Avoid Common College Application Mistakes
Many common application mistakes can be avoided by reading and following the directions carefully. If you're still unsure after you've read the instructions, you should call the college's admissions office for clarification.
Don't forget to use spell-check on your college applications and essays. . .remember that spell-check only catches misspelled words. It helps to have other people, like your parents, teachers, or high school counselor, review your application to make sure you haven't overlooked something.
After you've double- and triple-checked your applications and essays, do one final check before you send it to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Have you:
- Included your application essays?
- Signed your application?
- Listed your intended major?
- Included your classes for your senior year?
Consider completing your college applications online at EducationPlanner.org. This free service will save you time and help you avoid submitting an incorrect or incomplete application. Apply online today.
Choose Your References Wisely
Many colleges ask for several letters of reference as part of the college application process. These are folks who can attest to your moral character, your interest in learning and attention to detail, your commitment to serving the community, etc.
These references should be written by people who know you well. You'll have a cast of characters to choose from: teachers, high school counselors, coaches, your minister, priest or rabbi, neighbors. . .your list of possible references can be substantial. Eliminate anyone you think may cast some sort of doubt about your skills, abilities or character; choose references who will paint the best possible picture of you.
As you narrow your field of potential references, contact your choices and ask them if they would be willing to write a reference for your college application. Give your references plenty of time to complete their recommendation; a good rule of thumb is about 3 to 6 weeks before the due date.
Scholarships and Grants
One of the most common statements heard from college students is they wish they had researched more scholarship and grant opportunities before they started college. Scholarships and grants are referred to as “gift aid” since they don't have to be paid back. The more free money you find to help pay your college costs, the less you'll have to finance yourself. It may not be at the top of your priority list right now, but once you graduate and start paying back student loans, you may find yourself saying, “If only I had taken the time to look for more scholarships and grants.”
Scholarships are usually based on academic achievement, athletic achievement, or a special talent such as skill in dance, music or writing. Scholarships may also be based on the major you choose as many businesses and state programs offer scholarships in support of students interested in specific areas of study. Many local scholarships are available through churches and public service organizations like the Lions Club, Rotary Club or NAACP chapters.
The place to start your scholarship search is with your high school counselor. They should be able to provide you with lots of scholarship information, especially a listing of local scholarships. You should also check out the free Scholarship Search on EducationPlanner.org.
Grants are monetary awards given to students and are usually based on financial need. State-sponsored scholarships and grants are available in most states (they differ from state to state) and are usually administered by the state's higher education governing authority or commission. All grant and scholarship programs have application deadlines and it's your responsibility to make sure you meet the deadlines.
Many colleges and universities offer monetary awards to students who can document financial need. All scholarships and/or grants you receive will be taken into consideration when colleges determine the amount of aid they will offer to you. The more free money you earn, the less the monetary award will be from the school.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first and most important form you need to complete in the student aid process. It enables you to be considered for most state and federal aid programs. The FAFSA should be filed as soon as possible after January 1st. You can access the FAFSA and complete it online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
Once you've exhausted all sources of free money, then it's time to consider student loans to fill in the gap in your aid package.
Career Highlight: Meteorologist
Weather affects what we do, what we wear and how we feel. It affects military operations, space shuttle lift-offs and landings and is responsible for some of the most catastrophic disasters known to man.
Meteorology is the study of atmospheric phenomena, especially weather and weather conditions. Usually this major is associated with weather prediction; however, it also has significance in environmental, agricultural, oceanic and hydrological sciences.
The major requires a solid foundation in mathematics and the physical sciences and offers a comprehensive overview of atmospheric science. Prep courses in science, math and liberal arts are taken in the freshman and sophomore years. Applied and theoretical topics are typically taken in the junior and senior years.
Numerous employment options exist for meteorology majors, including opportunities with industry, private consulting firms, television and radio, government and the armed forces.
Salaries for meteorologists range from about $39,000 to more than $119,000.
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