Preparing your application and gathering all the attachments (transcripts, application fees, essays and recommendation letters) can seem like putting a puzzle together. Here are suggestions to help you prepare a strong resume, get good letters of recommendation and create an interesting and unique essay to highlight your leadership abilities, academic skills, and creativity.

The Resumè
Long before you start filling out applications, you should be working on your resumè. The resumè tells facts about the real you and the type of student you are.

• This is the tool you will present to the recommendation writer.
• Begin your resumè in your freshman year of high school
• Use Microsoft Word or an on-line resumè program.
• Most commonly used headings are:
  • Educational Information
  • Talents/Awards/Honors
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Community Service
  • Employment/Internships/Summer Activities
  • Achievements:
    • Attach copies of any awards, certificates, or scholarship awards.
    • Use numbers or percentages to verify your achievements.
• Continually update your resumè.

The Letters of Recommendation
Firsthand observations by an experienced professional can help create a favorable impression for you that might not be available any other way. Obtain the recommendation by:

• Choosing a teacher, counselor, or coach that really knows you.
• Provide the educator with a copy of your resume showing your grades, interests, talents, and achievements.
• Be sure to give the educator at least three weeks before the letter is due.
• Provide a stamped, addressed envelope if the educator will need to mail the recommendation letter directly to the college.
• Always follow up with a thank you note to the person that writes the letter of recommendation.

The Essay
All other parts of your application tell about what you have done. Your essay tells the admissions committee who you really are. Write, proof read, revise, and rewrite until you get it RIGHT! A carefully, well-known written essay can positively affect your chances for admission.

• Choose Your Topic
• You may be asked to respond to a topic chosen by the college or to select your own subject. These general hints will help you get started:
  • Narrow your topic and try to be as specific and interesting as possible.
  • The easiest topic to write about is you.
  • Explain what distinguishes you as an individual candidate
    
• Preparing to write
  • Organize your thoughts.
  • Consider your purpose.
  • Develop a framework for your essay.
  • Convey your ideas clearly and easily.
  • Leave room for flexibility and creativity.
• Writing Your Essay
  • Write the first draft with the main focus on content.
  • Reveal yourself in your writing.
  • Show rather than tell.
  • Illustrate your points with specific examples and interesting details.
  • Make any necessary changes:
    • Organization
    • Style
    • Grammar/spelling
• Ask several people to critique your revision.
• Make sure the essay is in your "voice" and style.
• Do not abbreviate or use acronyms.

Application Tips
The application is your first representation to the college, so fill it out neatly, completely, and correctly.

• Make several blank copies of the application so you can have at least two drafts.
• Complete the application so you can have at least two drafts.
• Read it through completely before you begin to write.
• Type your responses or use black ink.
• If you make a mistake, use liquid whiteout and retype or rewrite your response.
• Check for errors, and ask someone else to check or money order.
• If you apply on line, remember to submit application fee, signature page, transcripts, and letters of recommendation by regular mail.
  

Acceptance Letters/Decision Time

• Early in April, you will receive your college acceptance letters and financial aid award letters.
• Review and compare the letters and make your final decision.
• Be sure to send your to the college of your choice on time.
• National Reply Date is May 1.
• Write a letter to every college to which you were accepted, informing them of your decision.

The Texas Common Application
By completing the Texas Common Application you can apply to thirty-five different Texas public universities and colleges with one application.
Pick up a paper application from the career center.

• The application will list all the application deadlines, financial aid deadlines, and FAFSA codes.
• Refer to the instructions to see what essay is required for each school.
• Proofread all the applications and essays.

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