Fill out the Common Application. This is one form that almost every American college and university accepts as the main part of their application. Plan to spend several hours filling out the application very carefully.
Write the "personal statement" for the Common Application. There are books, websites and tutors available to help you understand what that essay should be like, and how to approach writing it.
Complete and print out the "Supplemental Application Forms" for every school to which you are applying. Some schools may not have a Supplemental Application.
Write any supplemental essays as carefully as you wrote your personal statement.
Request recommendation letters. Be sure to make your request two to three months before you want to send our your application. Get a copy for each school you are applying to. Have your reference sign across the seal of their recommendation envelope.
Request certified copies of your high school transcript. You will need one copy for each school to which you apply.
Submit your applications online when possible. Be sure to get everything in on time. Unfortunately, many colleges and universities receive too many applications to confirm receipt of individual applications. Some colleges will also collect their application fees online when you submit your application.
Visit the College Board website and submit your SAT, SATII, TOEFL, etc. scores to every college or university where you have applied.
Mail hard copies of your recommendations and transcripts and anything else that could not be submitted online to each college or university. Be sure to mail everything together in one organized manila envelope. Do not forget to send checks for the application fees to universities that could not accept online payment.