What are the best ways to streamline the college admissions process for students?

1 Start early

One of the best ways to streamline the college admissions process is to start early. This means doing your research on potential colleges, their programs, their admission criteria, and their deadlines. You can use online tools, such as College Board or Niche, to narrow down your options and compare different schools. Starting early also gives you more time to prepare for standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT, and to retake them if necessary. You can also work on your essays, personal statements, and letters of recommendation well in advance, and avoid the last-minute rush and stress.

2 Organize your materials

Another way to streamline the college admissions process is to organize your materials and keep track of your progress. You can use a spreadsheet, a calendar, or an app, such as Common App or Coalition App, to list the schools you are applying to, their deadlines, their requirements, and their fees. You can also store your transcripts, test scores, essays, and other documents in a folder or a cloud service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, and label them clearly. This way, you can easily access and submit your materials when needed, and avoid missing any important steps or deadlines.

3 Apply online

A third way to streamline the college admissions process is to apply online whenever possible. Applying online can save you time, money, and paper, and make the process more convenient and secure. You can use online platforms, such as Common App or Coalition App, to apply to multiple schools with one application, and to track your status and updates. You can also use online services, such as Parchment or Naviance, to send your transcripts and test scores electronically, and to request and submit your letters of recommendation online. Applying online can also help you avoid errors, delays, and lost mail, and ensure that your application is complete and received on time.

5 Be selective

A fifth way to streamline the college admissions process is to be selective and realistic about the schools you are applying to. While it is good to have options and to apply to some reach schools, it is also important to limit the number of schools you are applying to, and to focus on the ones that match your interests, goals, and qualifications. Applying to too many schools can be overwhelming, costly, and counterproductive, and can reduce your chances of getting accepted to your top choices. You can use online tools, such as College Board or Niche, to estimate your chances of admission based on your GPA, test scores, and other factors, and to select the schools that are best suited for you.

6 Follow up

A sixth way to streamline the college admissions process is to follow up with the schools you are applying to, and to confirm that your application is complete and received. You can check your email, phone, or online account regularly for any updates, notifications, or requests from the schools. You can also contact the admission offices by email or phone if you have any questions, concerns, or issues with your application. You can also send thank-you notes to the people who wrote your letters of recommendation, and to the admission officers who interviewed you or reviewed your application. Following up can show your interest, professionalism, and appreciation, and can help you stand out from the crowd.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?