1. Meet With Your College Counselor
If you haven’t done so already, schedule an appointment with your college or guidance counselor to discuss your college plans.  Your counselor will prove to be an invaluable resource in this process.

2. Request a Copy of Your Transcript
Be sure to request a copy of your transcript and check to see that course names and grades are accurate.  Update any erroneous information.  If your school has a process for requesting transcripts to colleges, be sure to start this process as soon as possible.

3. Report Your Standardized Test Scores
Colleges may also require that official score reports be sent directly from the testing companies.  To report SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Test, Advanced Placement and CLEP exam scores visit The College Board’s website.  To report ACT exam scores go to their website here.  Check the score reporting policies at each of the colleges as they may differ from school to school.  If you are an international student and non-Native English speaker, you may need to send TOEFL scores as well.  Check with your counselor or visit the admissions office website for information about standardized testing requirements for international students.

4. Ask Teachers for Letters of Recommendation
Applications for admission will often require two letters of recommendation. Request these from your teachers as soon as you have an approved college list, providing as much lead time as possible.  When asking teachers to write recommendations, be sure they are willing to provide you with a supportive endorsement.

5. Write your Essays
Check the institutional applications and supplements for all essay topics and writing submissions needed to complete the application.  For essay writing tips read this.

6. Apply for Financial Aid
If you are applying for financial aid, make sure you know which forms each school requires for requesting aid.  Most schools will require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as the FAFSA.  Additionally, some schools may require the CSS Profile and/or a separate institutional application.  Send these as soon as possible, but no earlier than January 1.  With regard to financial aid, the early bird usually does get the worm.

Remember to check the requirements for each college as you are putting together your master checklists and be sure to track the status of each item throughout the process.  These reminders will help you stay on top of things so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday season.

* Write about something personal that tells a story about you. Write about something you know or have experienced.  The essay needs to give the reader a sense of who you are.  While the essay should address something personal, be very careful exploring topics that are generally uncomfortable or taboo.  For some good examples of bad topics, read this.

* Follow directions. Be sure that your essay addresses the question that is asked and that the length of the essay falls within the range indicated – generally 250-500 words in length, or one to two pages. Applications often include instructions on essay topic and length.  Admissions officers reading through hundreds – sometimes thousands – of applications appreciate students who adhere to the guidelines.

* Begin your essay with a clever opening. An attention grabbing beginning is likely to catch the eye of the reader.  Be sure the rest of the essay passes muster so you can hold the reader’s attention.  The essay should be engaging and the body and conclusion need to support what you set out to discuss in your opening.

* Avoid submitting your resume in essay form. Don’t repeat yourself by restating your extracurricular activities in your personal statement.  Your activity sheet should include all of these involvements and achievements already.  Your essay needs to explore a topic that is not already described in your application—unless you have something compelling to share about a particular experience that cannot be captured on your activity sheet.

* Proofread your essay. Review the essay with an eye for mechanics.  Correct all typos and grammatical errors.  Be mindful of your tone.  Make sure that your essay is neither too formal, nor too informal.  Any careless mistakes will signal to the admissions officer that you are not serious about your candidacy.

Remember that there is a real, live person reading your application.  Writing the college essay is a challenge, but also a great opportunity for you to share who you are and what makes you unique.