College is certainly a time for self-discovery, and excepting the few that know exactly what they plan do with their life by the time they are eight years old, it is likely that most entrants will change their path between application and graduation.  This doesn't excuse you from doing a bit of upfront research, however, as you'll still need to be able to explain to the admissions office who you are and why they should bring you into their program.  Remember that you do have some control over this situation.

 

Some students will take the shotgun approach to college applications - fill out as many as possible and a few are likely to hit the target.  This method may be fine for the student that really doesn't care where he ends up in the fall, but it is inefficient and may not get you what you're looking for in a college education.  Take the time to:

 

Do a self-assessment:  You have likely had teachers and parents steering you in multiple directions as the end of high school comes closer.  Set that aside for a moment to consider what you'd like to study given a blank slate.  Don't just think about what you may want to do for a career once you leave college, but reflect upon things you enjoy studying on your own, or subjects you haven't gotten to but would like to get into.  This is absolutely the right time to work in hobbies, sports, and extra-curricular activities that you enjoy, as these may guide your college decision.

 

Do the research:  Use the links below, or buy/borrow one of the many books that highlight colleges, and sit down on a rainy Sunday to match up your self-assessment with a handful of schools.  Where you have outstanding questions, don't hesitate to call the admissions office or department directly to make an inquiry.

 

Take the ACT/SAT:  It's a necessary evil, so get it over with.  Whatever your opinions on the validity of these exams to indicate your success in college classes, most schools continue to place weight on their results.  Invest some time beforehand - check the library for preparation guides and sample exams (I've used the Princeton Review series for the GMAT and LSAT, and would highly recommend).

 

Get involved in your senior year:  Admission offices are really looking for individuals that can bring different strengths and perspectives to a campus.  Hopefully you've been involved in other activities all along, but if not, it's not too late.  In addition to creating memories that, trust me, you'll treasure later on, you will give yourself a hand in fulfilling the next two paragraphs.

 

Write an admissions essay:  Even if your schools don't explicitly require one, take the time to tell them about yourself in greater detail.  Make certain that you check the application materials, as they may specify a topic for the essay and you will want to ensure that you answer such a demand carefully and completely.  There is no rule that you can't include a second essay in this circumstance.  Remember, the goal of this exercise is to provide detail that may not be in the application, so pick those items about yourself that tell a broader story AND link it back to why you would benefit their campus.

 

Get recommendations:  Many applications will include one or two forms that you are asked to hand to a teacher for completion.  Foremost, ask these teachers early, as they are deluged with such requests.  Second, try to get recommendations that reflect the program you're applying for (for example, if you're going into the sciences, talk to your physics and calculus teachers).  As above, surpass expectations.  Ask your employer if he could provide a recommendation letter, on letterhead if possible.  If you have done volunteer work, see if a letter can be provided highlighting your work there.

 

Fill out the application:  Of the application exercises, do this last.  The truth is, most applications leave little room for creativity, but if you complete the above exercises, you'll be better prepared to show why you are the best candidate. 

 

Fill out the FAFSA and look for scholarships:  Talk to your guidance counselor and college financial offices.  Scour the internet and libraries for resources.  There are a lot scholarships out there, and many have very specific application requirements.  To start, though, get your parents involved in the FAFSA application, as they'll need to provide financial data in addition to your own. 

 

 

College Admission Offices