•  Keep the applications in a safe place so THEY WON’T GET CRUMPLED.

• When you have accumulated a few applications, get three clean and clear photocopies of each one.   PUT THE ORIGINALS AND TWO COPIES BACK IN THE SAFE PLACE.

• The third copy is to be used for the rough draft.  This lets you make sure everything fits.

• When everything is just right, fill out the original.  [Remember:  you have copies in case you mess this one up!  Aren’t you smart!]

• Before you send it in, make a copy of the completed version.   This is a lifesaver in case the original gets mislaid.

• If applying online:  make sure you have all the information at your fingertips before you start.  (HINT:  Print out a copy of the application, fill it in and – when you are sure EVERYTHING is correct, then plug it into the online application.)

• Read instructions carefully.

• Submit EARLY – 10 days to two weeks before the deadline.  Last minute Fed-Ex packages are NOT impressive, - it just means you either procrastinated or you are unorganized.

• TYPE IT – unless it is required to be handwritten.   If you are a word processing genius and can get the machine to actually type the form, GREAT.  Do it.  Or, put everything on the word processor, then cut and paste NEATLY into the correct places on the form – especially for essay questions.

          Typing tips:

a.                    use a new, black ribbon

b.                   use standard typeface/font – NEVER cursive

c.                    use good, heavy bond paper if you have to add to your application (NEVER erasable-it will smear and be messy looking.)

d.                   if you make a lot of corrections with fluid, make a photocopy (at a professional photocopy place so the correct size paper is used and duplexed [printed on both sides] – submit the photocopy

e.                    if the application is in a booklet, carefully take it apart

f.                     if the application has double-sized sheets (8 ˝ x 17) and is folded, put a blank sheet inside the fold to absorb the ‘shadow’ effect of the typing

If you must hand print, do it NEATLY AND LEGIBLY in BLACK ink.

• Spelling 

  Misspellings make you look stupid.  And they look  like you don’t care.  Get someone who knows how to spell to proofread your draft

   

• Listing your major 

  a.                   make sure this college actually offers the major (Just because they have Journalism courses does not mean they offer it as a major.)

  b.                  avoid pre-med, pre-law – those are not majors.  Major in something to get ready to go to  med school – that makes it ‘pre-med’ – but the major is not called “Pre-Med”…

  c.                   make sure other info backs up what you want to major in – if you are failing pre-cal, don’t list Math as your major; if your SAT verbal was 450, do not list English; etc., etc. 

  BE NEAT, BE COMPLETE, BE EARLY.

• If the Guidance Center  is going to mail your completed application:

• COMPLETE the application:  answer all the questions, giving all required information.

• Sign the application.

• Assembly the other documents as required - Essay(s), Letter(s) of recommendation, Secondary School Report/Evaluation (give to the Counselor 10-14 days prior to the mailing date).

• Request a transcript in the Main Office; check off “Give to Bro. Al”.  The first transcript is free; all others cost $2.00. Include the application fee; use a check or money order. See that all of your materials bet to Bro. Al ready to be mailed. When everything is complete the full application will be mailed from the school.

• If you are applying online, tell Bro. Al.  He needs to know  when to send the transcript, etc., since there will not be a complete application going out from the Guidance Center.

• If you wish to use a different procedure,  TELL BRO. AL.   Transcripts still need to be sent from Nolan.