The application process can be overwhelming. Transcripts, essays, SAT scores, financial aid forms — from the time you begin looking at colleges right up until you send in your deposit, the to-do list only grows longer.
But for those of you who know where you want to go to school, or for those of you who know that you want to stay instate, there are a few alternatives to the standard application process that may make your life easier.
ONE-STOP SITES
In an effort to make college more accessible and to demystify the application process some states have created “one-stop” college websites to assist their students.
More than 35 states now offer one-stop sites such as North Carolina (cfnc.org), Georgia (gacollege411.org) and California (californiacolleges.edu). Here students can find information about the state’s schools both public and private and admission and financial-aid applications. Additionally these sites provide free SAT prep classes class planners career information and virtual campus tours. Some sites even allow students advantages unavailable elsewhere including access to state-sponsored scholarships. If you’re interested in staying local Google your state to find out if it offers a one-stop site to help guide you in your college search.
ON-THE-SPOT ADMISSION
If you want to bypass the hassle of completing online application forms and avoid the nerve-wracking wait for an acceptance letter attend an on-the-spot admission session. This service is available at some colleges like the University of Houston, West Virginia University, the University of Maryland and Suffolk University.
Preparing for a session is simple: Bring with you your transcript SAT scores teacher recommendations and a strong desire to attend the college. You’ll meet one-on-one with an admission officer who will ask you questions and evaluate your application materials before giving you a definitive answer.
If you’re accepted you’ll receive a letter in the mail at a later date. If not the admission rep will explain to you what you can do to improve your chances. Don’t worry — if you get an admission offer you don’t have to accept on the spot!
On-the-spot admission practices and requirements vary by school so it’s important to contact the admission office or review the college website before showing up. While some schools require a completed application others may simply need to see your grades and test scores.
Whichever resource you use to apply to college remember that there’s no wrong way to complete the process so do what works best for you.
