Hello Seniors & Fam! 👋
Let's start with this: College applications are a journey, but you do not have to walk it alone.
The school counselors at Copley High School are committed to guiding every single senior through this process! To kick things off, we encourage students & families to explore the resources compiled right here on this hub.
Important Note on Records: While there are many ways to apply to college, all transcripts, letters of recommendation, and secondary school reports will be sent electronically through SchooLinks.
🗓️ Required Senior Meetings
To ensure everyone is on the same page, our counselors are hosting a series of targeted meetings during the school day during Learning Lab (9:50 - 10:35 AM).
Note: These meetings are for students during school hours; parents, we will share all presented materials with you afterward!
1. The All-Senior Kickoff Meeting
Who: ALL Seniors
When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during Learning Lab (9:50 AM – 10:35 AM)
Where: Auditorium
2. Counselor Breakout Sessions (By Last Name)
We split up into smaller groups so we can dive into the details and answer your specific questions!
LAST NAMES A-F (Ms. Kraft's Seniors) Monday, September 21, 2026 Auditorium during Learning Lab (9:50 - 10:35 am)
LAST NAMES G-K (Ms. Kraft's Seniors): Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Auditorium during Learning Lab (9:50 - 10:35 am)
LAST NAMES L-P (Mrs. Fuller's Seniors): Thursday, September 24, 2026 Auditorium during Learning Lab (9:50 - 10:35 am)
LAST NAMES R-Z (Mrs. Fuller's Seniors): Friday, September 25, 2026 Auditorium during Learning Lab (9:50 - 10:35 am)
3.🎯 Next Step: 1-on-1 Senior Conferences
During your designated Breakout Session above, seniors will schedule their individual 1:1 Senior Conference with their school counselor.
These personalized meetings are the perfect time to bring your specific college list, essay questions, or application roadblocks. Please come prepared so we can make the most of our time together! 😊
The Quick-Start Guide ⏩
Filling out applications & essays
Common App
College Specific Website (e.g. https://www.uakron.edu/admissions/apply.dot)
Requesting Transcripts: No email/phone call required! All records are sent via SchooLinks!
SchooLinks: Your school counselors will send ALL transcripts via SchooLinks.
Sign in with your Copley student email via Clever & find the College tab, then click "College Applications"
Option A: If you applied to college using Common App, link your Common App and SchooLinks account. This will prompt you to sign into Common App in a different tab. Once this is linked, your Common App applications will automatically populate in your SchooLinks account.
Option B: If you applied directly on the college specific website (e.g. University of Akron website), proceed to link your college applications on SchooLinks by clicking the blue "Add Application +" button in the right hand corner. Search your college and add the college to your SchooLinks profile.
Requesting Teacher Letters of Rec
SchooLinks: Request your teachers/coaches to write a letter of recommendation via SchooLinks. This is done through the College Applications tab in the student SchooLinks account. Please be sure to request your letters of recommendation at least 2 weeks before the due date.
Requesting via SchooLinks requires the student to enter the recommender's email and the recommender will receive an email to upload their letter which is directly sent to the colleges.
Tracking college deadlines
Both (Common App & SchooLinks but keep SchooLinks updated!)
Common App Resources: Click Here to Find Common App Resources
Application Dictionary (Terms & Definitions): Click Here
Additional Resources for Common App
High School Details for your Applications: Click Here
Gathering Materials for your Application: Click Here
Activities Section for your Application: Click Here
College Essay for Applications: Click Here
ACT, SAT, and AP Test Scores for Applications: Click Here
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA): Click Here
College Requirements Worksheet: Click Here
Direct Admissions in Common App: Click Here
Avoid Application Fee with a Fee Waiver (students must qualify): Click Here
Financial Aid & Offers: Click Here
International Students & Common App: Click Here
College Board Resources
SAT vs. ACT (Plus Free SAT Practice Test!): Click Here
What is Test Optional for College Applications?: Click Here
Colleges that Require ACT or SAT Scores: Click Here
College Services on Campuses: Click Here
Basics of College Roommates: Click Here
Finalize your College List: Click Here
Career Colleges: What Are They?: Click Here
Playing Sports in College: Click Here
Returning Users Proceed to “College Applications” Once Logged In
New Users Must Complete New User Onboarding First
Step 1: Getting Started
Log in to the Copley-Fairlawn Academic Portal and click the “SchooLinks” icon 🔗
Only required for NEW users!
Step 1.5: New User Onboarding & Surveys
5-10 min
Complete“Find your Path”
Complete “Career Cluster Survey”
Once complete, please move on to the steps below
Step 2: College Applications: Initial Set Up
Go to the College tab and click “College Applications”
Click “Let’s Go” and fill out Personal Information
Replace Copley Student Email with a personal email address
Review “Fee Waiver Eligibility” (Waives application fees for those in financial need)
Free and Reduced Lunch
Received an ACT or SAT waiver.
If you do not have Free and Reduced Lunch or did not receive an ACT waiver last year, please select “None of these Apply”
Read through FERPA Waiver - Check the box “I have fully read & understand…”
Select 1 of the 2 options:
“I waive my right to review all recommendations and supporting documents submitted by me or on my behalf.”
“I DO NOT waive my right to review all recommendations and supporting documents submitted by me or on my behalf.”
Type your name as a Signature and check the bottom box to confirm you understand.
Click “Sign Waiver”, then Click “Finish Application Setup” *scroll down if you don't see it*
Step 3: Linking Common App
If using Common App, click “Connect →” located on the left
Decide on 1 of the 2 options:
Link your already existing Common App account
“Create an Account” if new to Common App
Click “Link Common App Account”. Opens Common App in a new window
Check Box “Agree” to go back to SchooLinks
Step 3: School-Specific Online Application (same step, different way of applying to college! )
Add colleges you are applying to by clicking blue button located in the top right (“+Add Application”)
Type in college name and select application status “In Progress”, or “Completed”, etc.
Click “Add Application” and fill out your information (School Specific App, And application type)
Click “Save Application” and review college application requirements in SchooLinks.
You will then see the application you just added. Please note the following:
Student Checklist
Teacher Recommendations (Required vs. Optional)
Counselor Documents (That’s your CHS Guidance Counselor To-Do List)
Click “Back” located top left corner to return to your list of applications, or choose to add another application.
Tip: Students can use both CommonApp & use the“Add Application” feature for other colleges not available via CommonApp.
Step 4: Letters of Recommendation
Ask a teacher/staff in person if they will write a letter at least 2 weeks before the due date!
Request the recommendation through SchooLinks (use the pencil or plus sign) If needed, add the teacher’s email manually
Remind your teacher of deadlines
Thank your teacher after submission
Please note: Letters of recommendation that are sent through SchooLinks are also sent directly through Common App to your colleges.
Step 5: Resume & Profile *Helpful for Recommendation Letters *
Go to the Student Tab and use the" Profile and Resume”
Complete“My Strengths”
Add “My Interests and Hobbies” Add “Experiences” (Job, Internship, Volunteer)
Add “Extracurricular Activities & Leadership Roles”
Add “Awards and Achievements” \
Send to your teachers, counselors, coaches, etc. This will help them write the best letter of recommendation for you!
Step 6: Final Steps
Double-check all mandatory items are complete for your college application in Common App and SchooLinks,
Confirm official transcripts will be sent through SchooLinks; your counselors send transcripts in the fall (October/November), end of January, and first week of June.
Once the application is added, the program will notify your counselors to send the transcript.
Your CHS Counselor will send your transcript to your list of colleges via SchooLinks. This will turn green once complete under each college application that you linked.
Tip: Allow at least 2 weeks for teacher/counselor recommendations.
LINKS FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT: