College Planning
How Do I Apply to College?
Students can apply to college either by going to the college or universities website and selecting apply on the home page or by creating a Common Application Account. The Common App can only be used for participating schools. It is a huge advantage if you are applying to multiple schools that use the Common Application. For example, if you are applying to 3 schools that use the Common Application, you only fill out the application once and just add the name of the 3 schools to which you are applying. Be aware however, that some of the schools may still have a supplementary form that is different for each school. Below are video tutorials on how to complete The Common Application. You may come across a few colleges who offer the Coalition Application as an application alternative. DO NOT APPLY USING THE COALITION APPLICATION unless it is the only application platform that the college accepts.
The RHS counseling department knows applying to college can be a stressful process. We are here to answer any question you may have.
Note: When you click on the link below you will need to scroll down to the desired instructional video.
NACAC College Fairs
Connect with hundreds of colleges and universities at NACAC Virtual College Fairs in Fall 2023. High school students, transfer students, and families are welcome to attend for free. Sign up at www.nacacfairs.org or click the button below!
College Exploration & Visits
Attending a college fair is a great first step in your college search process!! GoToCollegeFairs is a valuble resource for explorig varous colleges throughout the region and the county. Click on the link below to register and sign up for in person and/or virtural events!
BigFuture by The Collegeboard
Big Futures is a FREE program offred by Collegeboard to help to student easly access important information about their college of interest! Click on the link below and use your collegeboard log-in and password or create one to start!
Are You Prepared For Your Senior Year?
As we get set to begin the new school year we will post information so that both virtual students and attending students will have access to the same vital information. We want all students to feel supported and have their questions answered in a timely manner. As a department we will post tutorials via chromecast, host google meet sessions, as well as hold small group question and answer sessions as allowed by the department of education.
For students interested in applying to a 4 year college or university there are a few actions you can take immediately.
Narrow down the list of colleges you are interested in to about 5 institutions.
Create or update resume of your activities to share with colleges during the application process, as well as community members who may be offering scholarships.
Review your preferred schools' website for a list of documents required for a complete application (Transcript, SAT/ACT Scores, Current Schedule ETC).
If your college/university of choice requires an SAT or ACT score be sure to sign up using the provided link under the SAT and ACT testing tab on the RHS Counseling website
Visit this page at least two times per week to check for updates as we begin the new school year.
Know Your Deadlines! Know Your Admission Agreements!
KNOW YOUR DEADLINES – Some programs within a college have specific deadlines or requirements different from regular admission. Blue Ridge Community College nursing and vet tech programs are common examples. College Financial Aid also has separate deadlines than applications for admission. Some Honors programs and Scholarship programs at colleges may also have different deadlines from admission deadlines or financial aid deadlines.
EARLY ACTION: Offered by some colleges. It is a nonbinding agreement where seniors can apply early to college (deadlines vary from Oct to Dec.). Students find out earlier whether they are accepted.
EARLY DECISION: Offered by some colleges. It is a binding agreement where seniors can apply early to college (deadlines vary from Oct to Dec.). Students find out earlier whether they are accepted). If the student is accepted then they are obligated to attend that college. Although the early decision can give some students the edge in getting acceptance, student who are heavily dependent upon financial aid should use caution with a binding contract.
REGULAR DECISION: Offered by most colleges. It is a nonbinding agreement. Applications are often due in January or February. Students receive an admissions decision at a later date than the previous two decision types. This decision type gives perspective students more time to perfect their application or take additional SAT's.
ROLLING ADMISSION: Offered by some colleges. It is nonbinding and students can continuously apply until college or university has reached capacity. Often colleges that offer this admission type will only offer Rolling Admission.
NCAA
Students interested in college athletics should register with NCAA. It is important to review the NCAA website to assure you are successfully completing NCAA-approved core courses.
For information on COVID-19, please visit the attached link and continue to monitor for more information.