TIPS FOR FILLING OUT APPLICATIONS FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

 

·          Print or type your name and social security number on every loose sheet of paper.

·          Sign your application (if required).

·          Have parents sign your application (if required).

·          Check all spelling and punctuation. (Have someone with good English skills proofread your application.)  Proofreading is key! Proofreading multiple times is even better.

·          Do not cross out or scribble out words. (Use white-out or erase.)

·          Make copies of everything before sending.

·          Read application carefully to see if it requires a recommendation. If it does, see your counselor 2-3 weeks in advance.

·          Volunteers are available in the College and Career Center to help students complete applications.  Stop in during open hours or call 612-668-3065 to arrange an appointment.

 

Online applications:

If you applied online, download and print a transcript request form. (The University of Minnesota calls it an “Application Addendum.” Some colleges call it a “Request for Official Transcript.”) Bring this to the counseling office with $2 per application, at least two weeks in advance of postmark deadline. The counseling office will complete the form and send it to the college along with your transcript. The $2 fee covers copying costs of transcripts and test scores.

Students submitting the Common Application or other online applications should print it out to see what it looks like on paper. Some colleges will print out the application, and occasionally parts of the application may be cut off in the printing process.

 

Paper applications:

Bring to the counseling office a request for an official transcript, any forms that need to be completed by your counselor, and $2 for each application.

All applications should include the following: the application and application fee, an official transcript, your ACT/SAT scores (sent from the testing agency), a profile describing Southwest (available from the counseling office), and any additional materials requested by the college, such as an essay or a recommendation.

If teachers are writing letters of recommendation for you, give them a stamped envelope addressed to the college, and check with them to make sure they mail this before your deadline.

Do a careful, thorough job—your application represents you to the admissions officers.

If you have any questions about your applications, see your counselor as soon as possible.

Watch deadlines!

Applications due January 1st must have transcript request into the counseling office by Wednesday, December 6 to ensure that they are mailed before winter break. 

 

The deadline for University of Minnesota (U of M) "priority admission" is December 15, 2006.

 

Helpful tips for the Common Application

 

          For those who may not be familiar with the Common Application, it is a single application (available at www.commonapp.org) that is accepted by nearly 300 colleges and universities. The advantage of the Common Application is that students can fill out one application to apply to many different schools, saving valuable time during their senior year. It saves time for counselors and teachers, too!

 

          Since a student may be applying to many schools using this one application, what can he or she do to make the application thorough, yet still allow his or her strengths to be apparent?  Here are a few tips for students completing the Common Application:

 

General Tips

  • Be aware, even though many schools use the Common Application, they may also have their own supplemental applications that must be filed.  Be sure to check your school for their supplemental application forms. 
  • Students submitting the Common Application should print it out to see what it looks like on paper. Some colleges will print out the application, and occasionally parts of the application may be cut off in the printing process.
  • Students should keep copies of their applications and proofread them carefully.
  • If applying Early Decision, students should be sure to complete the college’s form of the Early Decision affidavit. This may be on the college’s supplement to the Common Application, or the student may need to submit an additional letter.

 

Personal Statement

The people in college admissions offices love the personal statement because it’s a wonderful way to get to know the student—his or her interests, hopes, experiences, ideals. A great piece of advice for students who are searching for a personal statement topic: identify your passion and write about it.

 

It’s a good idea for students to ask a trusted friend or adult to read their personal statements; friends and adults can let them know whether or not their voices and personalities come through in their essays.

 

Extracurriculars

It’s helpful when students give details about their extracurricular activities, especially clubs that are not nationally known.

 

Recommendations and High School Report Form

Students should give their recommendation forms to their teachers and counselors as early as possible!

Colleges often require different numbers of recommendations; check with the individual schools to determine how many they require.

 

A final tip:  Students shouldn’t hesitate to call or e-mail the colleges if they have any questions. They are pleased students are interested in applying and are more than happy to offer guidance throughout the application process.

 

Mid-year report required by many colleges

 

Many colleges ask for a mid-year report. What they want is a transcript with your Quarter 1 and/or Quarter 2 grades.

 

  • If your college provides a mid-year report form, please give it to Sophie in the counseling office as soon as possible. She will send this as soon as she receives the transcripts with Quarter 2 grades (usually mid-February).

 

  • If your college asks for a mid-year report but does not provide a form, please see Sophie as soon as possible and give her the names of all of your colleges that require one.

 If you are a past graduate within the last five years, please contact the counseling office to request transcripts and to pay the associated fees.