What do I need to submit a college application or apply to a university?

FREE INFORMATION ON STUDENT LOANS: Student Loans Tips

 
The infamous college application sits in front of you. You may think the college application is a confusing, lengthy
process. In actuality, applying to college is far from difficult. It is easy if you know what you need to submit with your college application so you can start your college education off smoothly.

Basic College Application Requirements

Each college and university will state exactly what items you need to send them with your college application, but in general you need to send the following six items:

• High school academic record
• High school extracurricular activities and achievements
• Standardized test scores such as the SAT, ACT, and AP exams
• College admissions essay(s)
• Residency status
• Financial Aid information

High School Academic Record

Your high school academic record should include your high school transcripts. The college needs to verify that you have earned the appropriate high school credits. Plus, many college scholarships rely on your academic achievement.

High School Extracurricular Activities and Achievements

Part of the college admission process is to determine if you have are an active student. You will need to list any academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities you have been involved in. You can find college scholarships that match many of these extracurricular activities. College scholarships can be a great way to find money for college.

Standardized Test Scores

The college admissions board will need to review the scores you earned on the SAT or ACT. They will also factor in any advancement placement exams you have passed.

College Admission Essay(s)

The number and topic of the college admission essays vary from college to college. Typically you will have to write an essay response regarding your motivations for attending college.

Residency Status

The residency status is important for public colleges and universities. If you are considered "out of state" meaning you lived in a different state before coming to college then you will have to pay a higher tuition. If you are considered "in state" then the tuition is less. The college education tuition is less for "in state" students because they have paid taxes through the state government in the past.

Residency requirements vary from college to college. Residency status may also play a factor when you are applying to a scholarship program and looking for grant money for college.

Financial Aid

Do you need to borrow money for college? Financial aid helps many college students find money for college. The requirements for financial aid can be very specific.

Take your time filling out your college application to ensure that you have filled it out correctly. Submit the six items mentioned only after checking the admission requirements from each college. Don't forget to pay any college application fees required with the college application. You don't want your application process to be delayed because you forget the application fees.