APU Careers & Learning Online Learning

Tips for Applying to College

By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews

Applying for college can be quite a stressful experience. You have many decisions to make, including what to study, what school expenses you can afford and what school to attend.

For first-time students, applying to colleges can feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are quite a few tips to make the application process less hectic and stressful:

  • Make a list of the schools you want and narrow the list down to five choices. While you may not be accepted into every school you want, you also don’t want to have so many applications that you cannot spend the proper amount of time completing them. Find a good balance.
  • Understand the admission requirements for each school. Every school has different requirements. Pay particular attention to due dates for applications, application fees and other information that influence your admittance to the school.
  • When you fill out a college application, always remain honest and avoid the temptation to embellish your accomplishments. If you must submit an essay, make it straightforward and accurate. Lying on your application is a great way to get denied admission to the school.
  • Apply online whenever possible. Most schools have streamlined their application process through an online portal.
  • Keep your social media pages clean. Some colleges do social media searches on applicants. Make sure you do not have incriminating or controversial pictures, posts or activities on your accounts.
  • Keep copies of all your documentation, emails, applications and so on. It will be easier to recall data when necessary.

Talking to advisors at your school is always a great option, especially when it’s time to decide how to pay for your college expenses. If you have close friends or family members who have already experienced the application process, ask them for some advice.

The Internet is a great resource as well. Do some Internet searches and get tips through the Department of Education (ED) website.

Going to college can be one of the most meaningful experiences of your life. So be sure to thoroughly study the colleges to which you’re applying and make sure that they provide the education you’ll need to fulfill your career goals.

Ryan Laspina is a Federal Student Aid analyst for the University. He has over five years of experience working in FSA compliance and combating student loan fraud. With a bachelor’s and master’s in business administration from Shepherd University and a minor in English, Ryan has spent most of his adult life in higher education.

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