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College Applications

There's no doubt about it— college applications can be complicated. Do you need help navigating through the details? Follow these tips for a successful application process.

Start early.

In the summer or early in the fall of your high school senior year, contact schools that interest you. In addition to your favorites, pick alternates. You don't want to find out you didn't get into a school when it's too late to submit applications to others. Phone numbers and web sites for Minnesota schools can be found at Find a School.

Read your mail.

Check your response mail from schools immediately. A letter might contain important deadlines, directions for admittance or steps you need to follow to receive housing or financial aid.

Apply to more than one school.

It's always a good idea to apply to four or five different schools to help your chances in case your first choice falls through.

Ask teachers and high school counselors for help.

As part of the application process, colleges require high school teachers and career counselors to submit information about you, such as transcripts, report cards, recommendation letters, and profiles. You are responsible for contacting your teachers and counselors, explaining your needs clearly, and tracking their progress.

If your counselor is a member of the Naviance Network, he or she can skip the paper process. Almost everything can be done electronically, including matching you with scholarship awards, tracking applications, tracking teachers who are writing recommendations, and sending all the required paperwork to colleges and universities online.

Complete the application form

Tips to apply at three major higher education institutions in Minnesota:

  • State colleges and universities. A single application form can be used at any of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in Minnesota. Applications can be found with your high school career counselor, at any state college or university, or online at www.mnscu.edu.
  • Private colleges, universities, and career colleges. For private institutions, you'll need to contact each location individually for applications. You can also check out the Minnesota Private Colleges Council or the Minnesota Career College Association for information and links.
  • University of Minnesota. Request an application at the university's admissions office.

To apply at other colleges:

  • Find out if the college accepts common application online forms, which have become a popular way to apply to multiple schools. Instead of filling out separate applications for each school, you use a Common Application and send it to participating schools. This application can also alert your teachers and high school counselor and track the progress they are making with the required paperwork. Many private colleges accept Common Application forms.

Whichever application you're filling out, follow these quidelines:

  • Look for application instructions in the school's catalog and follow them exactly. Don't hesitate to ask your parents or career counselor for help.
  • Always make copies of everything you submit.
  • Wait two to six weeks for a response to your applications.

Create a checklist

Since each school has different application requirements, you need to keep track of the following tasks for each school you apply to:

  • Application fees. If the fee presents a financial hardship, ask if you can have it waived.
  • Application deadlines. Many private college deadlines are early— often in January or February for priority status— while state colleges and universities welcome admission applications throughout the year.
  • Transcripts and other certificates. Is a high school transcript or GED certificate required?
  • Test scores. Are ACT, SAT, or TOEFL test scores required? Undergraduate Admissions Tests are used for admission and/or placement at many schools, but may not be required of adults (especially at two-year colleges). If you are applying for a graduate or professional program, you may need to take a Graduate Admissions Test.
  • Essays. Do you have to submit an essay along with the application? A short essay or personal statement may be a good idea even if it is not required. If you've been out of school for some time, it gives you an opportunity to describe your background, academic interests, and motivation.
  • Letters of recommendation. Especially if you've been out of school for some time, you should compile references from employers or professional acquaintances who will comment positively on your abilities.

Remember to keep all of your school information in one place!

Supplemental steps for adult students

Not all admission requirements apply to adult students who have been out of school for some time. Although usually not required, you might also want to consider supplementing your application by including:

  • A copy of your resume
  • A list of the education you've had since high school, including continuing education, certifications, or training received through your job.
  • An electronic portfolio indicating your education and work accomplishments.

Check into financial aid and scholarship opportunities

Regardless of your income, it is a good idea to check into your options for financial aid and scholarships at Pay For College.