How to Apply for College: From the College Admissions Process to Assistance With Cost

April 24, 2020 at 4:00 AM
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Applying for college is an exciting time. It is also a frustrating and overwhelming time for many students and their families. Transcripts, test scores for the ACT and SAT and personal essays must be prepared and carefully submitted. Sometimes letters of recommendation are required.

Navigating the process is daunting without the right guidance. From the college admissions process to assistance with the cost, the trained professionals at Educational Attainment Services (EAS) can help. From finding a school to securing financial aid, our experts are with students and their families every step of the way.

Success Starts Early

A successful college admissions process that limits stress for students and families involves a multi-year strategy. Students who plan to pursue secondary education should begin identifying schools to which they would like to apply during their junior year of high school.

EAS will assist students in choosing the best schools that align with their goals. Our experience in admissions offices provides us with the tools necessary to help students narrow their search, and include schools they may not have previously considered. We recommend using two specific criteria when narrowing down the search:

  • Career goals – Establish these based on a student’s academic performance coupled with their interests for a career that makes use of those academic strengths.
  • Lifestyle goals – Establish these based on a student’s non-academic criteria, such as location and diversity.

Next Steps

Once schools of interest are identified, establishing a timeline for applying to each is the next step in the process. The timeline should include the steps needed before applications can be completed and submitted for consideration.

  1. Admissions exams
    As part of the admissions process, colleges and universities require ACT or SAT scores. Both tests assess reading, writing and math, with an optional essay. Only the ACT includes a science portion on the test. Both tests have their challenges, but it is recommended to pick one and focus your time and energy on test prep for the selected assessment rather than splitting your efforts between the ACT and SAT. Schools accept both the ACT and the SAT scores for the applications process, and EAS can help you decide which test is best for you. 
  2. Personal statements and entrance essays
    Most college applications require either a personal statement or essay on a specific topic or theme. EAS assists students in writing a solid college essay that will increase the chances of gaining admission. Our experts use a proven method designed to help students expand their thought process to answer essay questions with concrete examples and thorough explanations.
  3. Letters of recommendation
    Some colleges require letters of recommendation as part of the admissions process. These brief, formal statements help endorse college applicants and boost their chances of admission. EAS can help students and their families identify the best candidates for writing these recommendation letters.
  4. Interviews and campus visits
    Touring campuses and making the effort to speak with an admissions officer in person is the best way to help differentiate your application from the rest of the pack. Our trained experts can assist with preparation for informal or formal interviews with admissions officers.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

One of the biggest factors involved with the college admissions process is examining scholarships and financial assistance options. EAS provides a quarterly newsletter featuring scholarship and internship opportunities. Our professionals also assist students with crafting scholarship essays highlighting their personality and strengths that can earn them financial assistance to cover the costs associated with furthering their education.

Seek Guidance From the Experts

Educational Attainment Services is a college admissions advisory group dedicated to assisting students and families through the college admissions process. EAS has worked with thousands of students and families to lead them through the college admissions process and to provide assistance with the cost. The result: successful admissions to colleges in the United States, Europe and Canada.

Contact us online today, or call (800) 706-4134 to learn more about how we can help with your college admissions process.