First of all, you must thoroughly research the colleges you apply to.

Let’s go for the obvious first. Make sure you have done your homework.

Where is the college located – urban, suburban, rural? How many students attend the college? Do they offer the major you are currently most interested in? How many students are in that major? Is the college or university particularly renowned in a certain area? If so, what area? – If it is known for its sports program, will you be comfortable if you don’t care a lick about sports. All you want to do is study the visual arts. Is it largely a commuter school where the campus closes on the weekends What is the average class size? What is the profile of students admitted for the past few years?

Know the names of some college professors in your proposed area of concentration. If you are an athlete, know the name of the coach for your sport. Be in contact with him/her. These coaches can be tremendous advocates for you to the admissions committee. These are just some of the things you might want to know.

Make sure your application has one central theme and all of the components of the application support that theme. Check for typos, correct standard written English. I encourage every student to apply online. This always creates a neat and legible application.

Another important detail to consider is what is posted online about you. Colleges and universities have learned that looking online is a good way to find out information about their applicants. Do an online search of your name to see what comes up. If you have MySpace, Facebook or other social networking accounts, or if you have your own webpage or blog, make sure you review them for any embarrassing content. When looking at applications, schools consider how the candidates will reflect on their student body. You don’t want them to find anything online that might make them concerned about how you would affect their reputation. This is something you should keep in mind later when looking for work, because employers also use this technique to check up on potential employees. Don’t ever let your guard down about what might be posted about you online.

In the same vein, make sure you use an email address that you would be proud of and that could withstand the scrutiny of your most vociferous critic. No racial or sexual connotations, please.

Let each essay reveal something new about you. If you are cutting and pasting your essay, make sure you don’t have any mistakes, such as submitting your application to Harvard and mistakenly leaving in a reference to how much you have always wanted to go to Princeton.

Don’t try and re-invent yourself. If you get into the college by pretending to be something you are not, you may feel like you have to spend 4 years or more putting on an act. Admissions programs are staffed by experienced professionals, who are experts at evaluating your application. Authenticity, sincerity and originality are valued by everyone, and college application reviewers are no different. They can spot your genuine enthusiasm for their institution, and they can detect your forced effusions. Don’t make them wade through all the things you think you should say, and end up leaving out what you really wanted to say. Make up your mind that you are about to create the best college application ever, and show you are going to be the best college student ever!

Angela Arnold, a college advisor who has helped many students get into college, has published 7 free videos about the university admissions Grab your copies today.