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Featuring Susan Reantillo, executive director of admissions for Queens College (Queens, NY)

Q: I have no idea when to start applying for  

college admissions

 .

A: Here's an easy-to-follow schedule to make the admission process a cinch...

Junior Year (or earlier)
1. Visit your school's college guidance office to find out what resources are available and to introduce yourself to your counselor.

2. Make a wish list of your preferences with respect to the college you hope to attend. Consider the following as you create the list:

• SIZE of the school (it does count here!)
• LOCATION. Do you prefer an urban, suburban, or rural setting?
• COST. Tuition and additional expenses.
• CURRICULUM and ACADEMIC PROGRAMS. Include particular programs or academic activities you want.
• TYPE OF SCHOOL. Is it a public, private, commuter, residential, two-year, four-year, religiously affiliated, single-gender college, etc?
• EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS. Include athletics and cultural, social, religious, and ethnic interests that are important to you.

3. Discuss the list with your family and refine it as necessary.

4. Begin to make a reasonable list of universities based on the profile you are developing and the advice of your counselor. By reasonable, I mean both in terms of the number of schools and the feasibility of being admitted.

5. Start asking about PSAT/SAT/ACT schedules and letters of recommendation. Gather information about the schools on your list. Use the resources of your guidance office, visit the local library, attend college fairs, contact admissions offices, and visit college Web sites.

Senior Year
1. Visit as many campuses on your list as possible. The best time to do so is when classes are in session. Be sure to ask about admissions procedures and real costs (including books, fees, transportation, and living expenses).

2. Choose the schools you will apply to (I recommend no more than 5-10), and make sure you have applications and filing instructions for each. Remember that almost all colleges charge application fees -- another good reason to refine your list to a reasonable number.

3. Prepare essays as necessary.

4. Submit applications. Each college may have a different deadline date, so be sure to check. Keep copies for your records and please, make sure that the application materials are legible!

Now the waiting begins.

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