Once you have decided to apply to a particular school, begin a folder for all the papers that will accumulate. The first important document will be the school's application.
Most colleges or universities will have their own applications that can often be downloaded from the institution's Web site. Applications can also be obtained in paper form by calling the college or by e-mailing the Web site. Remember that most applications have several parts: your personal part, a financial aid application that your parents complete, teacher recommendations (in some instances), athletic or special interest forms that either you or your coaches complete, and a form that is to be given to your guidance counselor.
The personal part of the application, the financial aid form and in some cases, the special talent form are your responsibility to mail to the college by the deadline. The other forms are sent to the college separately by your guidance office, your teachers, and your coaches.
Many colleges and universities also use the Common Application or the Universal Application, which can be photocopied and sent to a number of schools to which you are applying. The Common Application is normally sent to high school guidance offices and can also be downloaded from the Internet. You can download both the Common Application and the Universal Application from the Peterson's web site. And you can download specific undergraduate applications for various colleges and universities, also courtesy of Peterson's.
Students using the Common Application will often be asked to fill out other special forms by a particular school, such as an financial aid form, or a teacher recommendation form. They may also be asked to send in a supplemental essay. It is therefore important that students using the Common Application file their applications early, so that there is time for them to complete the subsequent application forms that may be requested.
Once you have your application, make a grid on the left hand cover of the folder for each of your colleges. It should look something like this:
| Form/Item | Date Received |
Date Sent | Date Acknow- ledged | Subse- quent Actions & Dates |
| Preliminary Application | ||||
| Personal Part of Application | ||||
| High School Report Form | ||||
| Teacher Recommendations | ||||
| Supplementary Forms | ||||
| Financial Aid Application | ||||
| Application Fee | ||||
| Other Recommendations/Forms | ||||
| My Letter/Card to accept or decline college's offer |
College Center has sample grids that can be tailored to the specific schools you are applying to.
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