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How to Apply to College Online

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Applying to college has become simpler since the advent of online applications. There are two types of online applications. The first type is the Common Application. This is a standardized application, created and supervised by a committee of high school guidance counselors and college admissions officers, that is accepted at a large percentage of the nation’s colleges and universities.

The other type are the applications that are specific to a certain college or university. Many schools require that you fill out their version of an application instead of the Common Application. Even with these schools however, an online version of their application is usually available.

To apply online, visit the websites of the colleges and universities that you want to apply to. Then navigate to the admissions page and read the school’s application procedure thoroughly. Regardless of whether the school uses the Common Application or their own specific application, you need to make sure you are following all of the rules correctly.

It helps to print out the application guidelines from each school’s website so that you can check them off as you go. Most colleges and universities will provide either a link to the Common Application or to their own application on their websites. Make sure that your computer is capable of reading and editing .PDF documents before you begin.

Before you fill out any applications online, print out examples of the applications and do trial runs with a pen and paper. Make sure you know what your answers will be for all of the questions. If the application requires essays or personal statements, read over the essay guidelines and then write drafts of them in a separate computer document until you are satisfied. Then you can simply copy and paste the essays into the online application. When you’re ready to complete the online application, make sure that you set aside enough uninterrupted computer time to be able to work on the application with your full concentration.

Additionally, remember that certain components of the college and university applications must be completed by your school and your teachers. Make sure to be organized with these parts of the application and to follow up with your school officials to make sure they submit them.

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