If you’re a high school senior, with hopes of attending a great college in the fall, all is not lost if you have not yet applied to, or gotten accepted to, your dream school.
Although the application deadline has passed for all of the Ivy League schools, and many other elite institutions, there are many colleges popular with New Jersey students whose application deadlines for the 2022-2023 academic year fall in February or even March.
While this is not the ideal time for college-bound students to begin the application process, those who find themselves in this boat – due to procrastination, challenges from COVID, or any other reason – should follow a few guidelines.
1) Be selective. Don’t waste your time applying to schools that you have no interest in attending. Identify colleges that offer your major of choice and meet your other requirements, based on factors such as location, cost, and availability of on-campus housing.
2) Make a list of the application requirements for each of the schools on your list. The majority of colleges accept the Common Application, which you can fill out online. So, do this application first. Advise your guidance counselor (through Naviance or whatever system is in place at your school) of the colleges to which you are applying, as your counselor will need to submit your transcripts and recommendation letters.
3) Write a solid essay. The Common App requires one essay of 250 to 650 words, and literally allows students to write about anything as one of the essay prompts reads, “Share an essay on any topic of your choice.” Students should write an essay that depicts a personal quality or accomplishment of which they are particularly proud. Frequently, students can use this essay even when applying to colleges that do not take the Common App.
4) Proofread and submit to colleges still seeking applicants. Ask someone you trust to proofread your applications, and then promptly submit them. Remember, there are many great schools that are still accepting applications. Universities popular with New Jersey students that have February 1st application deadlines include Stevens Institute of Technology, Ohio State University, University of Michigan, Gettysburg College, Ithaca college, Marist College, Quinnipiac University, Miami University: Oxford, and North Carolina State University. There are even popular colleges with March 1st deadlines, including several in New Jersey: Monmouth University, Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Ramapo College, and Rowan University.
Students seeking a positive end to the college application process should finalize their applications soon, while the options are still plentiful!
Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of Collegebound Review that, for the past 25 years, has offered PSAT/SAT® preparation and private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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