College Application Process...Help!!!?

ok... i am about ot be a senior this fall... and i will be applying for college aswell... and i need help with all this college process.. and also im first generaation student and makes it even harder becasue i have no one to help me out...





(before i start i plan to study landscape architecture and have chosen the colleges -- Cal Ploy SLO or Pomona.. i live in CA)





MY QUESTIONS ARE:


1. Should I work on my college application as soon as i start school?





2. when is the right time to fill out the FAFSA?





3. when you take your SAT and ACT do they send your tests scores to the colleges you listed(because i totally changed what i wanna be and listed other colleges than the ones i want to apply for) or do you yourself send them or do you ask your counselor to send it w/ your transcript?





4. Should i apply to college online or by mail and if you do it by mail do you include w/ it the essay and letters of recommendation?





Sorry for so many questions but please im nervous/excited!

College Application Process...Help!!!?
I'm applying too this year, so my answers aren't exactly out of MY experience, but experience of others and advice I've gotten,





1) With college apps, the earlier you start them the better (like with most other things). You could start them now, if you wanted to. Don't leave it to the last minute to send, like right before the deadline, because you never know what could happen (freak icestorm! hahaha). Starting them when school starts, or even now, is just fine...





2) FAFSA is filled out in January or February, usually due sometime in February. The website should have the info.


http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/





3) If you're taking the SATs again in Oct, Nov, or Dec, it's best to send your scores then, esp if you're applying online because you can send four score reports for free. On the app itself, some colleges require you to fill out all your scores, as a preliminary report. They ask you to send the scores. It you have an online collegeboard account, you can go online and send it to the colleges you want. You can fill out a mailing form, too, if you don't have an account. Just send them before the deadline. Basically, you send it yourself. It doesn't go with the transcript.





4) You can apply online or mail, either is good. Use the common app, if the colleges you're applying to accept it (website below). Some schools have a supplement to the common app, so make sure to fill that out if you are using the common app. Essay goes with it. As for the letters of recommendation, what you should do is give the forms to your teachers (which usually are attached to the app) and give them a stamped and addressed envelope (out of consideration). They mail it to the schools.


https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/defa...





Hope that helps!





And don't worry, I'm "nervous/excited" too! ack!!!
Reply:Yes, you should start your application ASAP. Most colleges have a priority deadline like in october or november which they start accepting new students.





The FAFSA can be filled out starting January 1. But you will need you and your parents tax return information. The deadline is usually in June but each state is different so check the FAFSA website to be sure.





SAT/ACT send your results to the ones you listed. You may be able to have it corrected or have an additional copy sent to the schools you want. May cost a few dollars. Don't just assume the school will take a copy sent with your transcripts. To be sure, contact the school directly!





I have always preferred sending mine applications through the mail. I sent it certified so that way i could track it and get a signature that it at least made it to the mailbox. Make sure to get copies of everything you send in-even your own copy of your high school transcripts (sealed) if you can, just in case there are any problems.





Don't be nervous! It'll all be ok!





P.S. there are some scholarships for first generation college students you may want to look into to help pay for school!!
Reply:Do everything as soon as possible.


1. Send in your applications as soon as you can.


2. Fill out the FAFSA as soon as you can I think you can do it starting in the beginning of January do it right then.


3. I think they just send them to your colleges I would talk to your counselor at school about it.


4. Do it online that is what my school encouraged us to do.


I just went through your same problem. Do everything as soon as you can. As soon as you send in your applications start on scholarships if you need them. A huge weight is lifted off your shoulders when you get everything done. When in doubt talk to a counselor at school they will help you.





****DO EVERYTHING ASAP!!!****