Application Plans
Most colleges have a January 1st RD deadline. You hear back in March-May. You can apply to as many of these schools as desired.
REGULAR DECISION
-Introduction: Tell a captivating story from your campus visit or another significant interaction with the college.
-Draw the reader in and allow the admission officer to envision you on campus
-Ensure this moment is connected to the main points of your essay
WHAT IS ...THE MOMENT IN TIME?
A word, phrase, sound, or object that not only serves as a unifying element but also reflects a personal insight or emotional experience
ANCHOR OR HOOK
Ask your guide personal questions:
1. What other colleges did you apply to?
2. How many hours a day do you spend studying?
3. What do you love/hate about this college?
4. What do kids do over the weekend?
5. What’s the party scene? Is drinking prevalent here? Fraternity/Sororities?
6. How do students show their school spirit?
WHAT IS...QUESTIONS TO ASK ON A CAMPUS TOUR.
1. Demonstrates Interest
2. Enhance opportunities for admission at selective colleges, especially private colleges
3. Gather pertinent info for the “Why this college?” essay question
4. Curate college list that that aligns with your academic, individual, and social preferences
WHAT ARE...REASONS TO VISIT COLLEGES
Deadline: Usually November 1st, but some schools are mid-October
Non-Binding: You receive an earlier decision but are not obligated to attend, if accepted
Plan often required for merit scholarships
Multiple Options: You can use this plan to apply to multiple schools unless restricted
EARLY ACTION
-Share past interactions with the school: previous visits, family connections, or meetings with admissions officers at college fairs.
-Sets the stage for transitioning to a discussion about your connection to the college
WHAT IS...CONTEXT OR BACKGROUND FOR MOMENT IN TIME
Choose a vivid, specific story that captures an important experience. Instead of just recounting what happened, add a reflective layer: What were you thinking or feeling at that moment? What did you learn about yourself in that instant?
Reflect on how this moment affected you emotionally or intellectually.
MOMENT IN TIME
1. When called on, stand and introduce yourself, give your name, class of 20.., and High School
2. Address the presenter by name (note name and title)
3. Don't ask questions that only pertain to you
4. Try to ask “In your opinion” questions
WHAT IS...HOW TO ASK QUESTIONS AT INFO SESSION?
1. Join college mailing lists
2. Engage with college emails by clicking on links
3. Follow college on social media
4. Explore college websites extensively:
5. Explore academic/ majors
6. Investigate extracurricular activities, athletic programs, and Greek organizations
7. Research opportunities for internships, conducting research, and studying abroad
8. Contact admission representative by email for any inquiries
WHAT IS...WHAT IF YOU CANT VISIT IN PERSON?
WHAT IS...VIRTUAL VISITS & VIRTUAL SUPPORT
Deadline: Similar to EA, around October-November 1st.
Binding: If accepted, you must attend that school and withdraw all other applications. A binding contract signed by student, parent and school counselor.
Limit: You can only apply to one school.
EARLY DECISION
-Use building names, professors' names, activity names, & class names.
-3-4 clubs you want to join
-1-2 professors whose course/research is relevant to your central passion
-1-2 specifically interesting facts about the school
-2-3 internship or career opportunities relevant to your central passion.
WHAT IS...GATHER DETAILED & SPECIFIC INFORMATION
This is where you explore the broader impact of the moment in time. Reflect on how that initial experience extended into other areas of your life. How did this single event change the way you approach challenges? How did it shape your future decisions?
Example: “That experience on the court began to influence how I approached other challenges, from leadership in my school club to my passion for fashion. I started to trust myself more, realizing that I could handle the unknown.”
OVERARCHING STORY
1. Meet the presenter personally/shake hands
2. Ask if your State/Region rep will be available
3. Get business card of presenter/everyone you meet
3. Send presenter an email thank you note
WHAT IS...THINGS TO DO AFTER THE INFO SESSION
1. Contact the admissions office to schedule visit
2. Attend the information session
3. Take official campus tour
4. Attend a class
5. Meet with a professor, coach,
pre-med advisor, club advisor, student
6. Interview
7. Visit residence halls
WHAT IS...HOW TO PLAN COLLEGE VISITS
Definition: Cannot apply EA or ED to other private schools. Can apply to public schools EA.
Deadline: Around November 1st.
Limit: Apply to only one school.
Schools Using this Plan:Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, Cal Tech, Notre Dame, Stanford
RESTRICTIVE EARLY ACTION
Section 3:
-Draw parallels to a core activity
-Identify an activity or leadership role
-Showcase your passion, continuity, leadership, and impact
-Explain how you plan to contribute to a specific program or initiative at the university.
WHAT IS...DEMONSTRATE PASSION, CONTRIBUTION & COMMUNITY IMPACT
End with a strong reflection on personal development
Tie ending back to the moment in time. How have you changed? What lessons did you take away from your experiences? How do you see the world differently now?
Reflect on how you are a different person now because of this journey and what you’ll take forward with you.
Example: “I used to be unsure of myself, hiding behind my insecurities about my height and my interests. But now, I’ve embraced those parts of myself. Volleyball taught me resilience, and fashion helped me express who I truly am.”
GROWTH/CONCLUSION
1. How would you describe your fellow students?
2. Are the students here friendly?
3. What makes the student body unique?
4. Is there diversity on campus?
5. Are there many students from other countries?
6. Do students of different races, cultures, religions, and classes interact easily?
7. Is it easy to make friends? What are the best places to meet people?
WHAT IS...QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STUDENT BODY
1. Dress neatly
2 Pay attention
3. Take good notes
4. Ask questions
WHAT IS...TIPS FOR A COLLEGE INFO SESSION
WHAT IS...HOW TO HANDLE A COLLEGE INFO SESSION
Definition: Accepted on First-come, first-served basis
Deadline: No set deadline, apply as soon as possible
Advantage: Applying early increases chances for scholarships and admission
ROLLING ADMISSION
-Conclusion:
-How do you intend to contribute to the college community through your core activity?
-Can you echo the spirit of the mission?
-Use the same verbs?
-Link back to a moment in time introduced at the beginning of your essay.
WHAT IS...REFLECT KEY ELEMENTS OF THE MISSION STATEMENT
Instead of saying, "I felt nervous during my first game," SAY: "That nervousness made me realize how much I craved validation. Over time, though, I began to find strength within myself, learning to trust my abilities even when the outcome was uncertain."
By applying these techniques, your personal statement essay will not only tell your story but also deeply engage the reader in your journey of self-discovery and growth.
REFLECTION OR REFLECTIVE WRITING
1. Are internships available? How do you find them?
2. Is Career Services helpful?
3. Do you have an advisor or mentor?
4. Does your school have a co-op program ?
5. Are there opportunities to build leadership skills on campus?
6. What options exist for service learning in the community?
7. Do employers recruit students on campus?
8. How easy is it to find summer jobs and other kinds of work through your school?
9. Who are some of the notable graduates from your college?
10. How visible is your school's alumni association on campus?
11. What kinds of hands-on or practical experiences have you had in and outside of the
WHAT IS...QUESTIONS ABOUT CAREER SERVICES & PLACEMENTS
-What other colleges did you apply to?
-How many hours a day do you spend studying?
-What do you love/hate about this college?
-What do kids do over the weekend?
-What’s the party scene? Is drinking prevalent here?
-How do students show their school spirit?
WHAT IS...QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK YOUR GUIDE ON A COLLEGE TOUR