Tips for the College Applicant

Class of '09 has finally reached senior status! As if we don't have enough to stress about already, not is the time for us to start applying to colleges! Here are some tips to keep this overwhelming process as simple as possible.

*Narrow down your list of potential schools. Most would recommend applying to eight schools. It is a good idea to apply to two school you would absolutely love to attend, four you like, and two "safety schools"--schools where you know you will be accepted and can have as backup just in case the other choices do not work out.

*Keep a binder (with dividers!) and make one section for each school sent an application. Research the following information about each school: location, demographics, housing, extracurricular activities, dining, parking, clubs, majors, application deadlines, and anything else you consider necessary. Then when you need to know or compare information, you have everything you need right at your fingertips!

*Make your resume. If you need people to write recommendations for you, they will probably ask for a copy of your resume. Some schools or scholarship committees may require you to submit one. Make a resume now, and you can just copy it when you need it later. Keep it in your college binder.

*Ask some people to write recommendations. You may also need these letters for applications and scholarships. Get people from different parts of your life to write the letters of recommendations--for example, a teacher, a boss, or a youth minister, but no one directly related to you. You can reuse these letter. Keep them in your college binder.

*Take the SAT and/or ACT. If you haven't taken one of the entrance exams yet or want to improve your score, sign up for the October 4th SAT date or the September 12th, October 24th, or December 12th ACT test dates for this semester.

*If you plan to apply Early Decision or Early Action, start your applications now. The deadlines for these applications are in October for most colleges; don't let the dates sneak up on you!

*Start on your college essays. Different schools use different essay prompts/topics, so make sure you know what you need to write. If some schools on your list use the same prompt or topic, you can reuse your essay.

*Meet with your guidance counselor. Our senior guidance counselor here at Newnan is Mrs. Fincher. Set up a meeting with her to review your transcript and discuss your plans for college. You may be surprised at how much she can help you!

--Cami Fanning, Editor-in-Chief