2. Apply online.
Back in the day, paper applications were the only option. Today, thanks to something called "the internet", the college application process has been streamlined and is much simpler. While paper applications can still occasionally be requested from schools or printed from their websites, online applications are preferred by both colleges and your counselors. With online applications, there is less chance for information being mishandled or lost and applications are often processed much faster.

3. Be truthful, but don't sell yourself short.
Your application is your opportunity to make yourself stand out from the other applicants. Don't hesitate to brag about yourself and tell of all the wonderful things you've accomplished. At the same time, though, do not embellish and make your personal resume full of questionable accomplishments. A dishonest application can ultimately come back to haunt you in a serious way.

4. If necessary, update your email address.
You may have had the same email address since you were in junior high, but it might be time for a new one. A lot of communication between colleges and applicants is done online and it's hard to be taken seriously as an applicant when your email address starts with something like "cool_guy_2017"

5. If something is optional, do it.
Some college applications include portions that are optional. With thousands of applications to sort through, my opinion is that a college would not include anything on their application that they aren't interested in seeing. If it's optional, do it.

6. Check and double check.
Once you think you're ready to submit your application, go back through it one more time. Depending on the length of the application, making sure it is complete can be somewhat overwhelming. If you want to be really careful, have someone double-check to be sure you have everything completed. If your application requires some sort of personal statement or essay, it's not a bad idea to have an English teacher proofread it. Your counselor can offer suggestions on content if you're not sure what direction to go with the essay.

7. Pay attention to deadlines. Don't procrastinate!
You are responsible for meeting deadlines so it is very important to stay on top of them and not put things off until the last minute. Especially if you are applying to a school with a priority deadline, do not wait until the last minute. If something has to be postmarked on the 15th and you request a transcript or letter of recommendation on the 14th, there is no way it is going to get there on time. Considering the number of students we assist, we ask for ten school days to prepare any materials you need from us. This gives us plenty of time to be sure deadlines are met by everyone. If your application needs to be postmarked on the 15th, have it done on the 1st.

8. Request a transcript.
Speaking of transcripts, your application is not complete until the school you're applying to has received your transcript directly from MSHS. In order for this to happen, you must see Mrs. Shore in the attendance office and sign a transcript request form each time you want a transcript sent. With most applications done online, we are not aware that you have submitted an application unless you tell us. Once your application is submitted, please see Mrs. Shore the next day to request a transcript be sent.

9. Check test score requirements.
Your SAT and ACT scores are shown on your official transcript that will be sent from the high school. While most colleges and universities will accept the scores shown on your transcript as "official," there are a few that will not (Purdue and the University of Illinois, for example). If a school requires test scores come directly from the testing agency and you did not include that school as one of your four freebies on your ACT registration, you will need to have these scores submitted on your own. This can be done (for a small fee) at ACT.org and collegeboard.org.

10. Follow up.
Follow up with the people you asked to write letters of recommendations. Were they sent? Ultimately, completion of your application is your responsibility. Once the application is submitted, if you're curious about the status of your admission or even if your application has been received, you can contact the admissions office at that school for verification.

We assume that if we don't hear from you, everything is going well. So, as always, please stop by and see us with any questions you have!