College App Checklist

Step 1: Create your college application list.

Select 5-10 schools to which you will apply. Here is a list of some schools local to the area. Remember: You can apply for an Application Fee Waiver for most colleges and universities!

Step 2: Write your college essay.

Essay prompts vary from school to school. Maybe start here, or check out the Common App questions for the upcoming application cycle.

Step 3: Have someone review and edit your essay.

Maybe reach out to one of your teachers in the English or CCR department for support.

Step 4: Ask 1-2 teachers, a counselor, coach, or administrator to write you a letter of recommendation.

You can request a letter of recommendation on the College and Career home page!

Step 5: Complete a “Brag Sheet” for your Recommender

Your recommender will use this when writing your letter of recommendation. Make sure you write down where to submit your letter of recommendation. Click on this link to access the Brag Sheet!

Step 6: Apply to a minimum of 5 colleges.

Reminder: This is a requirement for graduation!

Step 7: Ask your Counselor to send your transcript & SAT/ACT scores to your college.

You can contact your counselors by swinging by the Guidance wing of the building or visiting the department's web page.

Step 8: Create an Academic Resume

Create an Academic Resume if your college requests one. You will need an Academic Resume when you apply to scholarships too.

Step 9: Complete the FAFSA for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA as early as October 1 and before March 1 so you qualify for federal and state financial aid.

Step 10: Create an MDCAPS Account to check your state financial aid.

Step 11: Apply for scholarships.

You can find some opportunities for scholarships on our school's page, but we encourage you to research and apply for as many as possible!

QUICK TIPS - Below are some tips to follow when filling out your college applications, the FAFSA, and more.

General Tips

· Save all your user names and passwords in the Notes app of your phone!

· You will need to know your social security number for college applications and FAFSA. Make sure you look at your social security card to put in the right number! If you do not have a social security number or are unsure see your Counselor.

· Have a professional e-mail address & make sure you check it frequently! You will receive important updates about your applications in your e-mail.

· Gather your parent/guardian’s contact information you will need their full name, phone number, e-mail address, social security number (for FAFSA and some college applications).

College Applications

· When asked you are applying for the fall 2021 – spring 2022 school year.

· You will be a Freshmen/First-Year applicant.

· You will be a full-time student.

· If you do not know what major you want to select you can choose “Undecided.”

· When you enter your GPA, the college wants your cumulative unweighted GPA, sometimes they will take your weighted. Your cumulative GPA is your average GPA from all 3 years of high school.

· If you are applying to a Maryland college, you want to select “Yes” to receive in-state tuition/residency.

· You are a “Dependent” student unless you are in legal guardianship, foster care, homeless, a soon to be parent, etc. if you are not sure ask your Counselor.

· There will be an application fee when you submit a college application.

o You can get up to 4 free fee waivers by logging into your College Board account. See more information here.

o You can also ask Ms. Rosas to send a CollegeBound fee waiver if you run out of or cannot access your College Board fee waivers.

Completing the FAFSA

· You will need your parent/legal guardian’s 2019 tax return, W-2 form(s), and social security number to complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA.

· If your parent/legal guardian did not file their 2019 taxes please see Ms. Rosas on what other information you may use to complete a FAFSA.

· Your parent/guardian will have to create an account with FAFSA. They may already have an account if you are not their first child to go to college.

· You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to complete a FAFSA. If you are not you may be eligible to complete a MSFAA.