Gather your application materials – it’s time to submit essays, meet deadlines, and achieve your college dreams! While applying to college may initially seem intimidating, breaking it down into a few simple steps can make the entire journey more manageable.
Understanding what looks good on college applications can give you an edge. With a clear idea of your goals and the college application process, you’re sure to succeed.
Apply to college in California.
If you’re considering applying to a college in California, it’s essential to know that there are many paths to admission. Community colleges are open to everyone, while four-year colleges typically want things that look good on college applications, such as test scores, application essays, and a minimum GPA.
When evaluating a prospective student’s application, admissions counselors look at the life experience the candidate can bring to the school. A person’s experiences, community activities, and personal statement can speak volumes.
Applications to California universities can be submitted online. Some schools rely on a common application (such as UCs and CSUs), while others use their own unique application. Campus websites are a great place to look for details about their specific application process.
While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the expense associated with each application fee, many schools have fee waivers available to applicants. Explore the possibilities for each of the schools you’re interested in—you may be surprised at how simple and affordable it can be to apply.
What universities look for in applicants
So what are colleges looking for, anyway? Most people know that good grades are important. However, many hopeful applicants are surprised to learn that grades aren’t the only factor that determines admission. While GPA is important, colleges look at the bigger picture of each application.
Admissions officers are eager to go beyond the data. They’re looking for potential students with well-rounded backgrounds who participate in extracurricular activities and demonstrate leadership skills.
College admissions essays (or, for the University of California, personal insight questions) can be just as critical as your GPA. Well-written essays can showcase your writing skills, personality, and life experiences.
A personal, thoughtful piece can set an applicant apart from the competition, so it’s worth putting extra work into this part of your application. You can speak directly to the admissions team and tell them exactly why you want to attend their school.
What do colleges look for in applicants? Each school will have its own list of attributes, but admissions officers generally want students with diverse interests and life experiences who are passionate about learning.
You have a good chance of being considered for a spot if your application tells a story of your educational journey, highlights goals you still hope to achieve, explains challenges you’ve overcome, and shows why you’re a unique candidate.
Types of university applications
Understanding what colleges look for in applicants is just the beginning. The hardest part of applying to colleges is deciding which schools interest you the most. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, it’s time to determine what application materials you’ll need, and this depends on the application you submit:
- Shared system applications – Some state university systems allow students to apply to any school in the system. The University of California and California State University follow this model, allowing students to apply to any school within their systems using a single application.
- The common application – Want to fill out one application and send it to multiple schools? The Common Application is the solution for many private schools and some out-of-state public schools. Gather your transcripts, college application essays, test scores, and letters of recommendation, and you can instantly send them to many schools across the country with the click of a button.
- Individual School Applications – Many colleges and universities still rely on their own specific college application process for prospective students. Don’t be discouraged if your top choice school doesn’t offer a Common Application admissions process. With a little extra work, you can submit your application with ease.
Understanding the university admission process
The college admissions process can sometimes feel like navigating a complex maze, especially for first-generation college applicants. However, with a little understanding and preparation, the process becomes more manageable. At its core, applying to college means being evaluated by universities and colleges to determine if you are a good fit for their institution.
The process should always start with research. Understanding what looks good on college applications is key. Students should identify schools that align with their academic, social, and professional goals. Next comes the application, which typically includes transcripts and personal essays.
Some applications also include standardized test scores (like the SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, interviews, or portfolios for specific courses.
Deadlines are crucial. While many colleges have regular admissions deadlines, some offer early action or early decision options with earlier deadlines. Financial aid and scholarships are also important and often require separate applications.
After the submissions, there is a waiting phase before schools send out acceptance, waitlist, or rejection letters. While the journey can be stressful, it can also be a transformative experience that shapes a person’s educational future.
Application information and materials you will need on hand
Each school has its own individual college application requirements. Most, however, are similar; beyond the application, expect to submit high school transcripts and a college application essay. Gathering these materials ahead of time can help you set yourself up for success when submitting your application. Have these details and application materials handy:
- Your Social Security number (If you don’t have a Social Security number, you can still apply to college. Ask your college counselor for advice.)
- Personal Information: In the first part of a college application, you must provide basic information about yourself, your high school, and your family.
- Una copia de su expediente académico de la escuela secundaria
- ACT/SAT Score Report: Some schools no longer require you to take the SAT or ACT, but some do! If you’re not sure which schools you’ll apply to, it’s best to err on the side of caution and take these tests.
- extracurricular curriculum
Building a strong college application profile
Creating a strong college application profile goes beyond academics. Good grades and high scores on standardized tests are helpful, but colleges also look for well-rounded individuals who can contribute to the college community. The best extracurricular activities for college applications are those that show versatility. It’s about quantity, commitment, and depth in a few select areas.
Leadership roles can be a real help to your application. Positions like student body president, club leader, or team captain indicate leadership and responsibility. Volunteering also reflects well on the applicant. Community service shows compassion and dedication to causes greater than oneself.
Relevant internships or part-time jobs in your field can also set you apart, indicating clear direction and maturity. Even personal projects can help you stand out from the crowd. Initiatives like starting a blog, developing an app or launching a community project demonstrate innovation and drive.
Universities value genuine passion and commitment. Your application is your chance to create a narrative that shows you are both an academic expert and a proactive, contributing member of society.
The importance of transcriptions
As noted above, your high school transcript is one of the most essential application materials you need to submit. It records your classes and the grades earned in each course. You can request transcripts from your high school, but they often take a few weeks to process.
Get ahead of the game by discussing your college plans with your guidance counselor or academic advisor as soon as your senior year begins. They can tell you specific procedures for requesting transcripts and offer advice on how to submit them to the college of your choice.
Your high school transcript is a defining part of your college application. Admissions officers will look at the rigor of your coursework and the challenges your classes present. Your performance is also a factor, of course. Ultimately, transcripts show how you’re doing as a student and how you might fit in at a given institution.
Choose a main
Choosing what to study in college can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure what career you’d like to pursue. Before you commit to a particular field, consider salary expectations and employment rates in that line of work. Your personal/career interests and goals should also factor into the equation.
Most college application requirements don’t include a commitment to a particular major, so you have plenty of time to decide what to study.
If you are anxious to make a decision, consider the following questions:
- What do you hope to gain from the college experience? What are your priorities?
- What are you interested in?
- What are you good at?
- Which fields pay the most?
- How rigorous will a particular field of study be?
- What does your mentor or academic advisor recommend?
College transitions can be challenging. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options, but remember that most schools don’t require you to declare a major until your junior year. As you gather your application materials, ask about the requirements of the specific programs of study you’re interested in pursuing so you don’t miss any important deadlines.
University application deadlines
We often get asked the question: When are college applications due? While there is no single application deadline for college students, most colleges expect applications between October and February. You can start preparing to apply as early as the summer before your senior year. Check out this timeline for guidance throughout the process:
August September
- Double-check with your school counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate and meet college application requirements.
- Continue to take advantage of every opportunity to learn about colleges. Attend local college fairs, talk to current college students, meet with college representatives who visit your school, follow schools on social media, attend virtual tours and events, and visit campuses in person.
- Create a checklist and calendar to keep track of application deadlines for college students. Make note of any other materials, such as recommendations or college application essays, that you will need to complete your applications.
- Start working on your college application essays (also known as UC Personal Information Questions or Personal Statements, for the Common Application). Get feedback on your drafts.
October
- Financial aid applications (FAFSA and CA Dream Act) open on October 1. Submit your application as soon as possible—don’t wait until the March 2 deadline! In addition to determining your eligibility for federal funds, many colleges and states use the form when distributing grants, so don’t delay. Expect to receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) a few days after you submit your Financial Aid Application. You’ll need your parents’ tax documents from last year to complete your CA Dream Act application or your FAFSA. If you don’t have them, you can ask your counselor for advice.
- If you plan to apply for Early Decision or Early Action, some colleges will have deadlines starting this month. Save these dates!
- If you can’t afford the application fees that many colleges charge, ask your counselor to help you apply for a fee waiver.
- Finalice sus ensayos de solicitud de ingreso a la universidad.
- If your schools require letters of recommendation, ask for them now. Look for recommenders (teachers, school counselors, coaches, employers) who know you well and can comment on your academic abilities, personal qualities, and other types of accomplishments. Provide recommenders with a copy of your resume or list of ideas to help them cover all bases.
- Research Grants. Ask your counselor, colleges, and local civic and religious groups about scholarship opportunities. Check scholarship websites such as Fastweb.com. Remember, you should never pay for scholarship information.
November – January
- Please finalize and submit any pending applications now. Please submit your University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) applications by November 30th! Late applications will not be accepted, ever! Have a parent, teacher, counselor, mentor, or femur review your applications before submitting them.
- Each college will require a copy of your high school transcript. Follow your school’s procedure for submitting transcripts.
- Ask your counseling center or registrar in January to send first-semester transcripts to your preferred schools. At the end of the school year, they should send final transcripts to the college you will be attending.
Before submitting your University Application
The college application process is a marathon, not a sprint. With the finish line in sight, it’s easy to lose sight of the minor details. As they say, the devil is often in the details, so it’s essential to spend a few extra minutes reviewing the college application process before you submit it.
Check to see if there are any additional essays required, make sure you’ve shared your SAT/ACT/AP scores with the college, check the status of your recommendation letters, and keep an eye on your email inbox in case schools ask you for additional materials. A little extra effort now will pay off in spades!
