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.
Quick Links:
How to Connect your Common App & SchooLinks Accounts
How to Create a Common App Account
12th Grade College Planning Guide
Senior College & Career Slideshow
College & Career Planning Guide
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.
Senior Meetings with CHS School Counselors
Counselors will walk through planning after high school and college applications during Learning Lab during the following dates.
Students should bring their Chromebooks & Chargers
Who: ALL Seniors
When: Wednesday, September 16
Where: Auditorium
Slideshow: Senior College & Career Slideshow
Schedule your 1:1 senior conference with your school counselor
College application set up
How we send your transcripts
How to request/send letters of recommendation
Schedule for Breakouts Sessions:
Last names A-F
Monday, September 21,
Last Names G-N
Tuesday, September 22
Last Names O-Z
Thursday, September 24
1-on-1 Senior Conferences: October - November
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! 😊
Finding Your Pathway
College is a powerful path, but it is not the only path to a successful, well-paying career. Senior year is about matching your goals, learning style, and financial reality to the right post-secondary option.
Earn while you learn. Combines paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction in skilled trades and technical fields.
Gain real-world experience in their chosen career field
Earn a paycheck while they learn
Receive industry-recognized credentials
Build valuable connections with employers
Apprenticeships are available in many fields — such as construction, healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and more.
Check out these local apprenticeship opportunities: Apprenticeship Opportunities
Local Apprenticeships:
Cleveland Steel Container
Astro Manufact. & Design Inc.
Akron Electrical JATC
Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council / UnionizeCLE
Full-time or part-time commitment
Leads to jobs and career skills
Can provide funding for college
18 years old (or 17 with parent consent)
High school diploma
Able to pass physical fitness requirements
Clear student record
ASVAB test completed
Contacted a military recruiter
Best for careers requiring specific degrees (engineering, nursing, teaching, law, medicine). Offers a traditional campus experience and broad general education before specialized study.
Ideal for completing general education requirements at a fraction of the cost, earning an Associate Degree, or taking advantage of guaranteed transfer programs to 4-year universities.
Why Choose 2-Year?
Want to save money & cut degree costs
Need smaller classes & extra support
Flexible schedules (night, weekend, online)
Sharpen study skills before university
Earn certification & enter workforce
Transfer to a 4-year university later
Explore different career & degree choices
Common App Resources: Click Here to Find Common App Resources
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 🔗
New Users Complete:
“Find your Path”
“Career Cluster Survey”
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)
or “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:
