Tour a few liberal arts colleges to gain insight into the number of students admitted each year. Schools with a liberal arts focus use smaller classes to give each student close contact with his professors.
Consult the list of application deadlines for each semester for timely delivery of admissions materials. You should set your personal deadline at a month ahead of the university due date to gain early consideration from admissions officers.
Research admissions programs designed for first-year students as you prepare to apply to a liberal arts college. Most colleges work with a select group of professors and admissions officers to help individual students acclimate to the college experience. You may need to fill out an application for these programs with your request for admission.
Arrange for high school and college transcripts to be sent to a liberal arts college. Your application will be placed on hold until the transcripts are received, so timely transcript requests to schools you have attended in the past are critical.
Complete standardized testing several months ahead of the application process to expedite the admissions process. Students need to take the SATs or ACTs depending on the region where a liberal arts college resides. The best time to take these tests is the summer prior to applying for admissions to ensure timely results.
Request letters of recommendation from a diverse group of people in the months before you apply to a liberal arts college. You should find a mix of former employers, teachers and friends who can speak to your thirst for knowledge.
Budget for initial fees associated with application to a liberal arts college. You should review each college's application fee, as well as the cost of retrieving transcripts and test results, to save enough money.
Indicate your choice of major and minor in your application to bring your experiences to the attention of admissions representatives. This step is ideal for students interested in a specific area of study, because the admissions office will focus mailings and emails on information relevant to your major.