You Submitted Your Applications, Now What?

You are entering the final stretch, and it’s easy to think that once you’ve submitted your application to a college, you’re done and all you have to do is wait.

But there is one more final step you’ve got to take before you go into waiting mode. You have to make sure your application is complete – meaning the college has EVERYTHING they require to evaluate your application.

This week, that’s your focus and we’ll give you some tips for how to do it and what to do if you have any problems. Plus we’ll throw in some tips for scholarships, since once you’re admitted, you’ve got to figure out how to pay for it.

WEEK 46 TO-DO’S

THIS WEEK

• Check in on all of the applications you’ve submitted and make sure they are complete. Chase down any missing pieces and resolve any problems promptly.

• Continue finalizing your applications one-by-one. If you’ve been following the 52 Weeks series, your essays are finished and it is now just a matter of finalizing things for each of your remaining colleges. For tips on finalizing, see Week 42.

• Submit any applications that are due by November 30. For more tips, see Week 43.

• If you submit any applications this week, alert your recommenders and school counselor so they’ll send the necessary supporting materials and order test score reports if needed.

• Continue working on your financial aid forms. You have probably completed the FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE forms by now. So what’s left are the college-specific financial aid applications and local scholarship applications. Aim to submit these forms within a week of submitting your application to the college.

• Respond to any invitations for interviews and interview. See Week 45 for tips.
  
  

THIS WEEK AND EVERY WEEK

• Check your email, voicemail, texts, and snail mail for any communications that relate to applying to college. Read them and take whatever action is necessary. See Week 19’s post for tips on how to handle being contacted by colleges.

• Update your parents about what you’re doing. This regular communication will work wonders in your relationship with your parents during this stress-filled year.

TIPS & TRICKS

1. Confirm that the applications you have submitted are complete by checking with the college. Most have some sort of applicant portal where you can confirm, but some give other directions or follow up with email confirmations. Whatever the method is for the particular college, use it. The only way to know that your application is complete FOR SURE is for you to have confirmation from the college. Just because the Common Application says "downloaded by the college," or your counselor has confirmed to you that something was sent, or Naviance shares some sort of status, does NOT mean that the college has put item(s) in your application file. Until you have confirmation from the college itself, you don't have confirmation – period. If you have not received confirmation within two weeks of having submitted the application, contact the admissions office to check the status of your application.

2. Resolve problems promptly. If you discover that something is missing from your application file, then it is up to you to fix the problem. Clarify exactly what is missing. Identify the fastest way to get the missing item to the college and into your application file. Then take action and get it done. Be as proactive as necessary. Let the college know that you are aware of the problem and working to resolve it.

3. Call rather than email. You can often get the whole problem resolved in one phone call, whereas email often requires a long chain of back-and-forth correspondence.

4. Always be polite and respectful. No matter how frustrating these snafus are, being angry with others will probably make it harder to solve your problem, not easier. Any rudeness towards the admissions staff will also be noted and could be held against you.

5. Keep an eye out for the college-specific scholarship opportunities. Often you can’t apply for a college’s scholarships until after you’ve submitted your application.

6. Think local for other scholarship opportunities. Local sources are not as well-publicized and often underused. Many local businesses, civic, business, and professional organizations offer small scholarships that can really add up. Don’t limit yourself to an internet search. Ask your school counselor, ask your parents, your friends’ parents, your boss or supervisor from any internship or job, the manager of a local business, the president of a local organization. Network, network, network. It can pay off!