Ready to Apply to College?
Here’s Where to Begin
Welcome! My name is Eric, and I’ve spent the past twenty years as a high school teacher, writing coach, and college admissions counselor.
You’re in luck: You’ve stumbled across my collection of resources for creating your best college application and finding a school where you will flourish.
So, where to begin?
A great first step is to get a copy of my new book Write Yourself In: The Definitive Guide to Writing Successful College Admissions Essays, which was just published by Simon & Schuster. It contains everything you need to develop a strategy, write great essays, and put together fantastic, compelling applications.
But if you’re not ready to crack open a book yet, never fear! This website has free resources to help you get started.
Grades 9-11: Roadmap to College
If you’re a freshman, sophomore, or junior in high school, start by looking at my “Roadmap to College,” which is the welcome gift when you sign up for my free Admitted newsletter.
If you’re a junior, you’ll also want to check out this application timeline. It’ll give you an overview of the most important steps in your college application process.
Seniors: Start Now!
If you’re a senior (or you’re about to be one), it’s time to get rolling. Here’s your timeline, and here’s exactly what to do (do the steps in this order):
Start by asking yourself: What do YOU want in a college? Most students skip this step, but it’s very important. In fact, it will be the foundation for everything else you do. This activity can help.
Next, start putting together a list of colleges you’ll apply to. Here’s a Google Docs template for your college list; my book has tips for using online tools to find great schools (pp. 224-228 and 264-266). Your list can – and should – evolve over time.
Begin researching costs, financial aid, and scholarships. Costs and financial aid options vary widely from school to school, so make them part of your strategy from the beginning.
Write a resume or activities list. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it just needs to list everything you’ve done in high school. Free sample resumes are here; detailed instructions are on p. 267 of the book.
Get your recommendations and testing in order. Many schools require 1 or 2 teacher recommendations, and some require standardized test scores. If you need them, ask teachers for references, then prepare for and take the SAT or ACT.
Start working on your Common App personal essay. Chapter 4 of my book covers the personal essay in depth, including examples of essays that worked. To get started right away, here are free activities to help you brainstorm a topic.
Create an account on the Common App (or Coalition App) website, start filling out your biographical information, and start adding some schools to your account.
Get rolling on your supplemental essays, one school at a time. It’s best to wait on this step until your Common App personal essay is in good shape. More on supplements in Chapters 5-6 of my book and on my College Essay Guide page.
As you go through these steps, you’ll find resources to help you on two pages: one with articles and essay guides, and another with downloadable worksheets and exercises from the book.
Keep Calm & Carry On
Still not sure where to dive in? You could start by browsing the Admitted archives, reading the essay guides page, or – even better – by reading my book! Write Yourself in will give you expert, insider information most people never learn: how the admissions process works, what admissions officers are looking for, and the keys to putting together a great application.
To see for yourself, check out a sample of the e-book on sites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble (keep in mind the book is available everywhere, including your local indie bookseller!).
Whatever path you choose on your journey to college, I’m glad you’re here. Applying to college is a ridiculous amount of work, but it’s worth it, because it will change your life.
Good luck, and keep in touch. I look forward to being your partner on the road ahead!
