College Application Process

 

Here is a general summary of what you can expect and some helpful hints as you begin filling out those College Applications.

1.  Write for/obtain an application from a specific college.

  • It is your responsibility to obtain college applications.  There are many applications available in the file cabinets in the Counseling Center. Some colleges accept the common application and most colleges encourage submitting the application online.   The application fee may be lower if you apply online.
  • Most applications will ask for your social security number, the Timothy Christian High School Code (141415) and an application fee ranging from no charge to $50.00.
  • It is important that you complete the application carefully.  Be honest, concise, neat, thorough, and attentive to directions.  It is helpful to make a copy of the application form and use it for a rough draft before filling out the actual application. 
  • It is helpful but not necessary to submit all of your application materials at one time.  The college or university will begin a file on you as soon they receive a portion of your application.  All future materials will then be placed in your file at the college or university until it is complete. 

2.  If required, write an essay.

  • Many colleges (especially highly selective ones) will ask you to write a personal essay which will be read for content, organization, and your ability to answer the required question.  Grammar and spelling are important, so you may want to ask your English teacher to give you some pointers.
  • Colleges want the application to reflect you, so it is important that you spend a considerable amount of time, thought, and energy in the writing of your essay.
  • Begin the rough draft in September; don't wait until the last minute.
  • Type your final draft, then triple-check to eliminate any typographical errors.

3. Ask for recommendations, as required.

  • Many colleges will require a recommendation from your counselor and one or two of your teachers.  Some important reminders are:
  • Personally ask the teacher to write one for you before you bring him/her the forms.  Make sure you ask a teacher who knows you well and will write a positive recommendation about you.
  • Discuss the recommendation with the teacher several weeks in advance of the due date.  Keep in mind that they have busy schedules.
  • Give the teacher the recommendation form, an addressed stamped envelope for each recommendation needed, and a list of colleges to which you are applying along with the deadline dates.
  • All counselor recommendations will be confidentially submitted directly to the college or university admission office.

4.  Complete a transcript request.

  • Obtain a transcript request form from the main office.
  • Complete the form, sign it to release grade and testing information, and give it to the office secretary, Mrs. Huizenga.  Make sure that you list the name and address of the school where you wish the transcript to be sent.  Turn in the transcript request form with a one time $10.00 fee due with the first transcript.  No payment is required for each subsequent transcript.
  • Have the required entrance test scores (ACT or SAT) sent to the college to which you are applying unless the scores have been previously forwarded.  Additional score report forms are available in the Counseling Center or you may request the score online.

5.  Give your completed application to the office secretary.

  • Make a copy of your application for your personal files.  If you choose to submit a paper application turn in your completed application, the appropriate application fee, and the transcript request form and fee, to the office secretary.  The Registrar will attach an official transcript containing credits, grades, and test data, and your counselor will add any information required by the college.  All of the application materials and transcript will be sent together, to the college, by your counselor.  If you submit an online application, complete the transcript request form and turn it into the office with any necessary recommendation forms which must be submitted to the college or university.  The first transcript is $10.00 with no fee for every subsequent request.

6. Time-line for applying.

In order to meet college admission deadlines and properly process your application, you are asked by the Timothy Christian Counseling Department to:

  • Submit applications for all state (public) universities, both for Illinois colleges and out-of-state, by early November.  Some colleges, such as the University of Illinois, have a priority November 1 "preferred deadline".
  • Submit all other applications by the first week in December.  This is necessary so that we are able to meet the January 1 or January 15 deadlines.
  • Early applicants often receive more attention than those just meeting deadlines. We recommend that all out-of-state public university applications be submitted as early in the fall as possible, and no later than mid-November.
  • Please allow two weeks for Timothy to process your application.  Keep on top of your deadlines!         

7.  How many should I apply for?

  • This is strictly up to you. You should apply to more than one college so that you have more options available from which you can choose your best fit college.

8.  I've been accepted!  Now what?

  • Once you have been accepted, a college will ask for your commitment by March or April, and request a down payment to show that you are serious about admission to their college. 
  • Most colleges will send residential forms after you have been accepted.  The earlier you return the housing application, the better opportunity you will have of securing your choice of living arrangements.
  • Some schools do not offer refunds on down payments, so take this into consideration before responding to various colleges.
  • Notify the colleges, to which you have been accepted, that you are no longer interested in attending their school and thank them for your consideration.  Such courtesies help future Timothy Christian applicants.

A Reminder to the Student Athlete       

In order to be eligible to participate in athletics in college, you must meet the prescribed academic requirements of the NCAA (National College Athletic Association).  Athletes seeking admission to college should follow the same admission procedures as other applicants.  Those who anticipate being recruited by NCAA Division I and/or Division II schools must complete and submit an NCAA Eligibility Form, which may be retrieved from the website.   A fee is charged to process the form.  Coaches will communicate with various schools concerning your athletic abilities and academic accomplishments usually during second semester of junior year.  The  NCAA Eligibility website has helpful information: https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/student/index_student.html

 

 

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