College selection involves identifying schools that match your academic, financial, geographical and social criteria. Part of college selection process involves identifying schools as safety, target and reach in terms of your academic record as well as the cost of attendance. The goal of college selection is to have desirable college choices once admissions decisions are made.

For many larger and/or public universities, the college essay takes the place of an interview. An effective college essay will give the admissions committee deeper insight as to who you are; therefore, the topic of your college essay is you. Some college applications ask for up to three essays, while others require one or none. College essays are usually the most time consuming part of the college application process. It is important to allow time for revising your college essays.

Curriculum evaluation involves looking at the classes you are currently taking and determining if the strength of your curriculum matches the colleges and college major you are considering. Curriculum evaluation should be an ongoing process throughout high school. Are you challenging yourself in your academic strengths by taking higher level courses? Are your grades being compromised by higher level courses in subjects that are more difficult for you? Answering these questions is part of curriculum evaluation.

Student recommendations are usually written by your teachers, counselor and school administrators. The number of student recommendations required varies by school. It is important to allow enough time between your request for a recommendation and when it needs to be submitted. Student recommendations are part of your college application package so it is important to choose people who can write a strong, positive recommendation for you.recommendations and evaluate your strengths. Some college applications request student resumes. It is also advisable to bring a copy of your resume and your transcript on your college visits and show them to admissions counselors and academic professors.

If you have a special talent to bring to the college application process, you can be admitted based on your special abilities, or you may be admitted based on both academics and your abilities. Depending on the school you are applying to, merit money could also be available for you based on your talent and/or academics. The ideal situation is to have strength in both areas. Your athletic performance, audition or portfolio could greatly affect an admissions decision as well as the tuition you pay at the colleges where you apply.