While the list of required application materials varies according to each school, there are some basic staples that are a part of most college applications. Some schools may say that certain things have to be included and others are optional but encouraged; other schools may stipulate that all of the following pieces be included in a student's file.
The Application Form and Application SupplementsContact a school's Admissions Office, or look at the college or university's website, to see what sort of application is used. Some schools may prefer the Common Application, other schools may have a separate, school-specific application. For schools that use the Common Application or some other standard, generalized application form, it is important to check if there is also an application supplement that schools like students to fill out. Usually, these supplemental forms have questions like, "Why are you applying to (name of school)?"
Academic Information for the ApplicationJust about every school will request that applicants submit a high school transcript, GED transcript, and/or college transcript, depending on a student's level of education. For high school students, college guidance counselors are the ones who should handle sending transcripts out to schools.
Standardized test scores are not required by every school, but those that do require students to take the SAT or ACT often look at the highest combined score. This is why it is important to have all scores sent to a school; if a student takes the SAT twice and scores higher on the Critical Reading section than the Math section the first time around, but does the opposite the second time around, the school will take the highest Critical Reading and the highest Math score and add those up, creating the highest possible composite score. The College Board's website is the place to go to send out scores to a particular school.
Personal Information to Send to Schools
Though not every school requires an essay and/or letters of recommendation, just about all of them will strongly encourage students to submit this information to supplement the application. College admissions officers especially like to read essays and letters if they are on the fence about admitting a student; a great letter from a teacher or a phenomenal personal essay may just be what earns a student a spot in the "Accept" pile. Students should research each school they plan to apply to in order to find out 1) whether an essay and recommendations are required, and 2) how many are needed to complete the application.
Other Application Materials
A resume or list of extracurricular activities, samples of work (for example, artwork for an art school, a CD for a music school), and anything else that can make a student stand out among the piles of files (in a positive way, of course) can go a long way with an admissions committee. Taking the time to add extra components to the application shows conscientious effort on the student's part to create the best possible impression. It is also impressive because it shows that a student is genuinely interested in the school.
Knowing the basics of submitting a college application can make the whole process of applying less stressful, and helps students remember the necessary components for each individual school.
