Many high school seniors are beginning to feel some relief as
they complete the last of their college essays and applications. Even
though you may have applied early action to other schools, the
applications and essays you are working on now need to receive the same
attention. Here are five tips for polishing your essays and applications
before you hit the submit button.
1. Read all of your college applications carefully to make sure that all the information is accurate and complete. Check to make sure that everything is spelled correctly. Don't count on spell check. If you are using the common application and it is going to multiple schools, see that everything on the application pertains to the college you are applying to, including the right name of the school.
2. Read through any supplements that are required and proofread all long and short essays. It is very easy to read in mistakes when you have read something over a number of times. Make sure you submit the supplements when they are finished. Sounds silly, but you would be amazed how many never are actually submitted.
3. Take a second look at those college essays. Do they specifically address the question a college is asking? If you are using an essay that you submitted to another school, are you just recycling the essay or does it require some changes to work for another college? More than one student has submitted an essay or personal statement with the name of the wrong school. Don't let this happen to you.
4. If after reading your college applications, have you left any unanswered questions that a college admissions committee might want to ask? Many students do not take advantage of the option essay that is available on most college applications to explain any family circumstances, illness, or other difficulties that might have affected your grades. This explanation can make a big difference when it comes to college admissions.
5. Print out a copy of your college applications and essays and ask someone else to read them. It is must easier to catch errors on a hard copy than it is when you read something on the computer. Sometimes it is helpful to have someone read the essays back to you so you can see how they sound.
Don't forget your signature. Check all the applicable boxes. Ask yourself, "Are my college applications and essays the best that they can be?" Only then is it time to hit the submit button.
1. Read all of your college applications carefully to make sure that all the information is accurate and complete. Check to make sure that everything is spelled correctly. Don't count on spell check. If you are using the common application and it is going to multiple schools, see that everything on the application pertains to the college you are applying to, including the right name of the school.
2. Read through any supplements that are required and proofread all long and short essays. It is very easy to read in mistakes when you have read something over a number of times. Make sure you submit the supplements when they are finished. Sounds silly, but you would be amazed how many never are actually submitted.
3. Take a second look at those college essays. Do they specifically address the question a college is asking? If you are using an essay that you submitted to another school, are you just recycling the essay or does it require some changes to work for another college? More than one student has submitted an essay or personal statement with the name of the wrong school. Don't let this happen to you.
4. If after reading your college applications, have you left any unanswered questions that a college admissions committee might want to ask? Many students do not take advantage of the option essay that is available on most college applications to explain any family circumstances, illness, or other difficulties that might have affected your grades. This explanation can make a big difference when it comes to college admissions.
5. Print out a copy of your college applications and essays and ask someone else to read them. It is must easier to catch errors on a hard copy than it is when you read something on the computer. Sometimes it is helpful to have someone read the essays back to you so you can see how they sound.
Don't forget your signature. Check all the applicable boxes. Ask yourself, "Are my college applications and essays the best that they can be?" Only then is it time to hit the submit button.
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