The application process is the most important step in getting into the college of your choice. You've worked hard all through high school, and now the application is your chance to convince the admissions offices of your qualifications.

To ease the stress of your senior year, get started on your applications early in the season.

Before you begin your applications, you should...

1. Make a list of your schools
2. Make a calendar of deadlines
3. Take your standardized tests (SAT, SAT Subject Test, ACT, etc.)

Once you're ready to start your applications, follow these important steps:

1. View each of your online applications
2. Send your test scores to schools
3. Secure your recommendations
4. Send your transcripts to schools
5. Fill out the application
6. Write your essays
7. Submit your application

Step 1: View each of your online applications

It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the online application.

• How many pages are in the application?
• What are the essay questions?
• What Supplemental Forms are required? (e.g., recommendation forms, transcript request forms, etc.)
• Read the application instructions!

Know your deadlines! Keep a list of deadlines beside your bed, in your binder, on the refrigerator--anywhere that you will see it often. Missing an application deadline automatically means that you've missed your chance to apply.

You may also want to visit the school's website for more information, or request that you be sent a catalog and any financial aid information you may need.

Step 2: Send your test scores to schools

Most colleges will need a copy of your SAT scores from the College Entrance Examination Board, the body that administers the test. Some colleges no longer require applicants to submit SAT scores, but you may need to send scores from other tests like the ACT, SAT Subject Test, or Advanced Placement exams. When taking these tests, you can request to have your scores sent to a limited number of colleges.

Otherwise, you can request that they do so later on. But, as with all your application materials, make sure you allow enough time for your request to be processed and sent.

Step 3: Secure your recommendations

Many colleges will require two or three letters of recommendation. They are usually looking for letters from high school teachers, guidance counselors, or others who know you in an academic or leadership capacity. Here are some hints:

Start early
Approach your potential letter-writers about two months prior to the actual due-date of the letters with your request. Teachers and guidance counselors are usually swamped with term papers and other college application requests toward the end of the fall semester, so allow them plenty of time to address your needs.

Choose carefully
When requesting a letter of recommendation, pick someone whom you feel knows you well. Good choices include club advisors who have gotten to know you outside of classroom hours, or a teacher from whom you have taken more than one class. Try to pick someone who has seen your strengths but who has also had the opportunity to watch you mature in your abilities. For example, a detailed letter from a teacher whose class you struggled with might be better than generic praise from the teacher in whose class you earned an easy 'A'.

Prepare the recommendation letter writer
Give each of your letter-writers one page of information about yourself. It can also be helpful to include a resume or an example of your best work from their class. This information will help the letter-writer compose a thoughtful and accurate recommendation. Make sure to provide your letter-writers with stamped envelopes addressed to your colleges--don't leave anything more to them than the actual letter-writing!

Keep track of the deadlines
Do not hesitate to remind your letter-writers of deadlines. People do forget, and you don't want the admissions office to be waiting for this last piece of your application. Most colleges will not review your application until all parts have been received.

Step 4: Send your transcripts to schools

All colleges will want an official copy of your academic transcripts as part of the application package. As with letters of recommendation, most colleges will require that your school send your transcripts directly to their admissions office. To be safe, leave plenty of time for your high school registrar to process your request.

• Most high schools have their own transcript request forms, but some don't. Find out from your school guidance counselor what your school requires to obtain an official transcript.
• Give your high school at least three weeks notice prior to the deadline. This way, you can make sure your transcripts will arrive at your colleges on time. Do not submit your request the day before your college deadline and expect it to be completed!
• Some colleges also require a Secondary School Report and/or a Seventh Semester Grade Report to track your academic progress during the fall semester. Check to see which colleges want these reports and submit a request to your high school at the same time you submit your request for transcripts.
• A number of colleges may request that you send a copy of your official transcript along with your application. In that case, simply enclose the sealed envelope with the rest of your application. Do not break the seal on the envelope or your transcripts will not be accepted!
• It is always a good idea to follow-up as the deadline approaches to make sure your transcript has been sent. Be courteous to your counselor or the person who processes transcript requests?he or she has a lot to do! But after the number of days required for processing pass, it doesn't hurt to make sure your request hasn't been lost in a shuffle.

Step 5: Fill out the application

Apply online and say goodbye to loose sheets of paper, white-out, and messy handwriting! Fill out your applications at your own pace, and come back as often as you like until you are finished. Your data is encrypted under secure socket layers for maximum security, and your private account can be accessed only by you.

Your essays can be uploaded directly into your application, and each online application you start will contain your profile information so that you don't have to re-enter it each time! You will also be provided a checklist to ensure that you are completing each step in the application process. It doesn't get much easier than that!

Step 6: Write your essays

This is by far the most time-consuming and difficult part of any application. The personal essay will usually be about 300 to 500 words in length, occasionally longer, depending on the college.

The following tips can help you get started:

• Pick a topic that is unique to you--be original!
• Using dialogue or humorous anecdotes is almost certain to spice up your essay. Instead of just telling what somebody said to you, quote them.
• Write several drafts before preparing your final version. This will help you develop your own voice in your essay and help you organize your thoughts more clearly.
• Have several people (peers, counselors, teachers, and parents) look over your drafts and offer their comments and suggestions.
• Always check for spelling and grammar. Proofread to prevent silly mistakes.

Step 7: Submit your application

When you have completed each page of your online application, you will be directed through the "Final Steps" section. Here, your application will automatically be checked for errors, you will choose your method of payment, and you will submit your application with the click of a button.

You will receive two e-mail confirmations after you submit your application:

1. Embark will immediately send you an e-mail to confirm that your application was successfully submitted
2. The school will send you an e-mail to let you know that your application has arrived in the Admissions Office

You can review and/or print out your submitted application at any time by logging into your Embark account.