Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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MARCH 11-17, 2015 UCW 23 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Filling out college applications doesn't have to be stressful. Here are some tips from the Methodist Universit y Admissions office to make the process easier. Students should start applying the summer before their senior year. Online applications are popular, and some services, like the CFNC. org application, will let a student complete one application which can then be submitted to several different colleges. It is recommended that students apply at five to eight preferred colleges. Of those, there should be a couple of safety schools, as well as a couple of schools that seem out of reach. Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and see what kind of financial assistance is available before giving in to sticker shock. Expect to pay a nonrefundable fee at each college, usually $35 to $50, though some offer waivers, especially for online applications. Colleges will want to see a high school transcript, which school counselors can help out with. Taking the SAT and/or ACT is something most colleges will expect, and again, school counselors can help. Keep an eye on deadlines, because it can take a month for test scores to be sent to colleges from testing agencies. Letters of recommendation are good, and sometimes required. Teachers or other adults who know the student well are great sources, as long as they're asked well before the deadline. Students can also talk with the letter writer, to make sure they are aware of any special achievements the college should hear about. The dreaded college essay seems like the hardest part, but it is usually more about a glimpse of students' character and strengths. Often, students can use the same essay on all or several applications. That said, students still shouldn't slack off on spelling and grammar. Proofread, proofread, proofread before sending in the essay with the application. Most admissions offices evaluate applications based primarily on the student's academic record. Grades and course selection are typically the most important factors. Highly selective schools typically place more emphasis on standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, recommendations and essays than less-selective schools, but many – even some highly selective ones – have become "SAT/ACT optional," allowing applicants to omit or replace test scores with a portfolio or special project. Talking to admissions counselors at the schools you are applying to, paying close attention to deadlines and requirements, and reading all communications from the institutions will ensure a smooth application process. ROXANNA ROSS . Methodist University Director of Marketing and Communications. Conributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly. com. 910.484.6200. Most admissions off ices evaluate applications based primarily on the student's academic record. Grades and course selection are t ypically the most important factors. Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Visions from Cape Breton TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 7:30 PM Call 910.521.6361 North Carolina SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 8 PM Givens Performing Arts Center Grant Llewellyn, conductor www.uncp.edu/gpactickets Tips for the College Applicant by ROXANNA ROSS