Organize paperwork for your college applications.
College applications typically require a long list of items for completion, including the application itself, essays, recommendations and school transcripts. To be successful, stay on top of the paperwork and complete the applications in time to meet the colleges' strict deadlines. Use a planning system that works well for you, whether it's paper or electronic, to keep everything for your college applications organized.
Instructions
1. Make a checklist for each college that you plan to apply to. Include all of the items that you'll need to send in with your application. You may need to send some of these items, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, separately. Many colleges include a checklist with the application.
2. Label a file folder for each college. Use it to keep paperwork separate and organized. Start by putting the checklist into the folder. As you accumulate more of the required items, insert those into the folder as well.
3. Create a timetable for each of your college applications. Include the due dates set by the college, as well as the ones that you set yourself. For example, the college has an application deadline, but you may want to submit your application sooner. Break up the application into smaller tasks---writing the essay, requesting recommendations---that each have their own deadlines. Write this information down on a calendar or planner or enter the information into your PDA.
4. Request personal recommendations from teachers or test scores from the school. Inside the college's file folder, record the date you made the request for the item and who was contacted. Enter a follow up date in your planner to check on progress.
5. Arrange the paperwork in each folder. When you have all of the items that you need for each application, go through your folder and arrange the papers in checklist order. For example, the application may come first, followed by your essay, test scores, school transcripts and recommendations.
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