Happy “November 1st is DONE”! It isn’t a holiday but should be! We don’t have this year’s data yet, but last year, more than 4.7 million applications were submitted by November 1! It’s always a huge relief when most of the EA/ED/REA deadlines have passed.
So…what’s next? What do you do AFTER you apply to college to increase your chances that all of your hard work will be rewarded? First, I highly recommend you take a DEEP breath and consider a relaxing, fun activity to refuel!
Then, think about some post-application tips:
- Most important: Make sure EACH application is 100% complete ON TIME. Log into the portal provided by EACH college you applied to, and make sure your APPLICATION IS COMPLETE by the deadlines provided. Requirements vary, but unless your app is complete on time, you won’t be considered. Again, the checklist varies by school, but typical items include transcript, rec letters, and test scores (if required/applicable). Some schools show green checks & red Xs by required items; others vary. But log into those portals, and stay ahead of all deadlines! A few years ago, I heard about a student who applied ED, but her high school didn’t send her transcript on time, and she was moved to the regular decision round. That’s avoidable! Double-check that everything is where it needs to be!
- Applying to the rest of your schools. Make a plan to get to the finish line! With “lane congestion,” the Common App sometimes glitches. Plus, if you wait until the last minute to apply and realize you need something from school, it’s tough to get it quickly. I’ve had many weekend calls where a student suddenly realizes or changes something last-minute, but we can’t reach an admissions office before the deadline. Also, as you fill out the Common App, some selections (major, test-optional, etc.) trigger additional questions, so you want to work ahead of deadlines to avoid surprises. And YES – you CAN update anything in your Common App for future applications, so if you add or need to update an activity or even want to change something in an essay, go for it!
- Important regarding test scores. IF you self-reported your ACT/SAT, AP scores, etc., on the Common App, you may STILL need to submit scores DIRECTLY from the testing agency. Some schools don’t require scores; some accept self-reported scores until you enroll; others want official scores sent now. Check and follow each school’s policy.
- Demonstrate interest. Some colleges say they care if you demonstrate interest; others say it isn’t considered. So HOW can you demonstrate interest? Email admissions with something unique (a question or something new since you applied); take a virtual tour; talk to a professor in your desired major and reference that conversation in an email to admissions. And those marketing emails you get? Click around a bit. They have technology in place to KNOW how you’re engaging with their marketing. Again, not all schools care, but…some do! YOU are the reporter of your story, so take charge & tell it how you want it to be told!
- Alumni or admissions interviews. Some are offered directly to applicants; others, you need to request. If you plan to do interviews, draft a resume to give your interviewer in advance or at your meeting to provide a quick overview of your background, and prepare so you’re confident, comfortable, and ready!
- Money stuff:
- Merit aid & scholarships. Some schools automatically consider you if you apply by a certain deadline; others require additional applications/essays. Research & ask for it if required.
- FAFSA/Financial Aid. To apply for financial aid, see info on how to prepare here and more details here. Some schools also require the CSS Profile or institutional financial aid forms. Note: Even if you think you won’t qualify for aid, some merit scholarships require you to fill out the FAFSA. Financial aid deadlines can differ from admissions deadlines, particularly for ED applicants, so check school-by-school.
- Resist senioritis. Yes, the hard part is over, but first-semester grades, mid-year reports, and final transcripts still matter. Colleges can rescind an offer for a serious academic decline.
- Check your email (including spam!). Colleges send important communications about missing materials, interviews, scholarship opportunities, and deadlines. Students should regularly check the email address they used for applications.
That’s all for now! Best of luck to ALL students!!!
