College Admissions Guide

College Admission Guide

To go to college or not to go to college? That is the question. If your answer is yes, then odds are you are pretty confused right about now. Well, you are not alone. There are so many variables involved when it comes to how to prepare for college and when. The main key to college preparation is organization. That's where this guide comes in.

What To Do & When

Freshman Year

• Take a look at the 3 levels of diplomas and decide which one you think you might want to work towards.
• Print out the check off list of requirements.
• Keep records of all classes and activities on a blank transcript form.
  
• Look at your personal interests for fulfilling elective credits.

Sophomore Year

• Consider taking the PLAN test (pre-ACT test). The results will help you focus on areas that need improvement before you take the ACT.
• Consider taking the PSAT/NMSQT (the practice SAT). The results will help you prepare for next year’s PSAT and SAT.
• Extracurricular and leadership activities are important so become involved, but also remember that colleges prefer quality over quantity.
• If you haven’t done so already, compile a list of all of your honors, awards, activities, volunteer work, and jobs. This will be useful when it’s time to create a resume and fill out applications. Keep a running list; nothing is too small to list.
• Start looking at different colleges and their websites keeping in mind such variables as tuition, location, and size.

Junior Year

• Attend Birmingham’s National College Fair in the fall.
• Continue to develop your list of possible college choices. Check out their websites and request materials for prospective students.
• Register to take the ACT and SAT at least once, preferably during the spring.
• Begin your scholarship search.
• Begin narrowing your college choices and schedule campus visits, tours and interviews.
• Update your list of awards, achievements, activities, etc., and use it to create a resume.
• If appropriate to your interests, begin developing portfolios, audition tapes, writing samples, or other evidence of talents required for college admission and/or scholarships.

Senior Year

• If you have not taken the SAT and/or ACT or need to re-take tests, do so early in the fall.
• Decide which colleges you will apply to, and gather all application materials for admission and for scholarships/financial aid.
• Be sure you know each college’s procedures and priority deadlines for scholarship and financial aid applications.
• Organize your college files, so you won’t miss any deadlines.
• Approach mentors and teachers for recommendation letters.
• If you haven’t already, request that ACT and SAT send your official test scores to the colleges to which you are applying.
• Continue to look for outside scholarship opportunities.
• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible.
• Notify your chosen college about any outside scholarships you receive.

How to Apply to College

• Many colleges prefer the Common Application.
• Students should look at applications early to know what is expected of them. Many applications may be filled out online.
  
• There is no disadvantage to using the online Common Application or an individual school’s online application. In fact, most schools prefer online applications, and many offer incentives (such as reduced or waived application fees) to encourage their use.
  
• If you prefer a paper application to an online application, you may download and print the application form or request a paper copy through the college’s website. Most application forms are available by July or early August.
• If using a paper application, be sure to proofread it and make a copy for your files.
  
• Some colleges or universities require letters of recommendation. Ask for these in advance.
  

Critical Things to Remember

1. Search for schools that are right for you.
2. Keep an open mind.
3. Visit as many campuses as possible, as early as possible.
4. Organize files of all college-related materials (applications, resumes, ACT/SAT information, letters from schools, passwords for websites, etc.).
5. Ask for recommendation letters at least a month in advance.
6. Give time and attention to applications. Neatness counts. Keep copies of everything you submit. Keep up with the passwords you establish for online applications.
7. Follow directions.
8. Proofread everything.
9. Meet deadlines.

STARS System

STARS stands for Statewide Transfer & Articulation Reporting System. STARS is a web-accessible database system which provides guidance and direction for prospective transfer students in the State of Alabama. The STARS System allows public two-year students in Alabama to obtain a Transfer Guide/Agreement for the major of their choice. This guide/agreement, if used correctly, guides the student through their first two years of coursework and prevents loss of credit hours upon transfer to the appropriate public four-year university in Alabama. Although transfer guides/agreements can only be printed for two-year to four-year transfers, the STARS system can still provide guidance and direction to transfer students who have a different transfer situation.

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