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It provides a college search checklist covering where to browse schools, how to build a balanced college list, how to sign up for campus visits, and how to map important deadlines. It also explains key preparation tasks including building an essay draft, compiling application information and activities, selecting recommenders, and setting up a Common Application profile, plus guidance on choosing the right visit option and communicating with admissions.",{"@graph":69,"@context":122},[70,84,105],{"@type":71,"itemListElement":72},"BreadcrumbList",[73,77,79,82],{"item":74,"name":75,"@type":76,"position":8},"https://docshare.wps.com","Home","ListItem",{"item":78,"name":9,"@type":76,"position":14},"https://docshare.wps.com/document/",{"item":80,"name":20,"@type":76,"position":81},"https://docshare.wps.com/document/exam/",3,{"item":83,"name":65,"@type":76,"position":19},"https://docshare.wps.com/document/undergraduate-college-admission-guide-college-search-checklist/158829/",{"url":83,"name":65,"@type":85,"image":86,"author":91,"headline":65,"publisher":94,"fileFormat":97,"inLanguage":63,"description":67,"dateModified":98,"datePublished":99,"encodingFormat":97,"isAccessibleForFree":100,"interactionStatistic":101},"DigitalDocument",{"url":87,"@type":88,"width":89,"height":90},"https://docshare.wps.com/thumbnails/undergraduate-college-admission-guide-college-search-checklist/158829.png","ImageObject",300,407,{"name":92,"@type":93},"Maeve","Person",{"url":74,"name":95,"@type":96},"DocShare","Organization","application/pdf","2026-09-11","2026-08-29",true,{"@type":102,"interactionType":103,"userInteractionCount":81},"InteractionCounter",{"@type":104},"ViewAction",{"@type":106,"mainEntity":107},"FAQPage",[108,114,118],{"name":109,"@type":110,"acceptedAnswer":111},"What are the first steps in the college search planning process?","Question",{"text":112,"@type":113},"Use the checklist to browse colleges, build a list of potential schools across different sizes and locations, and create a calendar of important dates and deadlines.","Answer",{"name":115,"@type":110,"acceptedAnswer":116},"What types of campus visits are commonly offered?",{"text":117,"@type":113},"Common options include campus tours, information sessions, open houses, interviews, and admitted student day events, with some schools also offering virtual tours.",{"name":119,"@type":110,"acceptedAnswer":120},"How should a student communicate with college admissions during the application process?",{"text":121,"@type":113},"Create a separate email account for college search tasks, check it daily, and be attentive to emails from colleges and representatives who may attend fairs or visit local schools.","https://schema.org",{"og:url":83,"og:type":124,"og:title":65,"og:site_name":95,"og:description":67},"article",{"robots":126,"canonical":83},"index,follow",{"doc_id":128,"site_id":62},158829,1788008518,{"code":4,"msg":5,"data":131},{"doc_id":128,"user_id":132,"nickname":92,"user_avatar":133,"doc_module":4,"category_id":19,"category_name":20,"doc_title":65,"doc_description":67,"doc_content":134,"file_id":135,"file_url":136,"file_type":137,"file_size":138,"view_count":81,"is_deleted":4,"is_public":8,"is_downloadable":8,"audit_status":8,"page_count":34,"language":139,"language_code":63,"site_id":62,"html_lang":63,"table_of_contents":140,"faqs":141,"seo_title":142,"seo_description":67,"update_tm":129,"read_time":143},5909877438554,"https://ap-avatar.wpscdn.com/avatar/5600025385ad2bf12a7?_k=1778553567797529272","A GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSION  \nYOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE.  \nLET’S GET STARTED!  \nThere’s no one-size-fits-all approach to college; everyone’s journey is different. But at Merrimack, we believe in creating a personalized experience that’s just as unique as you are. As an Augustinian Catholic college, Merrimack is a caring community focused on helping each other—and YOU. We know college planning is uncharted territory and we will be there every step of the way to help.  \nWe hope this guide serves as a road map and a resource you can come back to throughout the college admission process. So—let’s get started!  \nYour College Search Checklist  \nStay on top of your college search with these helpful tips and tasks!  \n\n| 􀂉 BROWSE COLLEGES ON SITES LIKE BIGFUTURE AND APPILY\u003Cbr>These often have reviews from current students or applicant statistics which offer valuable insight about the school. |\n| --- |\n| 􀂉 BUILD A LIST OF POTENTIAL COLLEGES TO LOOK AT\u003Cbr>Remember to include a variety of sizes, settings and locations to find the right fit for you. If you already have a major in mind, make sure these schools have the programs you’re looking for. |\n| 􀂉 SIGN UP FOR COLLEGE VISITS\u003Cbr>From tours to interviews to Open Houses, colleges offer a variety of visit options—and Merrimack is no exception! You can find all our visits and events [at](at www.merrrimack.edu/visit)[ www.merrrimack.edu/visit](at www.merrrimack.edu/visit)! |\n| 􀂉 CREATE A CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES\u003Cbr>Colleges have different admission timelines for applying, scholarships, special programs and more. Start talking with your parents/guardians about financial aid and if you’ll be filing the FAFSA, too. |\n| 􀂉 BEGIN WORKING ON YOUR COLLEGE ESSAY\u003Cbr>You can find essay prompts on Common App to help get you started—and don’t forget to proofread your work carefully! |\n| 􀂉 START GATHERING INFORMATION FOR YOUR APPLICATION\u003Cbr>Make a list of jobs you’ve had, community service you’ve performed, sports you’ve played, clubs you’ve joined and any other activities or achievements you can think of. |\n| 􀂉 THINK ABOUT WHO YOUR RECOMMENDERS WILL BE\u003Cbr>Some schools require recommendation letters from counselors, teachers, coaches or others that know you well. It’s never too early to ask! |\n| 􀂉 CREATE YOUR COMMON APP ACCOUNT AND PROFILE\u003Cbr>The Common Application is used by over 1000+ colleges and allows you to apply to multiple schools with a single application. Don’t forget to add Merrimack to your list! |\n\nHOW TO BUILD A COLLEGE LIST  \nScan here to read our blog post about how to build a well-rounded college list.  \nDIFFERENT TYPES OF COLLEGE VISITS  \nVisiting the schools on your list is one of the most important steps in  \nyour college search. It gives you a chance to feel the vibe of campus, see what’s around the neighborhood and imagine your life as a college student.  \nColleges offer a variety of different ways to engage with their campus community. Here are some common options you might see:  \nCAMPUS TOUR  \nA guided walk around the college campus led by a current student or admission representative. During the tour, you will learn about the school and see students living their day-to-day life which helps you picture yourself as a student.  \nINFORMATION SESSION  \nA presentation about the school that covers general information such as majors offered, how to apply and more. These are typically paired with tours and are also hosted by student ambassadors or admission counselors.  \nOPEN HOUSE  \nA larger campus-wide event lasting a few hours or all day and usually include toursand info sessions, as well as other activities specific to academics, residence life, athletics, dining or other aspects of the college you don’t experience during a normal visit.  \nINTERVIEW  \nA one-on-one meeting with an admission representative where you discuss your goals and qualifications as a student and why you would be a good fit for their community. Some schools might require an interview or encourage ","cbCairWlzdPMBRlJ","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCairWlzdPMBRlJ","pdf",953186,"English","# Your College Search Checklist\n## How to Build a College List\n## Different Types of College Visits\n## How Do I Choose the Right Visit Option for Me?\n## Things to Consider During These Experiences\n## Communicating with College Admissions","[{\"question\":\"What are the first steps in the college search planning process?\",\"answer\":\"Use the checklist to browse colleges, build a list of potential schools across different sizes and locations, and create a calendar of important dates and deadlines.\"},{\"question\":\"What types of campus visits are commonly offered?\",\"answer\":\"Common options include campus tours, information sessions, open houses, interviews, and admitted student day events, with some schools also offering virtual tours.\"},{\"question\":\"How should a student communicate with college admissions during the application process?\",\"answer\":\"Create a separate email account for college search tasks, check it daily, and be attentive to emails from colleges and representatives who may attend fairs or visit local schools.\"}]","Undergraduate College Admission Guide - College Search Checklist | PDF",18]