Yes, in rare cases, colleges can and do revoke admissions offers, for a variety of reasons that roughly fall into two general categories: failing to inform a college of a change to the information you reported in your application and unethical behavior. Let’s look at some of the specific behaviors in each category that could affect an admission offer.
I have a GRID which I give to each family so they can list all items to be submitted to a college and the dates they are due. This way NO deadlines should be missed. Also, have a file folder on each college w/copies of all correspondence.
Making a spreadsheet or calender where you can note each and every details of the application process will be helpful. Perfect planning and focus on the application will keep you stay organized.
Be patient. Save all usernames and passwords on your computer and on your cell phone. Make sure you have a checklist for each college and all of your high school deadlines. You can be as organized as you need and never stress.
If you have a different folder for each college that is the best way to stay organized. Also, if you save each colleges’ webpage in your favorites that will help, as well. Make sure to keep notes on each college, especially during your visits. When you have time you can go back and reflect on your thoughts and feelings at the time.
Once you pick your list of schools, organize them in word or excel, and arrange your schools by application due date. You should not send applications in at the last minute. The sooner you submit your applications, the better. Admissions offices tend to get overwhelmed as the application deadline nears. Take time to make sure your application is complete.
I am a huge fan of using Google Docs (now Google Drive) to help stay organized during the application process. I would suggest creating one central spreadsheet to use to keep track of all of the schools to which you are applying and the requirements for each individual school. For example, you can have one column that lists each school name, and then a series of columns following for: Test Scores, Transcript, Letters of Rec, Resume, Supplemental Materials, Common App, etc. I encourage students to set personal deadlines for completing each application (relative to the school deadline) and then check each box as they go. If you find it helpful, you can “share” this spreadsheet with people who are helping you complete the application process (e.g., parents and teachers) so that they can also help you stay organized and on time.
I love the online platforms that help students stay organized. I use these extensively with my students. You can take a look at Big Future or check to see if your school uses Naviance.
Make a checklist in Excel and keep records of what is needed, who is sending it, where it is going to, and when it is due. If not in Excel, keep this in a handwritten table, but keep on top of what is needed.
Here’s where a college consultant can be invaluable. I have software that is designed and personalized for each student. We keep track of application deadlines, financial aid dates, when the SAT/ACT tests are given, as well as monitor the progress of each application, and the specific essays associated with each of those applications. If you don’t have a college consultant, a good old excel spreadsheet can keep you on track, as long as you update it regularly. Staying organized in the application progress is also good practice for all the assignments you will need to balance in college.
Create a checklist for each of your schools and keep a folder for each. Checklists should include: deadlines, transcripts/test scores sent, letters of recommendations requested/sent, essays, interviews, and financial aid. I would create a second list for admissions decisions and your final acceptance so that you ensure all materials are sent.
keep a notebook of the colleges that you are looking at. Make sure to save all of your log ins and passwords for the countless websites that you need an account for. Save your correspondence from each school that you are interested in by creating a folder either actual or virtually in your email or on your computer desktop. Save all of your essays. Keep a check list of what you need to do. When completing a task, write the date of completing. Don’t just check it off. Keep your dates and deadlines organized. Get a calendar and use it. Write important deadlines and dates on it. Make sure that you are checking your email. You may not use email that much, but I can assure you that colleges do. You may miss something that is important.
Set deadlines and timelines and tell a parent, friend or teacher so someone else is also holding you accountable (or work with a counselor like me!). Use Google docs or keep everything in folders that are organized on your computer by school or whatever naming convention works best for you. There are also a number of other productivity apps that work well for this process, you really need to choose a method that works best for you. I think overall being motivated it really the key. If you are motivated to do this process well you will stay on top of it!
Your guidance counselor, or an independent educational consultant can be invaluable in helping you to keep on top of everything. In lieu of those, try making a spreadsheet that tables all of the schools you are applying to as well as all of the components they require with their application (essays, recommendations, test scores, transcripts) and then check off each one as it has been completed.
At the very beginning of the process, set up a calendar, specifically dedicated to this purpose, on which you enter standardized testing dates – SAT, ACT, TOEFL (if applicable), in-school tests, college fairs, when you plan to visit certain schools, and so on. In order to avoid time conflicts, it would also be helpful to schedule in the time that you will need to prepare for standardized and in-school tests. Add relevant dates as you become aware of them and make any necessary schedule adjustments.
The deadlines, high school forms, piles of shiny brochures, applications, application supplements, and scholarship opportunities can be a little overwhelming. The first way to stay organized during the process is to create and use a college-planning calendar. List application due dates, college visits, test dates, and school functions. Then create files to manage all the information. Create a file on your computer for essays, account passwords, resumes, and all application related document. You will also need some files for the mountains of paper. Recycle mail from any college you have removed from consideration and make a file for each school still on your list. Keep a file with copies of your test scores and transcript. When you know where everything belongs it is easier to manage the deadlines and details.
You should probably begin by setting up a filing system where everything for each school is kept together. Then after you have narrowed things down and you have determined which schools you are applying to, you will need to organize the pieces of the actual application process. Some sort of chart that helps you keep track of the various requirements–what tests do they want, what are the deadlines for early application, regular decision, financial aid etc, how many recommendations and from whom, essay requirements, etc—can be very helpful. At its worst, the application process can seem like an additional course in the fall of you senior year, but an organized approach can ease a lot of the stress.
First, find all the deadlines for your colleges. Then put all these deadlines on a calendar that you can always see. Be sure you have a copy of the calendar on the fridge so your parents can see it. They can be your best cheerleader and support. If they know what is going on they won’t bug you as much.
When working on the numerous amount of dates for admission and financial aid deadlines, you must use a calendar with several copies printed so everyone in the family can keep you on track! Even with our technology and smart phones, it is important to have a visual where everyone can see.
Learn organizational techniques now and you’ll have greater success in college. I recommend that my clients create a file for each school. In each file is a checklist that tracks all the pieces of an application. Note the dates you submitted your test scores, asked for a recommendation, submitted the recommendation, etc. Whether you do this on your computer or a hard copy, it will help create order among all the steps involved in applying. In addition, designate a calendar dedicated solely to college application deadlines, test dates, campus visits, etc.
The most important aspect of staying organized is developing a system that works for you and that you will actually use. Deadlines are the most important part of staying organized. If you miss a deadline, there is little that you can do to fix it. I have created a spreadsheet that I share with students that helps them manage deadlines, record needed documents, and record when they sent each part of the application.
I recommend that students maintain a separate email address for all college communications (i.e [email protected]). Students should also investigate online organization tools and app tools that help them keep all their college info in one place. Additionally, a large wall calendar will help the entire family remember important dates and reminders. Take advantage of your smartphone by setting alerts for important application deadlines.
Using a spreadsheet to track the schools you plan on applying to with a list of things you are looking for in a campus and a major can make the process a whole lot easier. Also plan on taking lots of pictures when you visit to help you to remember each campus.
File folders? Calendars?
Keep notes on a wall or electronic calendar. Ask for help. If you lose a deadline, see if you can get a reprieve for cause. Ask for help. Applications are pesky and complicated. Ask for help!
I would suggests that the best way to remain organized during the application process is to complete general information before beginning the application (dates of all activities volunteer, school, work), write a general personal statement that reflect your motivation, interest, and why the institution is the best choice for your future interest.
As students begin the school year, high school juniors may start becoming more aware of colleges, choices and college rankings. Here are some tips to for students to make the most of their junior year:
Devise a plan that works for you and work the plan. Everybody ‘organizes’ differently so don’t think there is only one best way to attack the college application process. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and graciously accept help from those around you. Students, this is definitely a time when you want a parent/guardian as an ally! Don’t push them away. If you are not an organized, self-motivated, high-achieving student then let an adult support (not do it for you!!) you with the organization process. 5 tips to help you get organized: 1. Find one location in your home to be ‘COLLEGE CENTRAL’. Keep all materials in this space – a desk, folding table, or the dining room table works well. A place where everything can stay for the duration of the process. 2. Select your method of organization – binders (one for each college) or FILE box with hanging folders. My preference is a file box with hanging folders. It doesn’t have to be expensive. This allows for expansion and it’s easy to drop materials into the labeled folders. 3. Label the binder dividers or folders. Examples of labeled folders may include: One for each college (with name, email, & cell phone of rep written inside each folder), paper copies of the applications, supplements, financial aid/FAFSA, test scores (ACT, SAT, PSAT, AP), essays, resume, your high school info/handouts on the college application process procedures, transcript request forms, paper copy of the Common Application chart with all the schools and their deadlines and requirements. 4. Folders with pockets to give to teachers/counselor with your recommendation forms (if submitting by paper) or a list of schools if they are writing recs online. Stamped, addressed envelopes, and a complimentary resume for reference. Follow your school’s procedures on this process. 5. Once you have your list of colleges identified, prepare a CHART (computer spreadsheet or by hand) with rows for each college. The column headings should include: your ID# for each college, DEADLINE DATES for application, scholarships, financial aid, auditions/portfolios (if applicable), supplements, SAT/ACT sent, Subject Tests required (if any), transcript requested, essays & how many, and other information you need to stay on track for each college. This chart should be posted where it is clearly visible – closet door, above your desk, refrigerator – to be sure you don’t miss a deadline or forget something!
1. Narrow Your List In the fall of your senior year, you should create a narrowed list of schools to which you will apply. Keep the final list small (6-10) and balanced (equal number of likely, 50/50, and reach schools) for your sanity (and the sanity of those around you).
most schools offer student the access to Naviance, or family connections. it is used to track application and other communications.
Sponsored Meaning Explained
EducationDynamics receives compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored Ad” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results”). So what does this mean for you? Compensation may impact where the Sponsored Schools appear on our websites, including whether they appear as a match through our education matching services tool, the order in which they appear in a listing, and/or their ranking. Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study. By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school. Your trust is our priority. We at EducationDynamics believe you should make decisions about your education with confidence. that’s why EducationDynamicsis also proud to offer free information on its websites, which has been used by millions of prospective students to explore their education goals and interests. close