First Steps

1. Improve your GPA by getting the best grades possible.
2. Take a standardized test (SAT or ACT). www.collegeboard.com or www.act.org
3. After getting test results, take a prep course if needed.
4. Visualize your college.  If someone had made the perfect college for you, what would it look like; location, size, academic program, student body, extra curricular, campus culture, weather, etc.
5. Search the web for colleges that fit your specifications. www.collegeboard.com
6. Make a list of the top ten.
7. Make appointment for parent and student visit with college advisor.
8. Visit as many colleges as possible.
9. During the visit:  write down impressions, ask for fee waiver, talk with students, visit a dorm room.
10. Adjust your list with this new information.
11. The top five should have at least one reach, one good choice, and one safety.
12. Get paper applications or apply on-line.
13. Ask a QAS faculty member (academic subject, junior year) to write a letter for you. 
14. Write an essay that reveals what you think and feel that is uniquely you.
15.   Check on-line (www.fastweb.com) and in the college guidance office for scholarship opportunities.

Remember:

College is a match to be made, NOT a prize to be won.  

LAST STEPS

1. Go on line to queenanne.org/college guidance/application
2. Fill out all the information for each college to which you will apply.
3. What to do for:

• ON-LINE APPLICATION:

Give Secondary School Report form to college advisor.

Give Teacher Recommendation form to college advisor.

• PAPER APPLICATION:

Give entire paper application, including all forms, essays, resume, to college advisor.

Give application fee check to college advisor.

• COMMON APPLICATION:

Check for any of your colleges that accept the common application

Application an be filled out on-line at commonapp.org

Fill out one copy only and bring it to your college advisor.

Check the list of application supplements for each college to which you apply.

• FOLLOW UP

You will receive a USPS priority mail receipt

Go on line to USPS and fill in the tracking number

CALL the college to make sure they have everything

        4.  YOUR COLLEGE ADVISOR WILL:

                 1.      Check all applications for accuracy.

2.      Make copies of each paper application.