How to Complete a College Application Form
Getting into the college of your dreams depends greatly on the quality of your application form. In reviewing your application, college admissions officers look at your transcripts and test scores, as well as extracurricular activities, academic interests and your personal essay. In order to complete a college application form, make sure to be patient and take your time.
- Research, decide on a college and request an application form. You may have to request it by mail, by phone or download it from the college’s website.
- Fill out the personal information section. This section of the application asks for your legal name as it appears on official documents; date of birth; permanent home address and phone number; citizenship; desired major; career plans; if you plan to apply for financial aid; and whether you are applying as a new or transfer student.
- Provide your educational information. In this section you provide the name and address of your secondary school; type of school; dates attended; name of guidance counselor; names of colleges and universities attended and degrees received, if applicable.
- Provide your test information. Fill out the date in which you took or plan to take the ACT, SAT I, SAT II, and TOEFL, if applicable.
- Enter your family's information. This section asks for parents’ names; home address and phone numbers; occupation and employer; colleges attended and degrees; parents’ marital status; and names of brothers and sisters and their colleges and degrees.
- List personal, volunteer and extracurricular activities. The application asks for positions held, honors won and if you plan to participate while in college.
- Describe academic honors and distinctions you have won since the ninth grade. List your work experience, including any summer employment during the past three years.
- Describe in a short answer which extracurricular activity or work experience has been most meaningful in your life.
- Write a personal essay on selected topics listed on the application. This essay helps the admissions officer know you better as a person and student.