Weekly Column Tag: college deadlines
Tag: college deadlines
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I’d like to think you’re reading this just to check in and wish me a Happy New Year, but I know better—you’re here because your college apps need to get out now, and you need some help. Here goes: Double check the deadlines. A number of colleges changed their deadline from January 1 to January 4, so go to the Web site of each college you’re applying to and make sure you have the right date. Complete your application online. If you really are working with a January 1st deadline, applying online allows you to hit submit at 11:45 pm on New Year’s Night; if you’re applying by mail, you have to get your application to the post office by 11:45 am on New Year’s Eve. That’s an extra 36 hours, and a lot less snow on your shoes. Check your schedule. You’ll want to give yourself time for breaks, sleep, meals—and family events. If Uncle Bob’s holiday brunch is scheduled for Friday morning, you want to know that now, not Friday morning, so check your schedule with your parents. They’ll be pleased to see you’re looking ahead, and that will ease the college stress they’re feeling, too. Vary your activities. Most students decide to leave the essays of an application for last. That’s OK if you’re only working on one application, but if you’re looking at three or four, your essays won’t be as fresh if you write ten in a row. Start with an easy essay, then go back and fill in your name and address—then back to an essay, then over to your high school activities. Variety keeps most writers focused. The “Why Us?” question matters the most. Previous columns have told you how to approach the “Why do you want to apply here?” question. Even though you’re in a hurry, be sure you do your best writing with this very challenging question that usually has a limit of 100 words—your answer has to be specific to that college, and can be a deal-maker, so it’s worth the time. Send test scores now. SAT and ACT scores can be ordered online during the holidays, so take the time to make sure they get sent to the colleges that request them. You’ll need a credit card to order them; use this as a break from your essays, and a chance to touch base with your parents to let them know how things are going. Transcripts and teacher letters will have to wait. If you discover a form that’s supposed to be completed by your teacher or school counselor, there isn’t much you can do with those right now. Fill out the top of each form, and make a note to touch base with teachers and counselors the first day school’s back in session; colleges usually give supporting documents a little more time to arrive, but your material really needs to make the deadline. Build in time to double check essays. Dazzling essays lose their shine when they have misspelled words, bad grammar, or talk about how much going to Brown would mean to you when the essay is going to Celebrate wisely. Whenever your applications are finished, remember a great application is successful only if you’re around to actually go to the college next fall. Be safe, be sober, and only ride with those who are the same. Happy New Year-- you can do this.
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