The admissions process can seem to be a daunting task from the onset; that is why we decided to compile a list of practices to follow when applying to a school or program. The following are our tips for tackling the admissions process:
- Be Yourself
Schools often sift through a lot of applicants touting their best qualities and offering reasons they can improve the university. While it is important for students to put their best foot forward, they often forget that this approach has been done before.
Therefore, students must learn to think outside of the box when it comes to college applications. Don’t replicate every other applicant’s ideas, values, and strengths; instead, students must embody their own identity, find the true value behind their successes, and learn to reveal their quality in a unique and honest way.
- Read Instructions Carefully
Reading the instructions provided for an admissions application is the only way to ensure that one knows what is expected; the directions prepare individuals to provide the required information.
The instructions may vary depending on a number of factors: whether the student successfully completed advanced placement (AP) courses during high school; if they are an international student; if they desire to apply for financial aid; if the program they are interested in requires a separate enrollment and acceptance outside of the school’s admissions; and whether they plan to attend class online, in person, or both. By reading and adhering to the directions, students will more easily and more successfully complete their admissions application.
- Craft a Uniquely Compelling Essay
The aforementioned advice rings true, as it pertains to admission essays that students compose. Schools might have read thousands of essays in which students hope to gain the attention of admissions counselors. How many essays do they read depicting how sports enabled each student to understand the true value of success?
By crafting an interesting, unique essay that goes even deeper—such as discussing the reason behind their success; what honest mistakes they made along the way; and how to craft this prior success into monumental moves in the future—individuals can drive schools to make double a take. Admissions counselors want to know that each student can dig deeper than just retelling a story, and doing so can show off problem solving and analytical skills, therefore gaining the interest of the school.
- Edit, Edit, then Edit Again
Once a prospective student’s perfect essay is documented on their computer, it’s time to edit. The editing process is not only extremely useful, but it is necessary. All professional writers edit and proofread their work. Authors often do not feel that a piece of work is completed until it has been developed, edited, and adapted to sound great, while communicating ideas effectively. Truthfully, admissions counselors want to see a grammatically sound essay when considering applicants.
- Proof the Application
On that note, it is crucial to proofread the entire application, as well. While it may seem like a lengthy process, reviewing one’s entire admissions application can make or break their possibility of being accepted into a university or a particular program. Because college admissions can become very competitive, a single mistake can discredit and devalue one’s application, regardless of the hours spent on it.
- Don’t Ditch the Deadlines
Deadlines are put in place for a reason, and if you snooze, you might lose. In many circumstances, the earlier students submit their applications, the better.
However, although we understand the need for deadlines, Florida National University (FNU) offers 16-week and 8-week terms simultaneously, eliminating application deadlines. Students can apply at any time to our online and traditional courses!
- Do Not Neglect Recommendation Letters
Universities and their programs might require prospective students to provide recommendation letters. Making sure to submit recommendation letters early on, from valid professional or education references is an important factor toward the effectiveness of the letter. If a recommendation letter is required, or even suggested, prospective students should always provide a letter, without a doubt.
- Complete All Components
Students need to ensure they have not missed anything during the application process. A handy checklist can help individuals keep track of how far along they are in the process; they will understand which items are left, and by what date each item must be completed. Missing an item on the checklist (which varies by school) can delay an application—no matter how impressive it is, otherwise. Double-check the checklist before submitting!
- Program Admissions: Separate, but Equally Important
At this point, individual program admissions have been addressed a number of times, but students considering these programs need to be aware of more details. For clarity, certain programs (often competitive specialty programs, such as Nursing) require students to apply and gain acceptance into a particular school, as well as the program of study. Students should create a checklist for these applications, as they may require:
- A certain GPA
- Prerequisites
- A test of common knowledge needed for success in the program
These are a brief collection of what programs might demand of prospective students. Get in contact with a program admissions counselor to learn more about what is expected of their students!
Need More Tips?
Applying to and entering college is a big transition in a young person’s life. Don’t sit around and struggle through the new process (and all of the big words that come along with it). In order to effectively tackle this change, here is US News’ dictionary of college terms that students need to know!
FNU: Walking You Through Admissions
Because we care to see each of our students succeed, we want to do everything we can to set them up for success. If prospective students have any questions regarding the admissions process, they should contact an admissions counselor. If you are still on the fence about whether or not you’d like to apply, please review our course programs. If one interests you, enroll today!
