Information Required For an Undergraduate Application

Applying to colleges is a tedious task, especially for students who are entering college for the first time. In order to make the process much less of a hassle, it is best to gather all the information that will be needed beforehand. There are some documents and records that must be sent directly from one school to another, such as official college, CLEP or high school transcripts, to reduce the amount of time spent in the application process.

The first step students should take is to write a general 300-word admissions essay. If a major has been decided upon, it should be stated in the essay why the major was chosen, future goals, influential experiences that resulted in that major choice and personal qualities and qualifications related to the major. Students who have not decided upon a major should state their educational goals and personal qualities. Essays should be typed neatly in APA format, with 12-point Times New Roman font and 1.5-2.0 line spacing; a cover page should accompany the essay. Not every school will require an admissions essay; mostly students entering a degree program at a university or state college will be required to fulfill this requirement.

After an essay has been written, three personal reference letters should be gathered. High school students should seek letters from teachers who are familiar with their capabilities. Previous employers are also acceptable, as well as professional references. Students should avoid letters from family members or friends. Records of ACT or SAT tests taken should be gathered. Nearly every school has a minimum score requirement for either or both of these tests.

Make a list of phone numbers and addresses of high schools, colleges or other educational institutions attended. Also make a list of contact information for references. Many undergraduate applications will ask students for their parents' educational background, so this information must be gathered if possible. Several schools will also ask for vaccination records, especially if a student is seeking an undergraduate degree in the medical field. If immunizations have not been completed, schedule an appointment with a health clinic to have them completed. Students will also need to know general information about their social security number, birth place, birth date and any previous convictions. Another important thing to consider about some undergraduate applications is application fees. Larger colleges and universities require these; funds will be required when the application is submitted.

Completed Essays
Academic Paper