For incoming high school seniors, your last year in high school is approaching, and this means you’ll start applying to different colleges and/or universities where you could potentially spend the next chapter of your life in. Here’s a list of tips that will guide you every step of the way, from choosing schools to filling up your application form.
Before Applying
1. Select your CETs carefully.
The summer before my last year in high school, I was planning to apply to at least 8 schools. I ended up applying to only 4. The application process can be stressful and time-consuming (filling up application forms, preparing requirements, writing essays, etc.). Apart from school work, I had application requirements added to my workload. Not to mention the precious weekends you’ll miss because of taking the college entrance tests. Because of this, I advise you to think carefully about the schools you apply to. Only apply if you’re actually considering attending that school in the future. Overdoing it could just add unnecessary work or stress on yourself.
2. Be Updated about Application Periods and Deadlines
As early as June, start browsing the websites of the schools you’ve selected. Take note of important dates, such as the start and end of application period, the deadline of applications, and the date of the exam.
3. Inquire if your school does batch processing.
Batch processing is very convenient because the school/guidance office is responsible for getting application forms and submitting the accomplished ones afterwards. You can save yourself a lot of time and effort from going to the school to submit your application form yourself. The only downside to this is that you can’t accomplish your application form at your own pace since the school will pass every student’s forms and requirements all together.
4. List down your achievements and past membership in organizations.
Some application forms will ask you to list down your past achievements (whether academic or extracurricular), participation in competitions/seminars, and your membership in school organizations (such as varsity teams, student council, etc.) and even organizations outside school (youth group). Before application period starts, try to recall the details of these so that it would be easy for you to write it down on your application form later on. You may even ask the help of your teachers or parents if there were some achievements/activities you missed.
Application Period: Requirements
1. Learn about the nature of the application process.
While some schools still give out paper forms to be filled out by applicants, others have upgraded their application process. Find out how you’re supposed to apply to these schools, whether you need to fill out a form by hand (like in the case of Ateneo) or fill out an online form and submit scanned copies of your requirements (like in the case of DLSU). Some online applications also require you to download the forms to be filled out (recommendation forms, scholastic record, etc.). By learning about the process, you’ll know what to prepare (like a scanner, for example).
2. Prepare your requirements as early as possible.
Once application period has started, start preparing your requirements. In particular, you’ll most likely be needing ID pictures (the size depends on the school you’re applying to), a photocopy of your birth certificate, and your transcript or report card. While you can easily take care of the first two yourself, make sure to request a copy of your grades from your current school if needed. If you are given a form that needs to be filled up with your grades (like for the UPCAT), make sure to give this to your school principal/registrar (or anyone else that is authorized to fill up your grades). It’s best to prepare these early so that you won’t find yourself desperately looking for your birth certificate or begging a school official to rush the production of your transcript record a few days before the deadline.
*For convenience, when having your picture taken, get it in various sizes (1x1, 2x2, passport, etc.) so that you won’t need to have it taken again.
3. Take note of the special instructions when it comes to requirements.
Some universities have special instructions when it comes to the requirements you need to submit. For example, for last year’s application, UST requested for a photocopy of an applicant’s birth certificate on long bond paper instead of A4. Another example is DLSU’s requirement for the ID picture. Applicants should make their ears visible and refrain from smiling in the passport-size photo.
4. Start writing your personal essay.
The only schools I know that require a personal essay to be submitted together with the application form are ADMU and UA&P. I only applied to the former, but I found it very difficult to finish writing my essay. The question/theme given for the essay was not difficult. I just kept changing the main topic of mine because I wasn’t sure what the admissions committee would be interested in. My advice is to start drafting your essay early then have it proofread by your parents or your teachers/guidance counselor.
5. Choose a teacher who knows you well for the recommendation letter.
Some schools (like ADMU) require students to submit recommendation letters. In ADMU’s case, they provide a recommendation form together with the application kit. If you are given freedom to choose any teacher, choose someone who knows you well, particularly your good qualities. (It also won’t hurt if you choose a teacher who is good at writing! Haha)
Application Period: Filling Out the Form
1. Draft your application form.
It’s a little nerve-wracking to fill up an application form (especially if erasures aren’t allowed!), so my guidance counselor required our class to photocopy our application forms first and fill up the photocopied form. By doing so, you can still have it checked by your parents or teachers if you did the right thing.
2. Pay attention to instructions.
Some universities have specific instructions written on their application form. For instance, some forms will require you to mark your answers with an “X” instead of a check mark. Other forms ask for your mother’s name before she was married (don’t make the same mistake I did lol). Just to be safe, read the instructions carefully and follow them.
3. Write legibly.
I think this is self-explanatory. Write your answers in ALL CAPS print.
Submitting Your Application
1. Submit early.
Chances are that many other students will be rushing to submit their application forms a few days before or on the deadline. To avoid long lines (and possibly missing the deadline altogether), submit yours at least a week before the deadline. If your school is doing batch processing and they asked you to submit your application requirements to them on a certain date, stick to that deadline. Remember, you're not only delaying your submission but possibly also delaying the application of others.
2. Take care of your test permit.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive your test permit. This is very important because it is the only proof that you applied and are eligible to take the test. Don’t lose it. Bring it on the testing date.
3. Take note of your application number.
The numbers you see on your application form or test permit (application number, reference number, or pretty much any other number used to identify you) is also important. You might need it to access the results later on.
4. Check out your testing site before the scheduled date.
This tip is helpful for those who are not familiar with the area where the school is located. Explore the campus and look for your specific testing site to familiarize yourselves with the route and the time it takes to get there.
Disclaimer: Some of these tips are only applicable in some countries because of the differences in the college application process/procedures. Nevertheless, I wish everyone who reads this can still find a helpful tip!
