Fill out the transcript form (cannot be done over the phone) via Carolyn Ehman in the Counseling Office (not College Center)
Have someone proofread your application before you press send.
Use your essay (if there is one) as a chance to show admission officers that you’re more than your grades and test scores.
Send a college resume (see example on our college website)
Keep a list of when you send your application, transcript and application fee (or fee waiver-if you are on free-reduced lunch, come to the College Center to fill out paperwork for a fee waiver (5 max)
DON’T:
Procrastinate
Lie or exaggerate-it will come back to haunt you.
Leave off important details. For example, if you play in the school band, include what instrument you play.
Get sloppy with typos.
“Borrow” ideas for your essay. Your essay should be your own.
Go over the word limit for the essay. Admission officers have limited time and sometimes tens of thousands of essays to read.
Drop the ball once your application is sent. Write thank you notes to recommendation writers and call colleges to see if your application is complete.
Be a pest.
Types of Colleges
Community College: A two-year institution of higher learning which provides vocational training. (An Associate of Arts Degree, Registered Nurse Degree or Associate of Applied Science Degree.) ex. St Louis Community College, St Charles Community College
Technical Schools: Two-year institutions which offer occupational programs intended to prepare students for immediate employment with an Associate of Applied Science Degrees. These schools also offer certificate programs and specialized training. State Technical College of Missouri in Linn, MO. is a public community college. Ranken Technical College is a private, not for profit, Technical College.
College: An institution that offers a four-year Bachelor degree.
University: An educational institution that offers Bachelors degrees plus a Master’s degrees or PhD’s.
Liberal Arts College: Four-year colleges that emphasize programs of broad undergraduate education.
Military Academy: West Point (army), Annapolis (Navy), and the Air Force Academy prepare officers for the military. These institutions require recommendations and appointments by members of Congress. If accepted, you do not have to pay tuition and upon graduation you receive a stipend. They offer degree programs in engineering and technology with concentrations in various aspects of military science.
