Seniors who have not submitted their college applications should apply now. Applying to college is certainly not easy and takes both time and effort. When completing applications, students should make them as perfect as possible. Do them well before the deadline, and follow these eight important application tips to create the best application.

First, expect flubs, so make copies. Before typing or writing the first letter on the application, make copies of it. Use the copy to practice seeing how much information you can fit in the spaces and to correct any major errors.

Second, type the application if at all possible. There’s nothing worse than the admissions officers’ not being able to read an application. Online applications are available for most colleges. Applying online eliminates this possibility of not being able to read a handwritten copy.

Third, take control of the space. Most students need more space than given on the application. Students must prioritize by putting all of the information in order of importance and then including as much of it as possible.

Fourth, include a resume if needed. When students have a number of additional activities or a lot more detail that will not fit on the application, they need to include a resume with the application. However, the resume should include more than what they have on the application form itself.

Fifth, neatness counts. If a mistake is made, try to conceal it with correction fluid. If too many mistakes are made, start over. Always have someone else check the application for errors.

Sixth, focus on leadership. Include activities, awards, and experiences that highlight leadership or special contributions. Don’t fill blanks with fluff.

Seventh, leave no blanks blank. After completing the application, students should check to be sure that all applicable blanks are filled, including the signature!

Eighth, photocopy the application before the big send off. If by some freak accident, the original application gets lost, a photocopy of it will save hours of having to re-do it.

New scholarship information and reminders for this week include the following:

The DECA 2007 Scholarship Guide is in guidance. A few of the scholarships require a DECA member to work for the company offering the scholarship. All other scholarships are open to every DECA member, providing students meet the criteria. Applications are available in guidance or at www.deca.org. The deadline for all the scholarships is February 16, 2007.

Tennessee Tech University (TTU) scholarship deadline is December 15. To be eligible for scholarship awards for the fall of 2007, students must have completed the admission process and scholarship application by this date. For detailed application information, deadline information, departmental check lists, and answers to frequently asked questions, view their scholarship web site www.tntech.edu/scholarships. Although online application is encouraged, hard copies of the application can be accessed at this web site under the Forms menu or picked up in guidance. TTU will take the December 9 ACT scores for scholarship consideration.

The University Honors Scholarship at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and the Early Bird Admissions deadline is December 15. Students may receive an application packet by contacting the University Honors program at 423-425-4128 or download an application from the web site at www.utc.edu.univhon/. All other UTC scholarships have a February 1 deadline.

University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) institutional scholarships’ deadline is December 1. To be eligible for these scholarships a student must have completed the admissions process. No scholarship application is required. Departmental scholarships have a February 1 deadline and do require a scholarship application that is available in guidance. For more information on UAH scholarships visit their web site at http://finaid.uah.edu