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Practical, Economical and Time-Saving Tips for Applying to College

From the college planning experts at American College Counseling, Inc.

College-bound students are more likely than ever to apply to multiple institutions, and how they apply has changed drastically from the time many parents were college hopefuls. Fortunately, according to college planning experts at American College Counseling, Inc. (www.askacci.com), the advent of online and common applications have helped to ease the process for savvy students and parents who are familiar with their options.

"With a growing number of choices available for submitting college applications, finding the most practical, economical and time-saving methods can really streamline the entire college application process and help students and parents avoid much of the frustration of filling out and submitting college applications," according to Patricia Aviezer, president of counseling for ACCI and author of the COLLEGE bound guideTM, a monthly newsletter for college-bound students and their families.

Applying to college online has quickly become the most popular method for students. Many school guidance departments request that students submit college applications online for easy facilitation of transcripts, and college admissions officers prefer to receive "paperless" applications as well, according to Aviezer.

"With new applications for this year's incoming high school seniors available August 1, now is a good time to review the different methods so you are prepared and ready to begin the college application process," explained Aviezer, "Although the Common Application probably is the best known method, several new options have been developed over the past three years."

Aviezer outlines several methods for completing and submitting an online college application:

The Common Application (commonapp.org): Currently one of the most popular ways to apply online to college, this year 463 of some of the finest colleges and universities now will accept the Common Application. One of the most beneficial features of the Common App is that students can concentrate on perfecting one or two essays for multiple submissions.

XAP (nationalappcenter.com): Some 900 colleges and universities in dozens of states including North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and the California State University system accept this e-method of applying to college. Once a student has completed a profile and submitted one application, the information automatically is applied to the next college application. Be sure to confirm that the schools to which you are applying are affiliated with XAP.

Common Black College Application (eduinconline.com): This service enables students to apply to 35 historically African American colleges and universities for a one-time $35 fee.

SUPERAPP (superapp.connectedu.net/application/): Offered in some 2,500 high schools across the U.S., this option allows students to apply to 1,500 colleges and universities. By using your school's gateway, the software automatically loads academic data (GPA, test scores, etc.) onto the application. Almost 80 percent of the application is completed without the assistance of school personnel. Recently, the SUPERAPP has become available to individual students at no charge, however all information will need to be completed individually by each student.

For more information on getting into college visit askacci.com or call 866-ASK-ACCI.

About ACCI
ACCI is a national consultancy organization expertly guiding students and families through the competitive college admissions process. By providing personalized, expert counseling through a suite of online services, ACCI helps families prepare for college conveniently, easily and affordably. ACCI assists in every aspect of academic preparation, college decision-making, test preparation, the application process and support to help fund the college experience. ACCI also offers a monthly newsletter subscription to College bound guideTM. For information visit http://askacci.com askacci.com or call 866-ASK-ACCI.