7 Lifesaving Tips for Filling out Those Endless College Applications ...

1. What's the Deadline?

It's important to know the deadline for each college application you plan on submitting. If you submit past a deadline, the college may not consider your application. Once you receive all applications, make a note of deadlines, and record these on a calendar or set a reminder on your phone. Don't wait until the last minute. If possible, mail applications at least 30 days to two weeks before the deadline to ensure a timely arrival.

2. Follow Instructions

College applications have detailed instructions, and it's important to read and follow these instructions closely. If you can't follow directions, this doesn't present you in the best light, and it could hurt your chances of getting into the school of your choice. To avoid mistakes, read the application thoroughly before providing any information.

3. Proofread

Whether you're filling out an application or writing an essay, it's important to carefully proofread your work. Yes, you're excited. But in your excitement, you might make a few typos or grammatical errors. Complete the application and write your essay, and then set both aside for a couple of hours. When you return to proofread, it might be easier to spot mistakes.

4. Use an Extra Pair of Eyes

It can be hard to catch our own errors. For that matter, once you've completed your application and essay, have your parent, a friend or sibling proofread what you've written. This person might spot mistakes you've missed. Ask this person to check every line of your application and essay.

5. Be Honest

Understandably, you want to get into the college of choice. However, it's important that you don't fudge information and that you're completely honest. Even if you impress a college admissions board, lying on your application may cause the college to renege on your acceptance. Be honest with regard to any extracurricular activity and volunteer work.

6. Get Your High School Transcripts Early

You need to submit your high school transcripts with your college application. Since you'll have to request this information from your school, put your request in early. If you wait until the last minute, the department that handles transcripts at your high school might have a backlog of requests, which can delay getting your information. And unfortunately, if you get your transcripts late, you might have to submit your application late.

7. Confirm Receipt

Your college application might get lost in the mail. About a week after mailing your application, contact the college to confirm receipt, and to confirm that you've completed the application properly. If you mail off the application early, there's time to correct any mistakes you've made, or send another application if your first one becomes lost in the mail.

Getting into the college of your choice is exciting, and you might look forward to the future. But dealing with college applications can be stressful. There are ways to have a worry-free experience. It starts with knowing the deadlines, and it's important to follow instructions. What are other tips for filling out those endless college applications?