QUICK GUIDE
  1. Determine what type of application the school accepts. It is typically one of the following:
    1. Common Application
    2. Coalition Application
    3. Georgia Futures
    4. Common Black College Application
    5. Their own electronic application
    6. A paper application
  2. Create the necessary account and save your login and password information.
  3. Review the application requirements and prepare the appropriate materials.
  4. Make a calendar of all due dates. Typically most colleges will require the application to be completed and submitted on one date but allow you more time to submit the supplemental materials.
  5. Select the appropriate term you are applying for. Students should be applying for the Fall Term of the year that corresponds to their graduation date (for example, if you graduate from high school in May of 2016 then you will be applying for the Fall 2016 term). If you plan on enrolling the summer of your high school graduation please see your academic counselor.
  6. Fill out the application in its entirety.
  7. Review the required method of payment.
  8. If the school allows for the use of an application waiver make sure to follow the submission guidelines. Most schools accept either the SAT (commonly referred to as the College Board waiver) or ACT application waiver.
  9. If the school allows you to submit a NACAC waiver PLEASE see me as soon as possible. In these cases do not use an ACT/SAT waiver in place of the NACAC waiver.
  10. Submit your application and all supplemental material.
  11. Monitor the status of your admission decision. Keep a calendar of the decision release dates.
  12. Chill out, the hard part is over.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Applying for college can be one of the most pivotal moments in the life of a young adult. The process is exhaustive, time consuming, and at many times just plain stressful.

While these realities are nothing new it's important to understand that with careful planning, and a little resourcefulness,  you can make the process as painless as possible.

Here are a few tips to help guide you through one of the best decisions you will ever make:

  1. BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING determine why it is that you wish to pursue your post secondary education. This can be for various reasons (I want to earn my college degree, I want to be financially stable, I wish to further my education, I have got to get out of the state of Georgia, etc.). It's very important that you be open and honest about your reasons for pursuing college as they will greatly determine your success. Now is the time to be true young men and women, so own your reasoning.

  2. Carefully identify the type of school you would like to attend. Basic questions to ask yourself would be...
    1. Do I want to remain in-state or move out-of-state?
    2. Do I wish to stay close to my family/support group?
    3. Can my family afford to contribute to my advanced education? If so, how much?
    4. Do I qualify for scholarships, financial aid, loans, etcetera? (BE HONEST)
    5. Am I simply looking for access to a degree or a fully immersive college experience?
    6. Do I want to live on campus?
    7. Am I looking for a large or small campus?

  3. As you ask yourself these questions gradually begin asking more specific questions. It's important that you identify your must haves early on. If you are unable to answer any of these questions then please discuss them with your parent and/or counselor.

  4. Determine what academic major you will be pursuing. You might ask why this question wasn't first. Well that is for various reasons... the most important being 1) if you are using this site then I am assuming you have some idea of what you want to be when you grow up and 2) many colleges/universities allow you to enroll undecided. Statistically 50% to 70% of students change their majors at least once, while most will change majors at least 3 times before they graduate.  It's important to account for this when selecting a school as certain schools will provide you with many different majors to choose from thereby allowing you more freedom and flexibility to change.

  5. Once you have selected the type of school that fits your needs as well as possible majors of interest begin using various resources to research specific schools. I'd recommend GOOGLE as well as the links I have complied here.

  6. When selecting specific schools begin reviewing the admission criteria. You should start by finding the UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS website. There you will search for admission requirements/checklists, previous class profiles, and other helpful information.

  7. Now again, you will have to be 100% HONEST about your academic qualifications. Certain schools are selective for a reason. If you are not academically prepared (whether that be by class performance or rigor of curriculum) then you are setting yourself up for unnecessary hardship. I am not saying this to discourage you in any way but to wake you up to a reality of life. You prepare, then you proceed.

  8. After you carefully review the admission requirements determine if you want to apply or not. This may seem silly but many times the obvious thing can be the most forgotten.

  9. Create a spreadsheet for each school you are going to apply to. This sheet should include direct links to the application, login information for your account, a checklist of all the admission requirements, due dates for the application and admission materials, as well as the names of each person you'll need to contact in order to complete your application.

  10. GET TO WORK!