Make a good impression by applying early in the filing period. Early applicants often receive more attention than applicants just meeting the deadline. As a result, first applicants may have an edge when it comes to admission and financial aid. Don't procrastinate! Some private schools prefer early applications.
Make sure it is neat and correct. Type if possible. It is impossible to be too neat but easy to be careless and make a poor impression. Use the same names on all correspondence, housing and financial aid forms, transcripts, applications and test registration forms. Make a photocopy of your application. You may want to purchase a certificate of mailing at the post office so that you will have proof that the application was mailed before the deadline.
The University of California and some independent colleges require an essay as part of the admission application. This essay is your personal statement providing information that does not appear on your transcript, test reports, and other materials asked for in the application process. The most effective essays will give the reader insight into your thinking process rather than a measure of known facts.
Request them early; a rushed recommendation may not be in your best interest. Go to the teacher, administrator, counselor, or individual you are asking to write a recommendation at least 2 to 3 weeks before the deadline. Remember to write a "Thank You" note to each person who wrote a recommendation. Courtesy is never out of style.
Most students will make three types of applications: 1) a "reach" college, 2) a "target" college, and 3) a "safety" college. Students who plan to apply to the University of California or California State University should apply to more than one campus within the system. Many campuses have become impacted and turn away eligible students they are unable to accommodate due to enrollment constraints.
After the application-filing period, call or write the college admission office and ask if any materials are needed to complete your file (scores, transcript, recommendations, etc.).
Example: If you have made an appointment for a tour, keep the appointment (or call and cancel). You will make a bad impression if you are a no-show. If you have had a tour of the campus, write and thank the college admission officer for the tour. They do "keep track" of interested students.
If you are disorganized or tend to procrastinate, learn to present a picture of a student who:
The college will never know what a wonderful person you are if your habits turn them off. If you need help, ask your friends and relatives to remind you to get it together early.
It is a courtesy to the colleges and also to other students. In the spring of your senior year, you will make a final college selection. Notify the other colleges who have also offered admission so that your reserved admission slot may be released to a waiting student.
The Records Department at Newport Harbor has the transcript request form you must complete.
At many colleges/universities, housing is at a premium. If you are late, you will not get housing. Some campuses have a lottery system to assign dorm space. Applying for housing is a separate application process from the admission process and may have entirely different deadlines.
Deadlines may vary at each college/university. Check to see which financial aid form is used at each college/university you are applying to. Meeting the deadline is critical! Make a photo copy of completed financial aid forms. Take the original form to the post office and obtain a certificate of mailing. For Federal Pell Grants, file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as early as possible after January 1st, and before March 2nd.
Most private colleges, competitive colleges, major departments, scholarship donors, and some employers will request a letter of recommendation. Your teachers or counselor are most often the people who will write recommendations for applications to private schools. Be sure to choose people who you feel has gotten to know you well.
Make sure you have added your name, address, and any other required information to your recommendation forms before you distribute them. When you approach each person who has agreed to write you a recommendation, mention the deadlines he or she needs to know.
Write a short "thank you note" to the individual who has taken the time to support you in this way.
Incorporate any other information asked for by specific colleges or scholarship programs.