19 January 2012

With a shaky economy, now is an unsettling time to apply to college. While you and others like you are doing your best to make ends meet, you may wonder whether you should even apply—and, if so, how? This two-part series will share important do’s and don’ts when applying to college. Part I will focus on managing the application process; Part II will spotlight the personal facets of taking this big step.

In the United States, education is still the key to opening doors to opportunity. Consider this:

• For young adults ages 25–34 who work full time (35 or more hours per week) throughout a full year (50 or more weeks of employment), higher educational levels are associated with higher median earnings. This pattern of higher median earnings corresponding with higher levels of educational attainment was consistent for each year examined between 1995 and 2009. For example, young adults with a bachelor's degree consistently had higher median earnings than those with less education.
• In 2009, the median of the earnings for young adults with a bachelor's degree was $45,000, while the median was $21,000 for those without a high school diploma or its equivalent, $30,000 for those with a high school diploma or its equivalent, and $36,000 for those with an associate degree.
• In other words, young adults with a bachelor's degree earned more than twice as much as those without a high school diploma or its equivalent in 2009 (i.e., 114% more), 50% more than young adult high school completers, and 25% more than young adults with an associate degree.
• In 2009, the median of the earnings of young adults with a master's degree or higher was $60,000, some 33% more than the median for young adults with a bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2011). The Condition of Education 2011 (NCES 2011–033), Indicator 17. http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_er2.asp

DO Choose Wisely

Clifford T. Thornton, Associate Dean of Admission at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, says, “Students shouldn't apply to more than 10 schools or else they're casting a wide net, hoping for the best, and not doing their homework.” He goes on to advise students that they should have only:

• 2-3 reach schools (unlikely to get in but take a shot anyway)
• 3 safety schools (they know absolutely they'll get in )
• 3-4  schools (where there's a better than 50/50 chance of getting in)

This list should be finished before the Thanksgiving holiday of their senior year. During the winter holiday break, they should work on their essay and mail it when they return to school after the turn of the year. For more timeline planning tools, visit the College Board’s website: www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/

DO Get Organized

Ms. Erica Jones, a full-time teacher in Atlanta and a graduate of Spelman College, suggests buying a one-and-a-half inch binder with dividers to organize your files. Ms. Jones says, “Keep all the information you receive from your colleges in this binder in alphabetical order along with your application, acceptance letters, awards, and multiple copies of your references. Have a general statement and biography put together. If the school uses a general application online, keep copies of the confirmation pages. Keep scholarship information in the back of the notebook. This notebook is sure to impress adults!”

DON’T Test at the Last Minute

Whether you’re taking the SAT or the ACT, start practicing as soon as possible. Here’s another secret: the SAT is all about strategy. Pick up a test preparation book from your local bookstore or online and learn how to take the test. Educated guesses can even boost a score a few points—if you understand how to make them. If possible, take a course or get a tutor; no matter what, you need to practice, practice, practice. Ms. Jones suggests having your SAT/ACT completed by the end of the first semester of your senior year. “The earlier the test is taken, the more chances you have to improve your score!”

DO Be Decisive and Apply Early

If you have your heart set on a certain school, be decisive, beat the crowds, and apply early through one of the following options. Early Decision (with binding early admission) is for students who are certain about their top choice and comfortable forgoing acceptances at other schools. Early Action (non-binding early admission) is best for those who don’t want to be obligated to enroll in and attend a school they are uncertain about but would like to know their application status early. Take heart if you receive early action and a letter stating your status will be reviewed during the regular admission decision period. This is not a rejection, and many students are accepted through this process.

DON’T Be Afraid to Network

Feel free to speak with representatives at college fairs or contact professors or admissions offices via e-mail. While such contact should be within reason, the idea is to have people remember you. You never know who may be a great connection or point you to a possible scholarship. Such a connection is also a great source of advice, mentoring, and feedback.

DO Apply for Scholarships

Start researching and applying for any and every scholarship for which you qualify. You would be surprised to know how much annual scholarship money isn’t awarded simply because no one applied. Plan on continuing this process while attending college and check in often with your financial aid officer. Don’t be discouraged by small award amounts. A little money here and there could end up paying for your tuition. ExploreHealthCareers.org has a funding database exclusively targeted to health profession students. Select a career and type of funding to learn more about potential scholarships, loans, and fellowship opportunities.

DO Pay Attention to Deadlines

The importance of paying attention to deadlines cannot be stressed enough. Once you know where you really want to go, figure out the deadlines, and complete the application early enough to have several trusted people review your application. Ms. Ashley-Marie Blakely, a second year law student at Villanova University, says, “If you do miss a deadline, keep searching! There are many colleges and universities that have a rolling admission process. They assess each application as they receive it, and their deadlines are much more flexible.”

DON’T Undervalue Your Essay

You may be worried about your grades, test scores, or extracurricular activities, but you’ll be relieved to know that your personal statement is “the great equalizer.” Most experts will tell you that the personal statement is the most essential part of the application because you paint a picture to illustrate your academic and extracurricular qualifications. For good measure, do not write about any controversial subjects unless you are absolutely certain you have a unique and personal perspective. Above all else, have others review your statement before you submit it.

DO Research School Requirements

Know the requirements for the institution to which you’re applying. Find out what the school is looking for and where they put most of their emphasis. For example, do they value the GPA more than the SAT or ACT score, or do they put more value in letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities? Mr. Clifford T. Thornton, Associate Dean of Admission at Wesleyan University, reminds students to make sure they do not undervalue interviews and academic rigor. Finding out all of this information is important, so make it a top priority. Ms. Blakely shares that “some colleges grant application fee waivers for students with families that are experiencing financial hardship. This is worth investigating during current tough times!” For more information on fee waivers, check out http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/applications/fee-waivers.

DON’T Skip Visits

Ms. Dara Lewis graduated from high school at age 16 and is spending a year at Montgomery Community College while applying to four-year universities. Ms. Lewis says “Schools sound nice on their websites, but it's good to visit so you can get a feel. Ask yourself: Can I see myself here?” Visit as many schools as possible and find out if a school is a good fit and worth applying to. Schools are looking for students who give good reasons for why they want to attend. If possible, visit when the school is not sponsoring prospective students to experience the true flavor of the place.

Stay tuned for Part II: Managing the Personal Aspects of Applying to College

This article was written by Lauren Bush, Program Associate at the American Dental Education Association’s Center for Educational Policy and Research.