATION EXPERIENCE

1) Look over/Complete applications during the summer if possible Gather all materials needed before Junior year ends

Problems with essays? Seek help!

Easier to identify application deficiencies

2) Know the different types of deadlines Early Action: usually in November, nonbinding

Early Decision: usually in November, binding

Regular Decision: usually January 1 or January 15

Rolling Admission: accepts applications until full

3) Know about Fee Waivers Don’t pay for an application if you don’t have to

4) Do Not Dwell on What Could Happen Find fun ways to pass the time

MORE TIPS

1) If your application is weak in one area… Be extraordinary in the other areas

2) Never send more than the college asks for If they say 1 recommendation letter, they mean it

“The thicker the file, the thicker the kid”

Unnecessary effort will tire you out

3) Do Not over apply Don’t apply to 10+ colleges

You will tire yourself out!

Remember 3-5 is enough

4) Always have a plan B And possibly a plan C…

I APPLIED, NOW WHAT?

FAFSA

Complete it ASAP

Not hard to fill out

Scholarship Applications

Make lists of scholarships to apply to

Apply to as many as possible

Keep your grades up!

No Senioritis!

All A’s 1-2 C’s = acceptable (not desirable)

All A’s 1 or more F’s = rescinded admission

MORE ON MONEY

Federal Loans/School Loans

School and Departmental specific scholarships

Turn in FAFSA by deadline

Community College

College experience not lost

Save money now, transfer later

Make sure you complete the FAFSA

Especially if you think you cannot afford college

REMEMBER: DO NOT PANIC!

There are multiple paths to one goal

You can always transfer (colleges/departments)

Anything could help/hurt you

It can be impossible to know for sure

When in doubt, apply anyway

Even if it seems like a long shot

If receive a rejection letter, remember:

You can be completely qualified and still get rejected

Do not take any admission decisions personally

You still have a backup plan

QUESTIONS?

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