You should take heed of the following tips when filling out your applications for college:

• Always read the instructions. Once in a while something out of the ordinary is required, so prepare well ahead of time and gather all the information that you will need, you don't want to get caught with not having the info you need when you are coming up on deadlines. So plan and read the instructions and follow the directions completely.

• Respect deadlines. Note that some parts of the application, like the financial aid section, may have different due dates than others. Make sure you know all the deadlines and that you send your information out well in advance, you never know what will happen with the mail.

• Do it early. If you're a procrastinator, filling out your applications should be the one exception to your usual habit. You want to make sure that you've had time to fill out the application, let it sit for a week, and then check it over in case you'd like to "re-draft."

• Organize yourself. Always keep a copy of all applications that you submit on file, with each application receiving a separate folder. It's amazing how much more manageable due dates, deadlines, and potential problems become when you have everything neatly accounted for.

• Be super neat. Perfection is the standard. Anything less will indicate that you don't value the school highly, which will cause them to indicate the same to you.

• Copy and date all correspondence. Just in case. If the school claims not to have gotten a part of your application, you'll save yourself a lot of grief if you know what you sent and when.

• Don't panic. If you encounter a question on your application that stumps you, or you don't know how to supply necessary information, you are far more likely to figure it out if you just relax. And remember: You can always ask us for help.

Remember this process is very important and will impact you chances of attending different colleges and universities and most of all it will affect your future.

EastCoast
Dave B