July is here, and the start of the fall semester is looming in the not-so-distant future. Classes begin in mid to late August or early September at most American colleges. So, if you haven’t started thinking about how to get into college yet, now’s the time to make plans. In this article, we’ll give you the scoop on how to prepare an application packet that will get you approved!
Getting into college could be more or less challenging depending on what type of school you’re looking for. Gaining admission to a community college or a for-profit college tends to be easy, while private, non-profit colleges are usually competitive. Public colleges range from very competitive to not at all competitive.
To get into college, most schools ask you to turn in an application packet. The more competitive the school, the more items you’ll usually need in your packet.
Here are some of the most commonly required items students need to get into college:
1. A completed application.
Most colleges and universities prefer online applications, so checking the school’s website should be your first step. After filling out the application, make sure you provided all the information requested and double-check that you didn’t make any errors.
2. An application fee.
Expect to pay an application fee when applying to any college or university. However, if you received a fee waiver for your SAT or ACT test, you may quality for a college application fee waiver. Ask your high school guidance counselor or contact the college’s admissions office.
In general, community college application fees are lower than most other application fees. The typical college or university application fee is between $35 and $50, although some can be considerably higher.
3. An official high school transcript or GED.
You need to either ask your high school to send a copy of your official transcript to the college or university of your choice or send proof that you successfully completed the GED test. According to the Idaho State Department of Education, around 95 percent of colleges and universities accept GED graduates in the same way as high school graduates.
Some community colleges, for-profit colleges, and even certain public universities may admit you without a high school diploma or GED, but you often have to prove you’re working toward earning one or the other. If you were homeschooled, you usually have to be at least 16 to start college, and generally need to present a signed copy of a homeschool agreement between the school system and your parent or guardian.
4. ACT or SAT scores—and any placement test scores you may have.
College admission test scores are not only used to select which students qualify for admission, but are also used to place students into appropriately challenging classes. That’s why even less selective schools, like community colleges and for-profit colleges, generally ask for a student’s ACT or SAT scores.
Advanced Placement tests are offered by the company in charge of the SAT and can potentially earn you credit for dozens of classes, allowing you to complete several semesters without setting foot in a college classroom! The company also offers SAT Subject Tests, which focus on specific academic subjects. Some competitive colleges or universities require certain SAT Subject Tests.
To find out more about the SAT and AP tests, visit The College Board’s website. To learn about the ACT test, visit ACT., Inc.’s student website.
For most community colleges and for-profit colleges, you may be able to stop here. The items below are generally needed for getting into colleges that are more selective, like private, non-profit colleges and public universities.
5. A college admission essay.
A college admission essay is a short statement that helps the admissions staff get to know you. It also shows how well you can write. In general, the more competitive the college or university, the more likely they’ll request a college admission essay. Our blog offers tips on how to write a college admission essay.
6. A college application letter.
A college application letter is a formal essay that tells admissions officers why you’re interested in attending their college or university, why you would be a good fit, and why they should pick you over other applicants. Of course, it also shows if you know how to write at a college level. We can give you helpful advice on how to write a college application letter.
7. Letter(s) of recommendation.
A letter of recommendation usually comes from a teacher, school adviser, or coach who knows you well. It gives the admissions staff more information about you, besides what’s provided in the application packet.
It’s important to pick someone you have a good relationship with to write your letter of recommendation. If you have to provide multiple letters of recommendation, try to ask different types of people. For example, if you need to submit two letters of recommendation for one college, don’t select two math teachers, or you’ll miss out on the chance to show that you’re a well-rounded applicant. The college or university you want to apply to should offer guidelines for recommendation letters. Schools that use the Common Application have a form which requires the teacher to rate you in various categories. Once you find someone who agrees to write a letter of recommendation for you, be sure to send them a thank you note to show you appreciate their efforts.
6. Additional materials—if the school requires them.
While the items above are most commonly used in application packets, the college or university you’re applying to may ask you to turn in extra items. Go with their directions.
You should only provide additional materials if your college or university requests them. Admissions officers have to sort through so many applications each day that they don’t have time to read extra materials, no matter how you interesting you may think they are.
Now, going through conventional admissions procedures is only one way to get into college. We know of legal, time-honored techniques you can use to get into college now without going through the college admissions process. If you want to start your education ASAP, check out our insider’s guide.
Our last bit of advice for getting into college: no matter what you do, start early. Put your plan into action well before the fall semester starts so you can get into the right classes, find the best professors, and reap the benefits of applying for financial aid ahead of time. Summer will be over before you know it. Will you be ready?
