How I did it: I began applying as soon as the applications were available, and I submitted financial aid papers very early in the year.  My essays were personal, and had a lot of effort behind them.  The teachers I chose as teacher recs knew me and my ambitions.  After everything was in, I called to make sure all parts of my application were received.  Then, I just waited.  For a long time. 

Lessons & tips: Apply to back up schools that you actually wouldn't mind attending.  I only applied to one back-up school that I truly liked, and the others were just financial releifs.  I was so nervous I wasn't going to get into any of my dream schools and that the back-up school I chose that I liked wouldn't accept me, and then I would be miserable for life (or at least college). 

Resources: Have a friend that will love you and encourage you.  :)

Mar 11, 2009, 07:10AM PDT | 2 comments | 1 cheer