10 Tips for Applying to College

Choosing a college can be overwhelming, but the application process doesn’t have to be. These tips from Bentley’s Office of Undergraduate Admission team can help to guide you and serve as a resource to ensure a smooth application process for applying to all the colleges on your list.  

“One of the most important things to remember is to start early,” says Donna Kendall, associate vice president of enrollment and dean of undergraduate admission. “If you find yourself close to the application deadline, prioritize manageable tasks on your checklist — and don’t forget to ask for help if you need it. High school counselors and college admission counselors are great resources.”

In addition to starting early, here are 10 tips to help you with the college application process:  

1. Create your college list. What’s important to you? Things to consider: location and size, majors and minors, campus life and extracurricular activities, athletics, food and dorms, cost and acceptance rate. In addition to the hard copy brochures and ads you receive in the mail, spend time on college websites and social media channels to get a feel for the place and what it offers, and think about teachers, friends or family members who are alumni of the school that you could ask for a personal perspective.  
2. Visit campus. A visit to a college campus will provide you with the opportunity to discover if the culture and location is going to match what you’re looking for in a campus community. Take a student-led tour and try to ask questions of actual students on campus. Be sure to ask questions at the Admission Office and follow up a visit with a thank you email to people you met. If you don’t have the time or resources to visit in person, consider a virtual tour or attend a virtual event.  
3. Schedule a college interview. If it’s an option, a college interview is a great opportunity for you to share more about yourself — beyond test scores and academics — and let an admission counselor know why their college or university is a good match for you. Be sure to prepare by researching the institution, knowing your strengths and weaknesses and identifying why the particular school is right for you.  
4. Check application deadlines. Many colleges offer various application deadlines — early decision, early action, regular decision and more — but it is important to know the details of each before you decide which one is right for you. Please note that some of these applications, like early decision, are more binding than others if you are accepted! 
5. Explore ways to apply. Many colleges accept either the Common Application or an application directly through their college website. The Common Application is great for efficiency because undergraduate applicants can use it to apply to more than one college (check to see if the schools you are interested in accept it) — so it may save you valuable time.   
6. Determine application requirements. In addition to an application deadline, each school has requirements such as high school transcripts, letters of recommendation and an essay. Some colleges also offer options such as supplemental essays, which is a great way to highlight all the things you offer as an applicant.  
7. Write your college essay. Many applications require at least one essay. Once you know the essay prompt, start brainstorming so you have time to complete it. Be sure to answer the question asked, choose a topic you're passionate about and stay within the required word count. Make it specific to your personal experience, and make sure it has proper grammar and is free of typos! Need help? A high school English teacher may be a good resource. 
8. Get letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation come from trusted individuals who can speak to your character and work ethic. They give insight beyond your grades and test scores and can make a big difference when it comes time for a school to make their decision. Ask teachers, coaches, and other mentors who know you well and can really speak to your unique strengths. Start asking for letters as early as possible! 
9. Understand financial aid. Need-based aid is determined by examining your family’s income and assets. Eligibility is determined by a standardized formula, and the aid can also include loans and work-study. To apply for aid, you and your parent(s) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online; apply online and on time. Some colleges also require a CSS Profile, so check the requirements. 
10. Explore scholarships. Merit-based aid is awarded in recognition of your achievements or special attributes, including athletic, artistic and academic accomplishments or community engagement. There are many places that offer scholarships, including government entities, colleges, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and more. Check for scholarship opportunities with your high school counselor and use a free search engine such as CareerOneStop’s scholarship search tool, FastWeb or Big Future from the College Board. (Search carefully and don’t pay. Keep in mind there are some unscrupulous companies waiting to scam you.) Colleges also have options for students from various demographics or who are pursuing a specific interest or discipline. Bentley, for example, offers several FirstGen Presidential Fellow scholarships and financial support for participants in the Women’s Leadership Program. Be sure to check each college’s website to see if you are automatically considered for scholarships at time of acceptance, or if some of them require an extra application or essay. 

For more information on how to keep your college search on track, check out our Admission 101 web page.