Requirements for the 4 Year College Pathway

1. College application(s)

2. FAFSA (financial aid form)

3. Fee Waiver - all students applying to college need to get a fee waiver from Ms. Cosgray or Mr. Lawrence, have their parents/guardians sign it and turn it into Ms. Cosgray or Mr. Lawrence. This helps us understand if we need to pay for your applications or whether the fees can be waived. 

4. Log all applications in SchooLinks. This tells us where you have applied to and allows us to send transcripts

College Application Options

The Common App

As you start preparing your college applications, one essential tool to know about is the Common Application, often referred to as the Common App. This online platform simplifies the college application process by allowing you to apply to multiple colleges and universities with just one application.

What is the Common App?
The Common App is a centralized college application portal that lets you complete one application and submit it to over 900 member colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. Instead of filling out individual applications for each school, you can use the Common App to provide your personal information, academic history, activities, and more—all in one place.

Why is the Common App Important?

1. Saves Time: By using the Common App, you can apply to multiple schools without having to re-enter your information over and over. This saves you valuable time and effort, especially when you're applying to several colleges.

2. Streamlines the Process: The Common App provides a standardized way to submit your application, making the process more straightforward and less stressful. You only need to write your personal essay once, and you can use the same set of teacher recommendations and transcripts for all your applications.

3. Access to a Wide Range of Colleges: With over 900 member institutions, the Common App gives you access to a wide variety of colleges and universities, from large public universities to small private colleges, all over the world.

4. Additional Resources: The Common App website offers valuable tools and resources to help you through the application process. These include application guides, tips for writing your personal essay, and information about financial aid options.

5. Tracking and Organization: The Common App dashboard allows you to track the status of your applications, see deadlines, and manage your application documents in one place, making it easier to stay organized and meet deadlines.

Getting Started with the Common App:
If you haven’t already, create a Common App account at www.commonapp.org. Start by filling in your personal details, exploring the colleges that use the Common App, and noting their specific requirements and deadlines. Remember, the earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to prepare a strong application.

Black Common App and School-Specific Application Portals

In addition to the Common App, there are other application platforms you should know about, depending on your college choices.

What is the Black Common App?

The Black Common Application is a college application service that allows you to apply to over 60 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) using a single application. This platform is similar to the Common App but focuses exclusively on HBCUs, making it a great resource if you're interested in attending one of these institutions. By using the Black Common App, you can save time and streamline the application process, just like with the traditional Common App. Visit www.commonblackcollegeapp.com to get started.

School-Specific Application Portals
Some colleges and universities prefer that you use their own application portals. These are individual platforms created by the schools themselves, often found on their official websites. These school-specific applications may ask for information or essays that are tailored to what the institution values most. While it might seem like more work to apply through separate portals, it can be worth it, especially if the school offers special programs, scholarships, or honors colleges that require specific application details.

Why Consider Different Platforms?

• Tailored Applications: Using school-specific portals may provide opportunities to answer questions or submit materials that directly reflect the school's unique values and programs.

• More Options: Applying through multiple platforms, including the Common App, Black Common App, and school-specific portals, can increase your chances of finding the best fit and getting accepted.

Remember, it’s important to check each school’s application options and deadlines to decide the best way to apply. If you have questions or need guidance on choosing the right application method, I’m here to help!

College Application Resources

College Essay Guy

This resource is amazing for students and parents to gain insight, advice and information regarding college essays.