Every year, after the November 1 deadline, many students are done applying, and many are still hitting SUBMIT through January 1 & beyond. Wherever you fall in that mix, you want to start thinking about post-application strategies.
Happy “November 1st is in the rearview mirror”! It isn’t a holiday but should be! We don’t have data on this year yet, but sources estimate that more than 4 million applications were submitted by November 1! It’s always a huge relief when most of the EA/ED deadlines have passed. Today’s topic: 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! One idea:
Beyond a homemade spa experience :), here are some tips:
- Applying to more 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. AND, students are realizing that as they fill out the Common App, some selections (major, test-optional, etc.) trigger additional questions. And YES – you CAN update anything in your Common App before applying to another school, so if you add an activity or have an idea for a change to your main essay, go for it!
- Most important: Make sure your 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 will not 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 be aware of deadlines! A few years ago, I heard about a student who applied ED; her school didn’t send her transcript on time; and the student was moved to the regular decision round. That’s avoidable – double-check that everything is where it needs to be!
- 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!
- 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 – To apply for financial aid, see info on how to prepare here and more details here.
That’s all for now! Best of luck to ALL students!!!
