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College Applications Again

So there’s more to talk about with college applications. Since it is literally the main part of the whole “college application process” thing. Basically the application is a bunch of “online pages” so that the colleges can get to know you.

This is the part where if you made that resume a few weeks ago, filling out the application would be easy peasy. If you didn’t make a resume, then filling out the application will take you a lot longer.

Main point of app: you don’t want to leave anything blank. Fill it out as much as possible.

The colleges will never meet you before making a decision on whether you’re accepted or not (private/Ivy League/super prestigious colleges are the exception to this). Therefore, this is your chance to make yourself a super competitive applicant.

LIFE HACK: SAVE YOUR PROGRESS EVERY FEW MINUTES!

There is nothing worse than a power outage, dead battery, computer freeze that erases all the progress you have made.

But don’t lie! If you don’t have work experience, leave it blank. It is always better to be truthful and if you don’t have a lot to report, explain why that it is when you write your essays. See below:

The essays are another chance for you to show the colleges who you are. And what they don’t want to see is a bunch of fluff. Just answer the prompt.

The general rule is 1-2 pages double spaced or 1 page single spaced. If it takes you longer than that to communicate your point that’s okay but it runs the risk of being cut off when you put it on the application.

I love to show this video to my students so I’m going to share with you here:

After you write your essays, if you need them proofread send them to me and I will happily check them and offer feedback. Email me at: lacollegeadvisor@gmail.com.

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Resumes: why they are important & how to create them

Step 2: Create A Resume!

So going back to the application process for Seniors in the Class of 2020 (YAY), the second step would be to create a resume.

A resume is something that all young professionals as well as working adults should have. This is your opportunity to put down on paper what you have been involved in and how you have challenged yourself.

A resume should also be updated every 6 months (in my opinion) or whenever a big change has happened in your education/professional world.

YOU WILL NEVER REGRET HAVING AN UPDATED RESUME!

It will never hurt you, dump you, abandon you, etc. BUT it will (or can) help you grab opportunities to better yourself, your education, and/or your career.

Your resume should have your name, email (professional email), phone number, and what school you are currently attending.

^^ These are the basic info. If you have nothing else to put on there, make sure it at least has this.

The rest of the sections are COMPLETELY customizable to you and your experiences. Also, don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of information to put at first. This will change with time and as I mentioned before, you can always go in and update it.

It should also look professional. Pay close attention to the fonts, size of sections, and the type of paper you print them on (sorry Elle Woods but pink and scented are not going to work here).

I have included one of my earlier resumes (with my personal info blocked) as well as a few templates that are used by the Career Center @ Texas A&M University so I know that these are excellent examples of what a professional resume should look like. Feel free to download and update them with your own information.

Resume templates:

ResumeTemplate1Download
ResumeTemplate2-2Download