Wondering what you need to do to apply for college or career school?

Applying to college, career school, or graduate school means more than just filling out forms. For a successful college application, you first need to understand each school’s admission requirements, gather information, meet deadlines, and pay any necessary fees. Plus, each school has different application requirements and deadlines, so it’s important to get organized.

While the application process may seem a little overwhelming, you can use the following information to get ready and figure out your next steps.

Narrow Your Application Choices
Research Admission Requirements Carefully
Develop a Timeline or To-Do List
Consider Applying Early
Application Tips
Special Considerations

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Narrow Your Application Choices

There’s no magic number when it comes to how many school applications you submit. One isn’t enough, because that school might not admit you. More than 10 might be too many because applications take a lot of work and you need to do a great job on each one. Also, most schools have application fees, so costs can add up. (Many schools waive fees for low-income students.)

The bottom line: Applying to a few schools that really interest you is better than applying to as many as you can.  If you’re not sure what schools might be right for you, see our information on choosing a school.

 

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Research Admission Requirements Carefully

Every college has its own application requirements. Different programs within the same school may even request different items. Learn exactly what a school requires by visiting its website or checking with its admissions office.

Start preparing well before the application deadline and make sure to check and double-check everything before you submit it

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