College applications can get rather confusing. You’d think it would be a somewhat straight-forward process, but some applications can have a whole host of things you need to do. There’s a lot of information you may need to send over – forms, emails, evidence, even tests!
It can be a stressful, tedious wait for your college’s response, so there’s nothing wrong with checking in and updating any further information. To make sure you have completed everything to the correct standard and that you miss no deadlines, it’s actually a really good idea to follow up your application. Here are some details on what you may not know and some steps you can take to do it in the best possible way.
Don’t ignore emails
Most communication will be done through emails. So make sure you are frequently checking on email threads that your application has been sent via. Respond to emails immediately to avoid any forgetfulness, and always keep the threads in a safe place where you can access them at any time.
Send thank you notes
There can be many stages to a college application – a telephone call, a written discussion, an interview. In any of these scenarios, it is polite to thank the correspondent for their time and follow up on anything further info you feel they may need to know – and vice versa. A thank you note is especially important after attending an interview – it is your chance to express gratitude and show how much you are interested. You’ll stand out as committed and well-mannered.
Ensure you are providing the correct information
There may be times when you need to provide supplementary information for your application – evidence, test results, etc. This might not be obvious at first so ensure you make thorough checks and read through the process at each stage. It will also be great to inform them of any further qualifications, experiences, or awards you may now have achieved which can help boost your application.
Follow up on recommendations
Providing a reference is an aspect of your application that is out of your hands. You should always choose a trustworthy peer to have as your recommendation and remember that it is ultimately your sole responsibility to ensure the full information is provided correctly.
Make sure they know all your details
It’s important that you update the college and notify them of any changes that may affect your application. Whether this is your personal details or even information on your grades. Keep organized and follow up on anything that you are not sure about. Plus, it’s also worth letting them know if they are definitely your first choice!
Don’t bombard them!
It’s important you read all application instructions carefully. Some colleges will give specific directions on how you can or can’t contact them. In fact, some colleges particularly don’t like too much follow up due to students bombarding them with unnecessary and inappropriate information.
Try not to get stressed, the best thing you can do is be organized and make sure you are on top of everything! Certainly don’t be afraid to follow up, it can be an excellent way for you to stand out from the crowd. However, be sensible – only contact them if it is necessary or if there are any changes in circumstances.
