FAQs about applying to college?

citivas
Sat, 02 Sep 2023 00:38:07 +0000

Tried to read the above and not be redundant but sorry if I missed one…

What are ED, ED2, EA, SCEA, REA and RD and what is the difference between each?

Does it matter if I apply with the Common App or Coalition App if I have a choice? What’s the difference?

If I got an AP Scholar or Scholar with Distinction award, should I include that in my application – will it help?

If a college sends me emails encouraging me to apply, does that mean I’ll probably get accepted if I do?
[and: But what if the email seemed really personalized to me/my student?]

How do I know if I will be able to afford a school (before I bother applying)?

Is a school is test score optional, do they really mean it (i.e. will it really not hurt me to not send them), and how do I decide if I should send scores or not?

How do I know if a college is a safety, likely, match or reach for me?

Do colleges prefer the SAT or ACT?

If it important to tour or do info sessions for colleges I may apply to or does it not matter for admission?
[variation of the demonstrated interest question but some people may not recognize that demonstrated interest is related to their question]

If a college says additional information (extra questions, video submissions, etc.) is optional, is it really or should I always do it?

Why do some people posting here seem to have impossibly high GPAs – how can I compete with that? [every school calculates weighted GPAs differently]

If my GPA and test scores are below average for a college, is it still worth applying?

If I know someone with lower stats than me that got into a school, does that mean I probably will to?

How does a college know if I am taking the most rigorous classes at my school?

I can’t afford the submission fees for applications, is there a way to apply free?

Is it more important for me to get an A or to take the hardest class even if it may lower my GPA?
[If I have to chose between risking a B in the hardest class or am confident I can get an A in the next level down, which is better for my applications?]

Should I explain why my GPA isn’t higher in my college essay?

Should I talk about my [ADHD, Anxiety, OCD, etc.] in my essay?