Application Strategies

Applying to college takes thought, effort, and organization. Below are some tips to help you find financial assistance, keep track of applications, apply to college online, and write solid admission essays.

How are you going to pay for school?
Every year, students entering their first year of post-secondary education get a healthy dose of reality when it comes time to get their finances in order. Tuition, books, rent, food and entertainment are all necessary components to a well-rounded college experience, and there is no reason why all of your financial needs cannot be met through a combination of research and careful planning.

Financial Assistance
Before you begin your post-secondary career, it’s always a good idea to look at financial resource options such as scholarships and bursaries. The first place you should look is the college that you plan to attend. The majority of Canadian schools provide scholarship and bursary opportunities for students, and you can find information on these from your school’s website. Most financial assistance programs have criteria that students must meet in order to obtain assistance. The requirements for each scholarship program vary, but some of the most common criteria include grades, family income level and possession of Canadian citizenship. Devry Calgary offers over 7,500 scholarships totaling $25 million. These scholarships can be used for attending classes Online or On Campus. Apply now to see how much you qualify for.

Don’t Miss Application Deadlines
Pay attention to the deadlines. You may encounter different application deadlines depending on the schools and programs you wish to apply to.

Applying for Early Decision
Inquire early and apply early. Schools have different criteria for accepting early decision applicants. Some schools look for GPA, test scores and or specific coursework. You should review the admissions section of your college's website for details.

Application Dates
You should make a list of all your deadlines and keep them someplace important. Most colleges and universities have application deadlines of January 1, 2009, and February 2, with a few as late as March 2nd. Missing an application deadline automatically means that you've missed your chance to apply.

Filling out Your Application
Most schools will allow you to apply online which saves you having to worry about loose sheets of paper and messy handwriting.  If you're doing a paper application, remember neatness counts so you'll want to print or type perfectly

College Essays
The most time-consuming and difficult part when students apply to college is the essay. The personal essay is usually about 300 to 500 words in length, occasionally longer, depending on the college.

Here are some college essay tips:

•    Pick a topic that is unique and original.
•    Use dialogue or humorous anecdotes to spice up your essay. Don't just repeat what people said; quote them to bring the essay alive for the reader.
•    Prepare to write a few drafts. This will also help you develop your own voice in your essay and help you organize your thoughts more clearly.
•    Have several people look over your drafts and offer their comments and suggestions.
•    Always check for spelling and grammar. We can't stress this enough.

Letters of Recommendation
Some colleges require letters of recommendation. Give yourself enough time to source the letters from the relevant people. It is important to keep copies of all letters in the event you have to re submit your application again.

Check Contact Information
When sending your application double check that the postal code, email address , phone number and any other contact details are correct, so the college can let you know the status of your application. It is so important to double check, as so many people make simple errors and their applications are wasted.

For more information on Devry Calgary’s Online and On Campus programs, or to apply for one of 7,500 scholarships, call 888-753-7358 or visit us online at  http://devry.recruitingstudents.net/ad/Newsletter