The application forms used by colleges and universities vary a great deal. Some ask for little more than basic biographical and academic information on one side of a piece of paper while others can be several pages long. Regardless of the form it takes, it is important that you recognize the fact that the application is the primary tool the admission offices use to collect information from you. The questions asked and the credentials required tell you a lot about the school, and the answers you provide, and how you provide them, tell the school a lot about you.

Completing applications takes time, a lot of time if you are going to do a good job. You should know that even the mechanics of the completion of the application form is a significant "sorter" for the admission office. A sloppy, incomplete or late application sends a very clear message to the college, whether that was your intention or not. You would expect that the college would favor the applicants who have taken time with their application, have followed directions, and who have presented themselves in the best possible manner.

You should answer all of the questions asked on the applications honestly and forthrightly. The application is not a place for you to be modest. List your accomplishments and activities as requested. Some students find that attaching an easy-to-read résumé is easier than trying to make your information fit within certain boxes or on lines. If you attach anything additional to your application, however, be certain that you have followed the instructions on that application very carefully. Some schools will not accept attachments! The basic information from most applications is transferred into a computer file when it is received, and not having the necessary information in the appropriate place at the time of entry into the program could be detrimental.

In the past few years, there has been a proliferation of computerized and on-line applications which are making the mechanics of applying much easier and neater. In many viewbooks and paper applications, you will be offered a disk version of a college's application if requested. By investigating the Web sites of many colleges and universities, you will find still other applications which can be started and/or completed on-line. Many of the sites listed in the first section on the links page provide online application services for hundreds of colleges.  Be careful: you should not have to pay any company a fee over the college's usual application fee.

Have your completed application proofread and be certain that it is neat and clean. It is suggested, but not necessary, that you type or word-process your applications. Do not rely on mom or dad, or mom's or dad's secretary to do your typing. A "sanitized" application or essay could actually work against you. Before mailing any application, you should make a copy of it to keep for your records. Make sure you affix the correct amount of postage to the envelope. Inform your school counselor as you mail each application.

Some colleges request that all application materials be sent together in one envelope. Many colleges have a two-part application process. These schools ask you to first submit some basic information along with the application fee and then send you the longer second application. Some state university systems, such as those in California and New York, centralize their application processes. One application is completed and mailed to a central office, along with the appropriate fees for the campus(es) to which you are applying. The central office then distributes your application to the campuses you specify.