Before applying to college, it is essential to get organized. Even with excellent grades, impressive test scores, and many extracurricular activities, it can be stressful without a well-planned application process.
When making your final decision, it will be important to consider various factors. You can organize these items in a worksheet such as Excel or Google Sheets with your colleges displayed as columns and factors as rows. To help you get started, here are some categories to choose from.
ACADEMICS
Major(s) offered
Accredited program
Class sizes
Career services
APPLICATION/ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Application type (private, Common Application, Coalition, etc.)
Application deadline (RD, EA, ED, etc.)
SAT/ACT requirements
Credit for AP, IB, dual enrollment, etc.
Supplemental essay deadlines
PERSONAL PREFERENCES
Distance from home
Campus size
Study abroad opportunities
Activities (sports, music, etc.)
Learning Differences (LD) support
FINANCIAL
Cost of tuition & fees
Cost of room & board
Application fee
Scholarships available?
Grants available?
Within budget?
Review the factors of each college to determine your first choice, second choice, and third choice college. Consider organizing your worksheet by color. Begin today!
Published in the Mendon Honeoye Falls·Lima·Sentinal