Are you thinking about going back to college? If so, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the what needs to be done to apply to the college you are interested in attending. Luckily, the basic process of applying for college is far easier than you might think. By keeping these 5 steps in mind, you should be able to successfully apply to the college of your choice.

Step #1: Fill Out the Application

Obviously, you aren’t going to get anywhere with the application process until you actually fill out the application form. When filling out the form, be certain to read and to follow the directions carefully. After all, you don’t want a small detail such as failing to use the correct ink color to be the reason you are not accepted.

Filling out the application generally requires providing some very basic information, such as your name, your address and the previous schools you have attended. Be aware that you may also need to obtain official transcripts from any others schools you have attended as part of this first step.

Step #2: Write Your Essay

Most colleges will also require you to write an essay to include with your application. Depending upon the college, this essay may be short and simple or it may be somewhat complex. In addition, some colleges may require you to respond to several essay questions. Be certain to answer all of the essay questions thoroughly and to let your personality shine through.

Remember, the essay questions are meant more to help the college get to know you than to test your essay writing skills, so place your greatest focus on letting the real “you” shine through. Then, set the essay aside for a few days before reading it again. This way, you will have fresh eyes and will be more likely to find mistakes. Having friends and family members read the essay and provide you with feedback can also be quite beneficial.

Step #3: Send it Out on Time

Meeting deadlines is crucial. If you get your application sent out too late, you may have to wait until the following semester or school year before you can apply to the school again. Therefore, be certain to find out when the deadlines are and to get the application sent out well before the deadline arrives.

Step #4: Prepare for a Meeting

Depending upon the degree program and college you have applied to, you may need to meet with the college before you can be accepted. So, while you wait for your application to be reviewed and to hear back from the college, start putting together a portfolio or prep yourself for an interview. Don’t be disheartened if it takes a few months before you hear back from the college, as the process does take some time to complete. Rather, look at this time as your time to get prepared for the final step of the application process.

Step #5: Go In for the Interview

If the college liked what it saw on your application and in your essay, the final step will be for you to come in for an interview or to show off your portfolio. If you took time during step 4 to prepare for this step, you shouldn’t have any problem with leaving a good impression on the interview committee.

To help alleviate your nerves, be sure to conduct a few mock interviews with a friend or family member. This way, you will be better prepared for the questions you are asked and you can go to your interview with confidence.