Steps for completing a college application

Number One Rule: Watch Your Deadlines. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. You must allow at least 10 school days for the counseling office to process your applications. There are often advantages to completing your applications well ahead of any deadlines.

1. Obtain or view the application from each school to which you are applying.

* ONLINE: Colleges allow and prefer you to apply online

2. Read each application carefully and watch for these items:

• • If you will require a COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATION (see notes on COUNSELOR REC)

  • If you will require TEACHER LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (see notes on RECOMMENDATIONS).

  • If you will require an ESSAY, (see notes on ESSAYS).

  • Watch for DEADLINES and for ADDITIONAL MAILINGS REQUIRED (like mid-year reports).

3. Complete each application carefully.

Three tips: Be Neat; Be Complete; Be On Time. Make sure your application reflects you at your best. Take your time.

4. Complete a blue "Application Cover Sheet" for each application.

• • Check to see if your letters of recommendation have been turned in using Naviance. Not all colleges require letters. Go to the "Colleges" tab, "Colleges I'm Applying To" and it will show the teacher's name and if the recommendation has been completed.

  • Complete the blue Transcript Request Form for each school to which you are applying - available in the counseling office.

  • If paying the college application fee by check, please mail it yourself.

  • Attach $5 for the processing fee.

  • Transcript Request forms can be submitted on the first day of 2015-2016 school year.

5. Have your official ACT/SAT results sent to each school.

If you did not request that scores be sent to the colleges you are applying to when you took the test, you can request scores be sent by going to http://www.actstudent.org (ACT) or http://www.collegeboard.com (SAT) to request official scores be sent (there will be a fee). ACT & SAT scores are not included on your high school transcript that is sent to colleges. NOTE: Don't wait to send in your application until you have received the scores from your latest test. You can make a note on your application of the date of the test. The college will add your scores to your application when the scores arrive from ACT /SAT.

6. Your counselor will submit the completed application.

All of the necessary materials, including your transcript, will be submitted depending on how the college prefers to receive the material. You do not need to worry about providing an envelope or postage - that's what the $5 processing fee is for!

Common Application

Common Application Some schools allow you to use the Common Application to apply to several schools using the same basic form. Please be careful and note that there are several different pieces that have to be accessed and completed individually. Also check to see if the school requires an additional supplement to the Common Application.

If a college accepts the common application but also has their own application, PLEASE use the common application.

Counselor Recommendation

(Only Required for Some Colleges)

If your application will require a recommendation or comments from your counselor, you should complete your counselor's Biographical Information Sheet. This "brag sheet" helps your counselor write a good and comprehensive recommendation. The best method is to complete the sheet fully and carefully and schedule a meeting with your counselor.

Letters of Recommendation

(Only Required for Some Colleges)

If you will require letters from teachers, you should complete and give a request form (yellow) to each teacher. These forms are available in the counseling office. If you are using the Common Application, this must be noted to the teacher on the request form. The teacher will upload your recommendation to Naviance. These letters are considered confidential, so the counselor cannot show them to you.

Note: Colleges typically like to see letters of recommendation from core subject area teachers (10th & 11th) and usually do not require more than 1-2 letters.

Allow plenty of time. If a deadline may be a problem, point out the date on the request form to the teachers and make sure they will be able to complete the references on time. Teachers should be allowed at least 3 weeks to write your letter.

**Your request date of completion should not be the same date as your college admission deadlines - remember the counseling office needs 10 school days to process your paperwork once we have received the letters.

To check to see if your letters of recommendation have been turned in using Naviance 1.) Go to the "Colleges" tab 2.) "Colleges I'm Applying To" and it will show the teacher's name and if the recommendation has been completed.

FERPA Release: There is a green release form that must be signed by the student and a parent for all students who are requesting letters of recommendation from a staff member.

Essay

If your application requires an essay, please visit the Writing the College Essay webpage for additional information. You may find it helpful to show your rough draft to a Communications teacher and/or other readers to get input. Make sure your final copy is carefully checked for grammar and spelling.

If you are applying online, no one will get a chance to proof read it for you.

Your essay is your chance to make a personal impression - make it a good one!

Activity/Extra-Curricular Involvement

Remember that the person reading your file does not know what some of our acronyms mean. For example, Club Y.E.S. Let them know that Y.E.S. stands for Youth Extending Service. Take the opportunity to explain what the club is about. Make no assumptions! Tell the reader about your activities!

Final Reminders

• • Complete your own application. You are the one applying to college.

  • Fill out the application completely, do not leave questions blank.

  • Call the school if you have questions about the application or process.

  • Read over the application for errors. Have a parent proof your application before hitting submit.

  • Keep a copy of your applications and essays.

  • Remember to write a nice thank you note afterward to those individuals that wrote letters of recommendation on your behalf.

  • Remember to allow 10 school days for the counseling office to process your applications.

  • Teacher recommendations must be in Naviance before the counseling office will accept your Transcript Request Form.

  • Don't forget to bring the $5 processing fee for each application/transcript you want sent at least 10 school days before the application deadline.

Be aware of your deadlines (you are responsible for knowing the deadline for each of your applications).