With this school year coming to an end, college is an increasingly popular topic in everyone’s mind. To help take some unneeded pressure off. The Cougar Claw researched five tips and tricks on applying to college.
1. Finish the application. While this sounds like it doesn’t need to be mentioned, many people stop halfway through the application when a problem arises. The college application process can be daunting when someone doesn’t have someone to walk them through it. Yet the best thing that students can do to get into college is to apply.
2. Look at the resources provided. Many colleges including the University of Utah (801-581-8761) have an advisor over applications or an office of admissions that are there to help answer questions. In addition to college resources, for those in our community still in high school, Kearns High School has a college access advisor. Dani Service is in room 200 and says the best way to contact her is “Just have them walk into my office, I am normally free for questions.”
3. Get recommendations. Most people know that getting recommendations from teachers in high school can benefit your chances of getting into college but what they don’t know or think of is that they could also get recommendations from workplaces and credible people.
4. Apply for FAFSA. FAFSA is a simple application form on studentaid.gov that can provide loans, Pell grants, and even work study to help students get through college. Dani Service explains that she thinks “Everyone should apply for FAFSA because you never know if it could be worth it.” This is such an easy step that could make a huge difference to the application process.
5. Look at colleges with the best programs pertaining to your interests. Dani Service mentioned, “People tend to just look at colleges with the best ratings.” Yet those ratings depend on what major it’s intended for. Some schools have better fine art programs or business programs than others. It’s important to do research into what will benefit the career you are going into. This doesn’t seem important now but will help with the decision of what colleges to apply to.
Keep these five things in mind when applying for college and they can increase your chances of getting into college. Whittle down which college you want to attend, and it can help you get through college financially. There is always someone to help guide you through this process no matter where you are in life, don’t be afraid to ask for help [email protected].