Deciding what kind of university you want to attend requires a lot of soul searching, but the application process can be much more confusing and difficult. Every college requires a different application, so any prospective students must be prepared to take various tests and write different essays. Once you have figured out the schools to which you want to apply, you must research each school to discover the application process.

Typically, most universities release their applications in the fall of the year before. Students should access these applications as soon as they are available to prepare themselves for essays that need to be written and for the required standardized tests.

Once you have researched the application process of the schools you wish to attend, you must then examine the requirements. A prospective student will learn what standardized tests to take, and begin to fill in their personal information. University applications are all digital and can be found on the university’s website. Most of the personal information is straightforward and only requires the student to provide their name, birth date, etc. Students should also take notice that a high school transcript is usually required, and they should take this matter up with their high school counselor immediately.

Perhaps one of the most intimidating parts of a college application is the essay, or personal statement. Many four year universities require applicants to write an essay, or more than one essay, to display their prowess and skills. This is a crucial part of the application, and can be the deciding factor in your acceptance. That being said, you should not over-analyze the essay and write meaningless information. Here are some tips for writing the personal statement for a college application.

First of all, write the essay in a calm, non-rushed mood, meaning way before the deadline. Students should write the personal statement in a library, or other quiet environment where they can concentrate. These essays are prompted, so students can take the initiative and brainstorm before actually writing the essay. Keep in mind that when you are pressed for time, the essay is more likely to contain grammatical errors, and you will probably forget to include important information about yourself, so write the essay with the deadline months away.

Second, the applicant should not focus too much on scholarly achievements. Sure, schools want to know you had a 4.3 GPA, belonged to the Honors Program and took five AP classes, but keep in mind the application reviewers can see all this on your transcript. You ware taking up space writing information they already know when you could be further convincing them to accept you.

Students then wonder: what do I write about? Applicants should devote the essay to, of course, answering whatever prompt is provided, but they should also note their extracurricular activities. Universities want to know what you do besides school that makes you a good student to select. Applicants should include extracurricular activities, such as school sports, jobs, clubs, volunteer service, or something similar to make you stand out. Universities like Harvard are quick to point out that Bill Gates attended their school. Including your extracurricular activities can convince universities that you may be another Nobel Prize winner in the future, and someone the college can brag about.

Also vital in the essay is to include any hardships you may have faced. This is your one chance to explain anything to the university. For example, you may wish to describe that your GPA dropped to a 3.5 during your Junior year because you had to work two jobs in order to support your family at home. Students can also point out that, although they got a C in algebra, the college should notice that no one got above a C and maybe the teacher is to blame. The personal statement is your chance to tell your University about who you are, and why you deserve to attend that school.

Before submitting your application, make sure to have a parent, or other trusted source, proofread everything you have done. Your editor should not only make sure that you have put down your correct address, but should also look for errors in your essay. Teachers or counselors would also be good sources to proofread your personal statement. Make sure to print out any confirmation pages that pop up after submitting your application. Although most applications will be completed online, if you must mail something to the school, make sure to make copies in case your package gets lost in the mail. Your potential future at a college should never be decided by a technical error.