Completing
and Creating a Competitive Application
After you have read the instructions, you should make several
copies of the original application to use as drafts. Place
the original application in its college folder to keep it
neat and clean. When your final draft application is complete,
you should make sure it is free from spelling and grammatical
errors; then transfer your information correctly to the original
application.
A competitive application is neat, clean, and complete. In
order to give yourself a competitive edge, you should type
the original application. Typing your application ensures
that it will be legible, uniform, and professional in appearance.
Before you type on the original application, you should make
several draft copies and practice on them to figure out how
much space you have for each answer and where to set the margins.
When you are ready to type the original application, take
your time and type slowly to avoid mistakes.
If you do not have a typewriter, your local library should
have a few typewriters for public access. Another option is
to ask one of your teachers or counselors, if you could use
their typewriter to type your college application. If you
do not have access to a typewriter, use your best hand writing
skills and a black ink-pin, and print legible.
Before you start completing the original application, you
should make sure the surface where you are going to complete
the application is clean by wiping it off with a clean wet
cloth and then dry it off.
Once your application is complete, you should:
• Make sure it is free from stray marks, stains, and
wrinkles.
• Proofread it to make sure it is free from spelling
and grammatical errors.
• Have someone proofread your application.
• Make a copy of the completed application for your
records.
Completing an Online Application
An online application can be completed and submitted via the
Internet. Before you complete the online application, you
should print a hard copy as a draft. After printing the application,
bookmark the college’s website, so you can easily return
to it when you are ready to submit the online application.
Once you have completed the draft application with no spelling
or grammatical errors, return to the college’s web site.
Refer to your final draft copy and carefully type your answers
into each blank provided on the online application form. After
you finish, you should read over your answers before clicking
the ‘Submit’ button to ensure that your application
is free of any mistakes or errors (i.e. grammar, punctuation,
and spelling errors) and that you have answered every question
that applies to you. Then print a copy of the application
for your records. Only when you have done all of these steps,
should you submit the online application.
