4-Year College Admissions Process

Prepare to Apply

Every college sets its own admission requirements, so it’s a good idea for to check with the college’s website to see what criteria (GPA, test scores, etc.) applicants must meet in order to be a good candidate.

Early applications are usually due in the fall, sometimes even as early as October. For regular admissions, applications are usually due in December or January. Click here to understand Admissions terms and deadlines. Also look at Tips for submitting your application.

Admissions Process

Here are the most common parts to an application at a 4-year college:

• The Application: Most colleges use their own custom application form, but some schools, mostly private institutions, use a shared application called the Common Application or Coalition Application (UW).

• Personal Statement/Essay: This is perhaps the most critical element of an application. The personal statement is a way for admissions officers to get to know who applicants are and why they want to attend their college. Each school has specific topic options.

  • Most Seniors at WF West have a personal statement or admissions essay as part of their English courses. This is a great place to start and puts you one step close to pushing submit!

• Transcript: Most colleges will require a high school transcript, which is a record of your classes and grades. Students, who have earned college credit, will also need to submit those college transcripts. NOTE: Colleges only accept "official" transcripts that are signed and sealed by the high school, usually the school counselor.

  • To request a transcript at WF West_

    • • • • W.F. West Website: https://chehalisschools.org/wfw/

          • Students/Parents tab

          • Click on Transcript Requests

          • Fill out the form with requested information

          • https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNsaB5302ZFWQAQlrFQ1ReEgDB_eDviY-wZBOg3Wu-4v2MKg/viewform

• • • If you are Running Start or received credit through the College in the High school, you also need to request a transcript from Centralia College. Click here and follow the prompts https://www.centralia.edu/resources/transcripts.aspx

• Test Scores: The required test could be one of the following: SAT and/or ACT, SAT Subject Tests (select subjects), ASSET/ACCUPLACER (for community college) or ASVAB (for military).

• • • As a result of COVID, many college have changed their policies to "test optional" or "test blind". Please check with the specific college to view their policy on SAT/ACT test

• Short Answer Response: These are extra questions beyond a personal statement.

• Activities Log/Resume: This listing of extracurricular activities is a way for admissions to get to know your child.

• • • Most WFW Seniors will do a Resume during English, so while you might want to expand on it, you do not need to start from scratch

• Letters of Recommendation: Sometimes a college will require one or more letters of recommendation, from someone other than a family member.

  • If you plan to ask a teacher or counselor, they will want you to first complete the Letter of Recommendation Form found here