It’s that time of year again – where high school students all across the nation are getting prepared to apply to the colleges they plan on attending next fall, but many are wondering: how does one apply? 

Applying to college can become a very stressful ordeal if you let it get that way. It can be a long and hard process if you do not know what you are doing, but by remembering three simple things you can get through your college applications alive and well.  

Before you do anything regarding college applications, gather all your information in a place that is easily accessible. Most colleges ask for basic things such as social security numbers, proof of residency, SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, class rank, and driver’s license numbers. If you can’t find any of these things, most of them can be found at the school. While most information for your college application will be readily available, some will be more difficult to find. The Common application, an application accepted by most schools, asks for, “Proof of income tax, dates of ownership on vehicles, dates you [or your guardian] were registered to vote,” and a few other obscure information. The best thing to do in this situation is keep a level head and ask a parent or guardian to help. Most of the time, the information can be found and sticky situations can be resolved. Therefore, before you do anything, make sure you know your information.   

Another thing you need to consider when you apply is how you apply. Most colleges offer two application choices: early or regular admission. The two are very different things. Early admission at most schools only looks at a person’s records and stays away from looking at one’s extracurricular activities. On the other hand, regular admissions take everything into account, including grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. There are some advantages and disadvantages to both admissions types. If a student applies early action they “are more likely to be accepted because colleges have higher admission rates for early decision applicants,” says Project College, a website designed to offer helpful college advise to students. Project College continues, “The only disadvantage is… most applications are due in early November so you have to start early.” However, regular application is a different story. Project college states, “Students applying regular decision (admission) have extra time to get their application in order… [but] students are less likely to be accepted.” In the end, the decision is up to you.    

Finally, the last tip you need when applying to college is simple – apply! Most students get so caught up in the idea of applying that they don’t end up doing it until the last minute. USA News says, “Waiting until the last minute is one of the biggest and most common mistakes for high school students applying to college.” Make sure that you apply well before the deadline and you should be fine.  

College is an important time in people’s lives, so by making sure that your application is done properly and promptly, you’re off to a great start.