• Watch your deadlines. Each college is different in deadlines & requirements!
• Type your application. If you must handprint due to special forms, use dark ink (no pencils) and write legibly. Neatness counts!
• Essays should be typed unless a special form is difficult to line up on a printer.
• Scratch-outs are not acceptable. Do it over.
• Proofread and have others proofread your entire application.

Once your application is complete, make a photocopy and keep it in a file, including applications you completed on-line. When you mail it off to colleges, pay the extra postage for certified mail. This will require the colleges to send you a postcard indicating that they have received your packet. A postcard will be returned to you - don't lose it!! Each school will vary in what is required for admission and therefore there is a little variation on what comprises a completed application. Most applications will require the following:

Biographical Data -- This portion of the application tells the university your personal history. There are questions asked here you can answer off the top of your head such as name, address, phone number, etc. In addition, it will ask for things such as the major to which you are applying; whether you are applying Early Decision/Early Action; which term you would like to enroll; high school(s) you have attended, graduation information, counselor information, and any alumni affiliation within the university.

Essay -- One of the variables among applications. Almost every school has its own unique essay question or personal statement that is required. This is also the most stressful part of the college application for the students who are applying. Essays offer students the opportunity to separate themselves from the competition through creative writing. It is important to remember to answer the question(s) being asked, be brief and allow your personality to shine through in your writing. You may also use this opportunity to explain events or circumstances that may have affected your high school academic record.

Standardized Tests -- Each time you take the SAT I or SAT II, your scores are recorded by the College Board. When you have your scores sent to colleges, all scores are released. However, most institutions will use your highest verbal and highest math score for their admission decisions. The UC system uses the best scores from a single test date. When you register for the SAT you should indicate which institutions are to receive your scores. You may indicate four colleges for free and each additional college will cost $6.50. Later, if you decide you would like other schools to receive your scores, you must obtain an Additional Score Report Form (in the College Guidance Office). You may also call in your request by following the instructions in the "Registering for the SAT/SATII" pamphlet or call 1-800-SAT-SCORE.

Extracurricular Activities -- How you spend your free time is of importance to most colleges and universities. The expectation is that you will come to that school and contribute to student life -- not just study all of the time. With that in mind, you need to organize an activities résumé which will detail your extracurricular life at SMES. Colleges like to see commitment to an activity and those that have been pursued each year over your high school career will weigh in favorably. Participating in an abundant amount of activities but not mastering any will not be as impressive as those who find their passions and then play them out over the 4 years of high school. Many schools will tell you how to lay out your activities résumé or may provide their own form.

Teacher Recommendations -- While letters of recommendation are not required at all institutions, we strongly suggest that you secure at least 2 letters of recommendations from teachers who have taught you in the junior or senior year in core academic disciplines. It is the student's responsibility to approach the teachers with his/her request and deliver the forms to the teacher with addressed, stamped envelopes by November 17 of the senior year, or at least 3 weeks prior to the due date. Please attach the Teacher Recommendation Form to all requests (available in the College Guidance Office). Recommendations submitted to colleges are held in the strictest of confidence. Many colleges will make these a part of your permanent record, if you are admitted, and you may view them only if you signed a recommendation confidentiality waiver at the top of the form.

Secondary School Report (SSR) -- This form is completed by the college counselor and will provide the colleges with information about the student from an academic/statistical standpoint, a qualitative assessment of the student in the form of a descriptive statement or recommendation, and information about SMES and the community. In addition to the SSR, SMES also includes a letter of recommendation from the Director of College Guidance and an academic profile of the class which details GPA ranges, SAT ranges, AP exam score information and where members of the previous class were accepted..

Students must give all SSRs to your college counselor in the College Guidance Office by November 17th with the cover sheet SSR/Transcript Request Form. Your name and address must be at the top of the SSR or we will not know who it is for. In addition, a large St. Margaret's envelope (available in the college guidance office), with 3 stamps and the address of the university on the front of it should be provided for each school along with the completed SSR request form indicating the appropriate deadlines.