b'STEP 6: Begin theIf you plan to apply to a Pennsylvania state-related Application Process university, visit the schools website for applications: Penn State University: https://admissions.psu.edu/Read pages 12-13 and 26-38 of the Guide. apply, also available via The Common Application. Temple University: https://admissions.temple.edu/Get a head start on your college applications. Preparing apply, also available via The Common Application. a strong application takes time, hard work, and attentionUniversity of Pittsburgh: https://oafa.pitt.edu/applyto detail. Generally, there are four options for collegeBefore applying to college, learn more about The admissions. The option you select will impact when your Common Application by visiting www.commonapp.org application is due, when you find out if you are selected, and www.commonblackcollegeapp.com, which enables and your ability to choose a college based on how much you to apply to multiple colleges using the same financial aid it offers. Learn more on page 31 of the Guide.application form, resume, and essay. The Common App Understand your college admissions options for admission in 2024 will be available in August. Applying Regular Decision will allow you to applyCreate your resum to as many schools as you like and to compare A resum is a one-page document that outlines youraid packages. education, skills, and achievements; it will be a component Rolling Admissions applications are evaluated on of your college application. See pages 12-13 in the Guidea first-come, first-served basis until the school fills for instructions on preparing, writing, and formattingits first-year class. This options also allows you to applyyour resum. to as many schools as you like and to compare financial aid packages. Early Action allows you to apply earlier toand hearSTEP 7: Begin to Draft Yourback sooner fromyour first-choice colleges. EarlyApplication EssayAction is non-binding, meaning it does not commit you to attend the school, but it does tell the school thatRead page 35 of the Guide.you are interested. Your college application essayalso referred to as your Early Decision is an option reserved only for the schoolpersonal statementwill be a central component of youryou are certain is your best fit and promises that youapplication. This is your opportunity to express who you arewill attend this college if admitted. Given the bindingbeyond your grades and test scores. Take time this summernature of Early Decision, make sure the college is theto brainstorm your topic and start the writing process.right financial fit. Remember, no college is your dream school if you cannot afford to go there. Choose the right topicBecome familiar with the application Select a topic that allows you to convey your uniquenessprocess for each of your preferred schools as an applicant and ties your personal characteristics, If you plan to apply to Community College of Philadelphia,achievements, and experiences to your potential contributionexplore the online application at www.ccp.edu. as a college student. Your personal statement must convince If you plan to apply to a Pennsylvania state university,the admissions officer that you are a good candidate forvisit www.passhe.edu to review applications for allthe institution. Be yourself and use the language that feelsstate universities. comfortable to you. Find the complete list of 2023-2024Common App essay prompts at www.commonapp.org.Do your best workYour essay must also demonstrate your writing skills,so it should be thoughtfully organized, well-written,and carefully proofread. Complete the Brainstormand Write Your Essay activity on page 36 of the Guide for help getting started.'