College Application Season Etiquette

College Application Season Etiquette

As the college application season gets underway, the following are some tips to remember:

  • 1) High school seniors applying to college will need to write emails to admissions officers, teachers, and others throughout the application process. Some important tips to remember: address all adults by appropriate titles, write in complete sentences, communicate in a friendly manner, and express gratitude. For example, don’t address admissions representatives or professors as “Hey” in emails or texts. Students should check their email to view important time sensitive information which may include application details, fee waivers, and scholarship opportunities. Students should use an appropriate email address, preferably first initial and last name @ their email provider. Email addresses, such as sexygirl@hotmail.com are not acceptable.
  • 2) Interviews are an excellent way to demonstrate interest in a college. If interviews are permitted by the college, ALWAYS schedule one.  There is no better way to express interest to a future college than by doing so in person. By completing an interview, the student will have a chance to show and tell the college admissions representatives how much an acceptance to that particular school would mean and what he or she can do to make the school an even better place for future students. Remember to make eye contact and shake hands at the appropriate times during the interview.
  • 3) Appropriate dress and personal hygiene is extremely important. For college visits, business casual clothes are acceptable. Wear shoes that are nice, but comfortable. Keep hair clean and neat and do not pour on excessive amounts of perfume, cologne, or makeup. Present in a respectable manner in case you run into professors, advisors, and any other college officials. Students who are interviewing may want to dress in a more professional manner.
  • 4) Respect other’s time. Show up early for interviews, college admissions sessions, and tours. If you are a few minutes late for a session, slip in quietly and do not disturb others.
  • 5) Do not monopolize the time of the admissions presenters or tour guides. If you have a lot of questions, make an appointment to meet privately.
  • 6) Turn off cell phone ringers and other electronic devices during admissions presentations and tours. During tours, photos can usually be snapped, but be respectful of others. If inside any buildings, ask permission first.
  • 7) Be sure that all social media accounts are “G-rated”. Colleges do check social media accounts of prospective students.
  • 8) Parents should NOT write the student’s college essays or complete college applications for them. Students should be the ones contacting the admissions office if there are any questions. Colleges want to hear from the student.  It will be very obvious to the college admissions office if parents write the essays or complete the applications for their child.
  • 9) Celebrate colleges acceptances, but do not place any undue emphasis on rejections. Don’t call college admissions offices to dispute a rejection. If there are questions about the decision, ask calmly and in a non-threatening manner.
  • 10) Students should take responsibility for their education. They are not entitled to anything. College courses are rigorous and demanding; students may have to work harder and seek more help in order to succeed.