College Preparation & Information
A successful college list requires research. Aim toward finding a well-balanced list of colleges that are: Reach (acceptance rate of 20-30%), Match (acceptance rate of 40-60%, and Safety (acceptance rate of 90+%).
Begin building your college list by using one of the following:
Collegeboard:
BigFuture : You will be required to create an account unless you already have one. This site will allow you to do a college search based on criteria.
School Links:
Create and search your college list.
For a successful search ask yourself what is important to you?
Location: State, city, distance from home.
Major or career pathway
Type of college:
2 year (associate degree/certificates)
4 year (bachelor's degree)
College type
Public
Private
Campus life
Small, medium or large campus
Clubs, sports, outdoor activities.
Acceptance rate
Most selective
Very selective
Selective
Not selective
Affordability
Financial need met
Scholarship opportunities
Once you have a list of colleges, now what? Begin gathering application information for each college:
What application platform does each college use? Examples:
Direct application: Application accepted by that specific college.
Common application: Application method accepted by over 1,000 colleges. Students can apply to multiple colleges under this option.
Coalition application: Accepted by over 150 colleges. Like the common app, it is used to gather information and will be sent to multiple colleges.
ApplyTexas: Texas-specific college application platform.
UC application: Students can apply to multiple UC campuses under this platform.
Cal State Apply: Application method for the Cal State University system.
applySUNY: State of New York application for 58 campuses.
When is the application deadline(s) for each college? Examples:
Regular decision: Students submit their application by a specific date and receive a decision in a stated period of time. Non-Binding
Rolling admission: Schools will review applications and submit decisions throughout the admission cycle.
Early Action (EA): Most deadlines fall between early to mid November. And decisions are released around mid-December. Non-Binding
Early Decision(ED): Deadline falls around November 1st and admission decisions are released around mid-December. This deadline is BINDING. In other words, the early decision application means you commit to attending this school if you get in. You must withdraw all other applications. You can only apply to ONE ED.
Restrictive Early Action (REA) or “Single - Choice Early Action: Students apply to a school to receive an early decision. Now you may be restricted from applying ED, EA, or REA to other schools. Non-Binding
Parts of a college application:
After determining each college(s) deadline date you can now begin building the components of your application. Researching the admission requirements for each college will help with this process. Examples:
Transcripts: This is a record of the classes you have taken during your high school career. Some colleges may request a transcript from your school or allow you to self-report your classes.
Note: You will receive your unofficial 6th semester transcript to help with college applications in the fall of senior year.
Resume/Activities list: Compile a list of all your activities both on and off campus.
Letters of recommendation: Many colleges may require LOR from your core academic teachers, counselors, coaches, etc. This will be dependent on the college's requirements.
NOTE: You will be requesting LOR in the fall of senior year.
College essays and/or personal statements: Some colleges may require additional personal statements and/or essays. *See attached “Telling your story” brainstorm guide.
Test scores (ACT/SAT): While many colleges have remained test optional. You can select to include your test scores in the application process. If you elect to include them in your application you MUST request the scores be sent to those colleges via the ACT and/or SAT website.
Auditions and Portfolios: If you are applying to a music, art, or theater program the college may want to see samples of your work.