College Essay
The word limit on the personal essay.
What is 650?
When is the FASFA due?
What's the difference between an undergraduate and graduate degree?
Undergraduate degrees take 2-4 years, graduate degrees take up to 8 more years of school.
A general application service that will send your application to most colleges within the United States.
What is the Common App?
When do I need to start working on my application?
Around August going into your senior year, but it can't hurt to brainstorm early!
Extra essays asked by the college for the applicant to answer. They range from 200-500 words.
What are supplementals?
When are most college applications due?
(Around) January 1st.
What's the difference between a college and a university?
Colleges are focused on offering undergraduate degrees, while universities focus on both undergraduate and graduate programs.
This acronym stands for Grade Point Average.
What is GPA?
When will I hear back from a college?
Depends. ED and EA applicants usually hear back in mid-December, Regular applicants usually hear back in late March to early April.
How early should you start your essay?
As early as you'd like! The latest you should start writing it is October.
When are Early Action/Decision applications due?
(Around) November 1st.
What is a community college?
Do I have to submit test scores?
No! Some schools require it, but many are "test optional" meaning they will look at your scores if you send them, but it's not a required part of the application.
What is a liberal arts college?
A college that offers courses in the humanities, language, math, social and natural sciences. Students take 25-50% of the courses in their major.
How early should I start my supplementals?
As early as you'd like! I'd suggest not to start them until you're done with your personal essay.
When do I have to accept an application by?
May 1st, National College Decision Day.
What's the difference between a state college and a private college?
State schools are usually funded by the state. They have a bigger student population and are cheaper than private schools for in-state students.
What's the difference between Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision?
Early Decision = apply early, binding (if accepted, you will go)
Early Action = apply early, non-binding
Regular Decision = apply at the normal time of year, non-binding
What shouldn't I put in the Additional Information section?
Another essay! A research project abstract! Rule of thumb: if it adds to the application instead of recontextualizing it, don’t include it.
How do I pick a topic for my personal essay?
- Pick something you're passionate about
- Pick something unique to you
When do I have to declare a major?
Typically, the end of your second year (or fourth semester) of college.
What's the difference between an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree?
An associate’s degree takes two years to complete, while a bachelor’s degree takes four years.
What's the Additional Information section for?
It’s 650 words where you get to make yourself heard again. It’s a good way to explain specific extracurriculars or introduce context to your application if you think it’s relevant. It’s entirely optional.
Will my accommodations (IEP, 504, etc) transfer from high school to college?
Not automatically. Most colleges have a student accessibility department you can get in touch with in order to make sure you get the accommodations you need. Most professors are willing to give extensions/allow an accommodation if you ask.