Putting
your Application Package Together
Once you have completed the college application and gathered
the requested supporting documents, it is important to present
the entire package in a professional manner and submit it
on time.
Advice
•
Do
not staple or paperclip materials, unless the application
directs you to do so.
•
Unless told
otherwise, arrange the supporting documents in the order
outlined in the application’s instruction.
•
Type or
print your name in the top corner of every page (be
consistent in the location of your name) in case the
application and supporting documents become separated.
•
Use a large
envelope to keep everything neat and wrinkled-free,
and take it to the post office yourself to ensure that
you attach the correct postage.
Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with your
application package. A SASE is an envelope addressed to you
with the college’s name in the return address area of
the envelope. Do not forget to add a stamp on your SASE. Once
the college admissions office receives your application package
with a SASE enclosed, they will mail the SASE back to you.
When you receive your SASE, it will be an indication that
they received your application; and you should put it in the
folder along with the other information for that college.
Your college application package should:
• Convey that you are serious,
professional, and a worthy applicant.
• Demonstrate that you are the
most qualified applicant.
• Convey that you have the ability
and desire to succeed in your chosen career.
Submitting
Your Completed Application Package - On Time
Many college applications are disqualified, because
some applicants fail to submit their application packages
on-time. There are various methods to submit your completed
application package:
Mail
Some colleges indicate that your application must be
postmarked or received at their office by a certain
deadline date. If you are going to mail your application
package, you have a few options such as:
o
First
Class Mail
If you are going to mail your application package
via First Class Mail, it would be in your best
interest to mail the application package at least
5 - 7 business days (Saturday and Sunday is not
considered a business day) before the deadline
date. The US Postal Office offers several methods
to confirm that your application has been delivered:
Registered Mail, Return Receipt Requested, and
Certified Mail. These are nice services, but if
you include a SASE, this will confirm delivery
of your package and save you some money. You should
type your mailing labels to avoid any delivery
delays.
o
Priority
Mail
Priority Mail is another service offered by the
US Postal Office. The estimated delivery time
is two - three days for delivery. Priority Mail
is not a guaranteed service; so if you decide
to use Priority Mail, expect it to take four days
for delivery to be on the safe side.
o
Express
Mail
There are a few express carriers that guaranteed
next day and 2nd day delivery of your package.
•
Hand
Deliver
If you decide to hand-deliver your application package,
make sure you deliver it to the admissions office, and
take notice of the person’s name to whom you gave
your application package, too.
