College Applications 101

Applying to college can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Even if you've narrowed down your potential schools to a list of three or four universities and colleges, it can still take hours to complete all the applications and the accompanying materials. Though students should always seek out the help of teachers, parents and guidance counselors when it comes to college applications, the following is a list of basic information every student needs to know about applying to college.

1. Materials.
Many college applications ask for similar materials, some of which you may be able to use for more than one application. Start out by making sure you have a few great recommendations from your high school teachers, coaches and other authority figures. Don't forget to get a copy of your transcript, or give your high school the college's address so they can send it in for you. Your standardized test scores form the ACT and SAT are also necessary for any college application. Make sure you work on getting these materials well in advance since it may be difficult to arrange them at the last minute.

2. Deadlines
As soon as you figure out which school you want to apply to, mark down the application deadlines for each school on your calendar. Try to aim to have each application done at least two weeks in advance of the deadline. Not only does this guarantee you'll have your application materials ready to go in time, it also allows your application to travel through the mail and get to the school before the deadline.

3. Essays
You'll also have to write some essays; most schools have their own topics which means you'll need to write a separate essay for each school. Give yourself plenty of time to write out each essay thoughtfully and carefully, then have a trusted teacher or parent read through the essay for any errors in grammar or punctuation. Try to be as creative as you can while still following the directions provided in the application. An unusual topic or creative writing style can really catch the eye of the admissions staff at the colleges of your choice.

4. Online Vs. Mail-In
More and more colleges are providing students with the option to apply online. Usually, you won't need to be especially tech-savvy to navigate an online application. These applications are often preferable since students can gradually work through the application and save their progress, coming back to it when they have time. Also, mistakes don't need any white-out or a fresh application in order to fix. You can also rest assured that your application won't get lost in the mail when you send in an application online; however, make sure you get a confirmation from the school that your application was received.

5. Fees
Applying to college isn't free, at least in most cases. You may need to narrow down the number of schools to which you apply based on how much money you or your parents have available for application fees. These fees can range anywhere from $20 to $75 each depending on which colleges you apply to, so be prepared to send in a check through the mail or enter your credit card information online when you complete your application.