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The application process can seem overwhelming at first, but we've broken it down into an easy-to-follow checklist. Begin checking these off and, before you know it, your college application will be complete! You've got this!
Which to choose? There is no right or wrong way to apply to a college. All applications are created equal. You will want to look at your Colleges I'm Thinking About list in Naviance and jot down all the ways your schools accept an application. Then find the common ground. You may use the Common App for most of your colleges, but may want to use the college's app for others.
The University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign accepts both the Coalition Application and their own application found on their website.
Explore full list of colleges using the Coalition Application. At this time, University of Washington is the only college that will ONLY accept the Coalition Application.
Click here for a list of colleges using the Common App.
Visit How to Complete the Common App for helpful and SHORT video tutorials
If you are completing the Coalition App and need help, please drop into the CRC Office Hours (MWF 8-Noon & TTH Noon-4) or Ask Us Anything!
If you're using the Coalition Application, click here for some FAQs on completing the application. At this time, University of Washington is the only school that uses the Coalition Application exclusively.
Click here to go to our Common App page, full of instructional videos to help you complete each section.
Click here to go to our Common App page, full of instructional videos to help you complete each section.
Early Action? Early Decision? Regular Decision? Rolling?! Which Application Option is Best for You?
Early Action? Early Decision? Regular Decision? Rolling?! Which Application Option is Best for You?
Colleges will offer you different options and deadlines. Many LHS seniors apply Early Action each fall, knowing that they will receive a decision from the college earlier in the process. Remember that Early Decision requires a major commitment from the student, and Restrictive Early Action places limits on the other applications you may submit. Questions on how to apply? Talk with your counselor or the CRC.
Academic Requirements
Academic Requirements
Make sure you check the academic requirements for each college you apply to. Some colleges or majors require you to complete specific courses or credits in high school. For example, the University of California and California State campuses have very specific academic requirements, especially related to English and fine arts classes. If you are thinking about applying to one of these campuses, check with your counselor to ensure you have taken the necessary courses to be considered for admission.
Some majors, particularly nursing and engineering, can require specific courses taken in high school to be considered.
Be safe, not sorry! Check the admission requirements of each college online to ensure you're a strong candidate.
Testing requirements are changing rapidly in our Covid-19 world. The majority of colleges have moved to a test-optional status for the Class of 2021, as the future availability of SAT and ACT tests are uncertain.
You can check the list of test-optional colleges at Fairtest.org.
Which colleges are still requiring the SAT or ACT? Check out this list of colleges' testing policies compiled by our friends at Compass Prep. You can sort the list by clicking on "TO" or Test-Optional in the second column.
We recognize the lengths students are going to to find a test center and take an ACT or SAT. Our main message is: Do not stress if you have not yet taken the ACT or SAT, or if you aren’t happy with your current score. This is obviously something that is affecting the entire nation and that no one can control. Colleges realize that they will need to be extremely flexible when reviewing applications next fall.
Transcript
Transcript
All transcripts are ordered through your Parchment account. You can order your transcript at any time -- you don't have to complete your application first. Watch this short video to learn how to create your Parchment account. When you create your Parchment account, make sure you check the box to receive an unofficial transcript. After processing, it will then appear on the home page of your Parchment account.
How to Order a Transcript
Log into your Parchment account
In the middle of the page is a green button that says "Order". Click this.
Search for your college. FOR COMMON APP SCHOOLS: WATCH THIS VIDEO! You will order your transcript just once for your Common App. Common App will make sure each college gets your transcript. In the Search bar, type in Common App. Enter your Common App ID (CAID) which is found in the upper right hand corner of your Common App. FOR COALITION OR COLLEGE-SPECIFIC APPS: In the Search bar, type in the name of the college or university to which you are applying. Make sure to select the "Undergraduate" option for that school!
Click Next until you come to a signature page. Sign your name and check all of the boxes.
Click Submit
Make sure you have completed all SIX steps of the process! You can see your progress bar at the top of the page.
What if no transcript is required by your college? Don't order one! However, you can use your unofficial transcript to help you complete the application, if you are required to enter 9th - 11th grade courses and grades.
If you have questions, contact Mrs. Lentz, LHS Registrar, at Michelle.Lentz@d128.org.
Parchment Flow Chart 2020-21.pdfCheck each college’s admission requirements carefully to determine if they require letters of recommendation. If a college does require a letter from a teacher, they typically only need one. Some colleges accept a letter from a teacher OR counselor. Very few colleges actually require two teacher letters of recommendation.
Colleges that require Letters of Recommendation
Don't forget to help your teacher and counselor complete the letter of recommendation. Fill out these surveys so they can craft an amazing letter:
Teacher Letter of Recommendation Survey
Counselor Letter of Recommendation Survey
Visit Letters of Recommendation for more detailed instructions about Teacher AND Counselor Letters of Recommendation.
The essay portion of the application consists of a general essay which is sent out to all schools and, if a college requires them, supplemental essays.
The general essay (commonly called the Common App essay if you are applying that way) is the perfect place to tell your admissions rep who you are as a person, how you think about the world, and what is important to you. Both the Common and Coalition Applications offer prompts for you to address in your essay. This essay will not be about a specific college; it doesn't even have to be about college!
The Supplemental Essay will be unique to each school. Colleges most commonly ask "Why Us?" They want to know that you've put some thought into why you want to attend their school (and not just because it was a free application and you felt you needed to add another school to your list). In this essay you will definitely want to mention the specific college and why you want to go there. The College Essay Guy is a guru at helping you construct your "Why Us" essay. You can find all required essays under the Writing section within each of your colleges in Common App.
Visit the College Essay page for more information and resources.
Check out the College Essay Guy's College Application Hub.
Check out the College Essay Guy's College Application Hub.
It's chock full of great information from the sassy, smart, and accessible College Essay Guy, Ethan Sawyer
Every winter, as seniors start to hear back from colleges, we spend time with families agonizing over how to make a college affordable. Our students get into amazing colleges, but families often seem surprised at the final cost to attend. And the amount of student loans offered is daunting.
In an effort to alleviate those painful conversations, we strongly encourage seniors and their parents to talk NOW about the family budget, before time is spent on applications for schools that aren't a good family fit. We admire seniors who, knowing that their family has limited financial resources, build a college list that fits them not only academically and extracurricularly, but fits their wallet, as well.
There are many ways to make college affordable. But students and parents should first educate themselves about how the process works. Stay tuned for more updates soon from the CRC!
Check out the list of colleges requiring the CSS Profile.
Visit the Paying for College for more information and look for more updates about completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Interviews, portfolios and auditions are all ways that colleges learn more about you as a student and future member of their community. Visit our Majors & Programs section to learn more. If you would like to talk to Ms. Belstra about the portfolio or audition process, please schedule an appointment with her. We are here to explain the process and help you navigate it!
Resource List
Resource List
College Comparison Worksheet - An awesome worksheet that keeps you organized and maintains family peace
Know Your Application Decision Plan Options - Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, etc.
The Language of Admissions - FERPA? CEEB Code? CSS Profile? Get the scoop and be in the know!
College Essay Guy's Application Hub - Incredibly USEFUL and easy-to-digest application information. A must-see!
A Tip from Your CRC:
Create a personal email to use with all your college, scholarship, and financial aid applications.
Here's why: D128 purges all student emails about one month after graduation, so you could lose any information associated with your @lhswildcats.org email. And it helps you keep your college application information organized and your email inbox under control. You can create a free Gmail account here.
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