Top Ten Ways to Enjoy the
College Admissions Process
10. Visit, visit, visit: If possible, try to see at least some of the colleges that you are considering.
9. Feel free to schedule an interview if you are going to visit.
8. Share your reactions about the colleges you visit with your parents and school counselor.
7. Be thoughtful in your choices, you shouldn't feel that you have to apply to 15 - 20 schools. You should pick a
couple of safety schools, a couple of middle-ground, reachable schools, and a couple of higher reach schools.
6. Apply Early Decision ONLY if you felt like "lightning struck" during your college search and it is clear that this is
your first choice.
5. Be aware that your SAT/ACT scores are only one aspect of the college selection process. Many colleges have
"cut off" scores below which applicants are admitted, and many schools have a fairly large range of scores from
students who have applied.
4. Relax when you are writing your college essay. Let it come from the heart, but make sure you proofread your
end product and have someone such as your counselor or an English teacher proofread as well.
3. Choose teachers to write your recommendation letters who know you well and who have had strong contact
with you.
2. Submit additional letters of recommendation only from people who know you well and may be able to add
additional character reference not given in other letters.
1. Breathe Deeply and remember that within one year from now...you will be attending a school that is the "right fit" for you!!!