KEY Colleges

How to Apply

Senior Calendar

The dates and deadlines bearing down on you during the college application process can be mind boggling. Every college and university operates on its own timeline and has set up different hoops for you to jump through to prove your worthiness. A single missed deadline could cost you admission into the school of your choice – at least for another year, or so. That’s a long time to burn for not being organized. So, how do you keep track of all these important milestones? This senior calendar is a good first step in getting the deadlines straight and prioritizing the steps in applying for your top college selections.

Click here to view the senior calendar!

Get the envelopes ready. Your search for the right colleges is finished. Now the goal becomes “getting in.” Being accepted. Earning admission … you know what we’re saying.

An exceptional test score on the ACT or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) can help you write your own ticket to the college of your choice. Both tests are very different and, depending on the region in which you live, one may be more emphasized than the other. Here’s how the two measure up:

ACT

The ACT is a national college admission exam that consists of subject area tests in English, mathematics, science and reading. These multiple choice tests are based on what students learn in high school. If students need a writing test for college admission, they can take the ACT Plus Writing, which includes the four subject tests and a 30-minute writing test. ACT results are accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and universities.

SAT

The SAT measures how well students apply what they have learned in school to analyze and solve problems as they would in college. Divided into multiple-choice tests, the SAT is designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas along with your ability to apply that knowledge. The class of 2006 will be the first class to take the new revised SAT for college admissions, which also features a written examination.

The Application Process

With good test scores in the bag and having wrapped up the college search process, you should have a list of “possibles” for application. Narrow down your choices by:

• Academic programs that interest you
• Your chances for admission
• Your possibilities for financial aid

Try to include at least one college that’s a sure thing for you in terms of admissions standards and costs. Remember that financial aid programs are set up to help students who qualify for admission, but are unable to pay the full cost.

Make sure you check out each college’s requirements. They have their own deadlines, fees and required steps. Some require interviews, essays and personal references, in addition to applications and test scores.

Apply as early as possible. Let your school guidance counselor know well ahead of time if you need transcripts. And let the people writing letters of reference for you know well ahead of time when you will need their letters.

Take charge of the process. If you’re unsure of requirements, contact the college admissions department.