A complete application usually comprises:
Application form with application fee
College essay (s) Resume (optional)Testing (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, and/or TOEFL)Two teacher recommendationsCounselor/school recommendationHigh school transcript
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The first 4 items are for you to complete while the last three will need the assistance of school personnel. Be sure to give your guidance counselor and teachers any forms they will need and plenty of notice (at least 3-4 weeks).

Many colleges are using the common application: www.commonapp.org . This format is similar to many university applications and is a great application to use to begin to organize the information you will need for most individual college application forms.

Let Ms. Groelle review your applications to be certain that they will convey your most important achievements, highlight your personal attributes, and portray a complete picture of what you have to offer the colleges to which you apply. Write her at RGroelle@CollegeCounselling.com

RESUMES
Many students find that the blanks provided on the application form do not fit or highlight their activities, awards, or talents well. Nevertheless, it is wise to complete these questions as best as possible and then write: "Please see attached resume". Your resume organizes and show cases your achievements allowing the reader to understand the depth of your commitments. Resumes can be focused - Activities, Talent (Music, Performing Arts, Studio Art), or Scholastic.
For assistance in developing your Resume contact Ms Groelle at RGroelle@CollegeCounselling.com

TESTING

Most colleges require that you send in official score reports from the SAT and/or ACT. The more competitive colleges often require three SAT Subject Test scores. For non-native English speakers, the TOEFL is usually required. Each college has its own test requirements, so you must check. However, a good rule of thumb is to take the SAT and ACT in the spring of your junior year and repeat them again in the fall of your senior year. Most colleges will consider your best score. The SAT score reports report all your SAT scores and all SAT Subject scores with each report unless you use score choice to hold some scores. If you are aiming to attend a highly selective college you would be wise to take the SAT Subject Test for any subject area you are completing in the end of your junior year while the information is still fresh (ie. American History, AP course work). SAT Subject Tests can also be taken again in the fall of the senior year. To find out upcoming test dates and to register on online go to: http://www.collegeboard.com.

By taking the tests early you can analyze your pattern of answers and better prepare for the next time you sit the test. Without question, reading and doing well in your academic classes are the best long-term preparation for these standardized tests. Most students experience some anxiety over this aspect of the college admissions process partly because they feel that they have little control over how they will perform. There are testing strategies that will enable anxious students to be more knowledgeable about these tests and therefore improve their chances of performing more in line with their potential. To learn how you can improve your test performance contact Ms. Groelle at rgroelle@collegecounselling.com.

Today colleges accept applications over the internet, as well as the tradition paper format. Which ever you choose, be sure that each application is complete and accurate before submitting it by the deadline. Many colleges have the application on their web site.
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