Reston, Va., Nov. 26, 2007—College application deadlines are rapidly approaching, and it is time to make a lasting impression on those who matter most: college admissions officers. An outstanding admissions application is the key to getting into your dream school. Sallie Mae, the nation’s leading saving- and paying-for-college company offers a free, going-to-college resource, CollegeAnswer.com, to make applying to college easier for students and families.

There is more to applying to college than just filling out a form. Application packets typically consist of an application, official high school transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation and one or more essays. It takes time and organization to put together an outstanding application packet. Understanding the application process is the first step. Students can check out CollegeAnswer.com’s sample application calendar to set a practical timeline for college applications. Once students and their families understand the process, it is easier to plan the time and organize the work to submit the strongest application packet possible.

After students decide which schools to apply to, they should look online or call the admissions office at each institution to confirm the application deadlines for each school. Depending on the student’s college selection, he or she may be able to submit one application to multiple schools. More than 300 colleges and universities accept the Common Application for Undergraduate College Admission. Students can get a copy from the guidance office, complete the application online or download a copy. Go to www.commonapp.org for more information.

Once students and their families have received their application packets, it is important to take the time to make the college application stand out from the crowd. Read the application carefully, leave plenty of time for the essay and proofread the application carefully (students may even ask family or friends to assist in proofing). A complete and well-organized packet will create a good impression for the admissions committee. Keep in mind that misspelled words, incorrect information and blank responses can “make or break” one’s chances of getting into competitive colleges. Lastly, make copies of everything before sending the application package to the school.

“A college application is your chance to shine,” said Martha Holler, spokesperson for Sallie Mae, the nation’s leading saving- and paying-for-college company. “Colleges and universities look at a variety of factors when selecting the incoming freshmen class, so students need to present themselves on paper in the very best light—and that means making sure the application is complete, error-free, signed and submitted on time.”

Sallie Mae’s comprehensive, online, “going-to-college” resource, CollegeAnswer.com, contains the most comprehensive and objective information and interactive tools for college preparation, evaluation, selection, application and financing online. The Web site provides, among other valuable resources, content in both English and Spanish for students and parents and the nation’s largest online scholarship database, containing more than 2.8 million scholarships worth more than $16 billion in free money. For more information, go to www.CollegeAnswer.com.

For additional information contact:
Erica Eriksdotter (703) 984-5628