The schools you apply to will require you to fill out an application, and these may be online applications or paper forms. The information needed will vary, but you will provide your contact information and personal information, such as social security number and date of birth. You may also need to include your school and any work history as well. Make sure you complete each blank space since an incomplete application could negatively influence the review committee.
Some applications may have an essay section, asking you to state why you want to attend the college and what you hope to gain from your education. The school may ask you a number of questions, each designed to help determine if you will make a good degree candidate within the programs offered at the school. Answer all questions honestly and give as many pertinent personal details as you feel willing to share.
When high school students apply to colleges, they usually submit their SAT scores. The SAT test evaluates your aptitude in math, reading and writing, and some students also choose to take specific subject tests. You will need to submit the required scores with your application.
Students returning to college after a number of years will probably need to take a college placement test. While some schools require students to complete the test after admission, some may require the scores with your application. The placement test will also cover reading, writing and math knowledge, and these scores help determine the courses you need to take. For instance, if you do not have strong math skills, you may need to take basic math to help prepare you for more advanced classes.
High school students will need to submit their school transcripts with the application materials. If you have earned any college credits, you will need to submit transcripts from the college where you earned the credits. With either high school or college transcripts, your school may send these directly to the college you apply to, or you may have official paper or digital copies that you send yourself. This will depend on your school’s preferred process.
Some colleges require an application fee that you will need to submit with your application materials. The amounts vary between schools, but they range between $35 and $60 for undergraduate applicants. If you have difficulty paying for the application fees, you can contact the school to determine if they can waive the fee based on hardship.