By Javine Toms/reporter
Getting into the four-year school of their choice will be easier if students follow some key steps, university advisers told SE students Sept. 13.
Representatives from the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of North Texas, Texas Woman’s University and the University of Texas at Arlington presented the Do’s and Don’ts of College Applications.
“My parents told me it would be a good idea to come and hear information regarding a good application,” said Nhu Nguyen, SE freshman. “I plan on attending UTA soon, so I’m looking forward to hearing everything they are going to cover because this information will help me have a successful application.”
The university representatives said a successful submission starts with the most important element — the application.
“Your application needs to be taken seriously,” said UTD representative Ryan Slack. “You need to be aware and focus on what your college of choice is looking for. That goes for GPA and transfer credit hours you have taken.”
The discussion panel said deadlines are different at every school, so it’s important to stay on top of the dates. With applications, students can submit them late but will have to pay an additional fee. As far as financial aid and scholarships, many universities will not accept applications if students miss the deadline.
“With us, like many schools, paying attention to deadlines will keep you on track and organized with the admissions process,” said TWU adviser Marcia Parker. “With some information, we will remind you. However, with most, we won’t. It’s up to you to keep yourself informed.”
Rushing through the application will result in a delay with the admission process because of mistakes, the panel members warned.
“People always scan through and, as a result, click UNT instead of UTD,” said UNT adviser Montey Stevenson. “They call and ask about their application status and are shocked when they hear we haven’t received it. They mistakenly send it to the wrong university.”
Paying attention to grammar and spelling is also important, the adviser said. Getting a few eyes to check over an essay will keep a student from submitting a messy essay, but letting parents, a spouse or friends fill out the application is not the right way to do it, the panel said.
Organization is key to staying on track regarding important information a student needs to transfer to a university, the representatives advised. Keeping copies of documentation a student sends to a university or that a university sends to them will help keep everything together when that student needs it.
Additional documentation, like a letter of recommendation or an essay, can be a part of a student’s required pieces to finish their applications.
Many schools in the state have similar requirements for the admissions process, but some schools are different.
“Knowing the requirement to a specific university is very important,” Stevenson said. “GPA and transferable credit hours is what we are looking at, so know what kind of grades and classes you need to take ahead of time.”
Procrastination and lack of proper emails when communicating with school via email can be a hindrance, the panel said.
Transferring to a new university can be scary and a little stressful, but knowing the school’s requirements and deadlines will help.
The advisers recommended that students stay in contact with the school, schedule an appointment to meet with an adviser and transfer recruiter and visit TCC’s transfer office for more information.
