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Apply Yourself!Week Three

Admission Requirements and Applications

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We will learn…

about admission requirements about parts of an application about the application process how to locate admission requirements

and applications

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Admission Requirements To Look For

Age Standardized Tests High School Diploma / GED Coursework Requirements Citizenship Status

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Admission Requirements

Age: Some schools require students to be a certain age upon admission. Make sure you are old enough to attend.

Standardized Tests: Most schools require the ACT or SAT for admission. Official scores must be sent from the testing authority.

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Admission Requirements

High School Diploma: Most schools require a high school diploma or GED equivalent. You will have to request that your diploma be sent directly to the school.

Coursework Requirements: Many schools require a certain amount of classes (esp. Math and English) in order to apply. They may also require specific subjects in order to gain acceptance.

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Admission Requirements

Citizenship Status: Know what your status is. Some schools may require you to be a legal resident or citizen. Your status may also affect your financial aid.

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Parts of an Application

General Information Academic Information Extracurricular Activities Essay or Personal Statement Letters of Recommendation Transcripts Application Fee Supplemental Application Deadlines

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Application Components

General Info: Basic information such as name, address, family members, etc.

Academic Info: High school classes, standardized test scores, schools attended, college credit, etc.

Extracurriculars: Clubs, sports, volunteering, work experience, etc.

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Application Components 1

Essay/Personal Statement: Brief essay describing your career goals, yourself, or why you want to attend a specific school. (Usually 1 long essay or 2 short essays)

Letters of Rec: Statements written on your behalf from teachers, staff, employers explaining why you would benefit a school. (Usually 2-3 required)

We will discuss these both in more detail in a few weeks!

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Application Components 2

Transcripts: Official documents showing your coursework. Must be sent directly from your school!

Application Fee: Fee required to process your application. Some schools waive the fee if you apply online or if you are economically disadvantaged.

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Application Components 3

Supplemental Application: Some programs may require an addition application. Pay attention! Other programs may require an interview or audition.

Deadlines: Deadlines are final! There are usually no exceptions. Give yourself plenty of time!

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Application Components 4

Check to see if you are applying to 2 or more schools that use the Common Application.

Saves time by having 1 application to fill out.

Over 390 colleges and universities participate

http://www.commonapp.org

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Application Process

Regular Admission Early Decision Early Admission

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Application Process

Regular Admission: Applying to begin the semester immediately following high school. Most students choose this option.

Early Decision: Applying early to a single school. You are notified early and will forfeit all other applications if accepted.

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Application Process

Early Admission: Admission before you finish high school. You will still enter as a Freshman for most schools. This option is usually for mature candidates who can handle attending school before high school is completed.

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Locating Information

Websites are a great way to learn about admissions or applying.

You may also call the school and request pamphlets or applications.

Check out potential schools’ websites. They are often packed with tips and information.

There are many books in public libraries to help make your applications look good.

Talk to other students that have applied and gone to college. Ask them what works!

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Let’s Try It Together!

Go to www.illinois.edu Look for key words that might help you

find information such as “Future Students,” “Admissions,” or “Apply”

Find the admission requirements for Freshmen

Locate a printable application or a link to an electronic application.

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Now It’s Your Turn!

Handout: This table will help you keep track of the admission information you find.

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References

www.illinois.edu www.commonapp.org Rochester, L., and Mandell, J. (1989).

The one hour college applicant: You don’t need to read a 300-page book to apply to college. Memphis: Mustang Publishing Company.

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Questions??