Open a word processing document and then a resume template, depending on your word processing software. Click on "Save As" in the "File" menu. Name the document and save it to your desktop.
Enter your contact information into the template. Include your full legal name, current address, telephone number and email address. If you have an interesting hobby or skill about which you keep a blog or website, include the website address underneath your email address to show admissions decision makers that you are a well-rounded applicant.
List your education background starting with the most current information. Include the name of your school(s), where they are located and your graduation year. List the cumulative grade point average you achieved at each school.
List your honors and awards directly underneath your educational information. Such information includes honor roll, National Honor Society membership and awards given to you by your subject-area teachers.
Document your employment experience chronologically, starting with your most recent job, going backwards in time. Include the name of your employer, your job title, your number of months or years of service and a two to three sentence description of the services you provided.
Document your community service. College admissions decision makers want to know that their applicants care about their communities. List your community service information the same way that you list employment information, chronologically with a volunteer title, if any, and a volunteer job description.
List your references. Get permission from people who think highly of you before adding them to your references list. Such individuals could include, but are not limited to, your pastor, your teachers and employers.
Click the "Apply" button on the college website to which you plan to apply. Create a user name and password to access the online application. With rare exceptions, the majority of colleges process applications online.
Log in and complete the college application. Provide the college with your biographical information such as contact information, academic history, standardized test scores and extracurricular activities. Some college applications allow you to upload supporting documents such as a resume.
Write your college essay and paste the text into the college essay text field. Some colleges could require you to attach your essay in a word processing document. Although every college has different essay guidelines, most require you to write a personal statement of intent that includes your personal, academic and career goals. You can write the essay yourself or get help from your English teacher or guidance counselor.
Pay the application fee and submit your college application. Use a credit card to pay the application fee, which varies among colleges. Once your payment has been confirmed, press "Submit" to send your application to the college for review.
Order your standardized test scores and academic transcripts. Colleges do not consider your application complete until they receive test scores and transcripts. Such items must be ordered directly from the academic institution(s) you attended and sent directly to the academic institution to which you are applying.
Standardized test scores can be sent directly to the college by the test provider. As of 2011, The College Board, which administers the SAT, sends free score reports to four colleges of your choice and charges $10 for every score report requested thereafter.
Have those individuals you asked to write letters of recommendation on your behalf send their letters directly to the college admissions office.