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How do I apply for college?
How do I apply for college?
In order for your college applications to be complete, you need to do the three following tasks:
You can submit an application 3 ways: directly to the school, the Common App, or the Coalition App.
*This may include essays, letters of recommendation, & other supplemental materials.
By adding the colleges you are applying to in SchooLinks, you will automatically request your official high school transcript be sent.
What are the application deaDlines?
What are the application deaDlines?
To confirm which deadline the college has that you are applying to, please search college information through Schoolinks and/or the college's web page. Double-check your ED/EA deadlines. Note that some school-based scholarships require that you apply by the early deadline.
Early Admissions
Early Admissions
November 1, 2025 *
Decision date: Mid-December
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Early Decision
Early Decision
This is binding. If you are accepted with early decision, you must attend that college.
Early Action
Early Action
Non-binding. Students receive an early response to their application, but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1st.
*Click here to learn more about choosing between Early Action and Early Decision.
Regular Admissions
Regular Admissions
January 1, 2026 *
Decision date: Mid-March
*Most schools
Rolling Admissions
Rolling Admissions
No set deadline.
NOTE: May 1st is National College Decision Day. This is the deadline to submit your acceptance and make a deposit to attend the 4 year college/university of your choice. Let the colleges you aren’t attending know that you will not be attending their school.
Senior yEar timeline
Senior yEar timeline
What should I be doing? When should I be doing it?
june-august
june-august
Review your senior year schedule- Make sure you are taking courses to prepare you for college
If necessary, retake the SAT at www.collegeboard.org
Create a list of colleges you would like to apply to
Contact Admissions departments from the colleges you are interested in
Complete the Net Price Calculations for each college you are considering
Create a checklist and calendar to keep you organized (deadlines, test dates, letters of rec, etc.)
Sign up for college visits at WEGO
September-october
September-october
Stay involved in after-school activities and seek leadership roles
Keep working hard all senior year- Senior grades can affect admissions and scholarships
Register to take AP tests (if applicable)
Complete a senior meeting with your counselor
"Favorite" colleges in SchooLinks
Complete college applications (*Are you eligible for a fee waiver? Contact your counselor)
Send your Official Transcripts to each school via SchooLinks
Request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselor at least 2 weeks before you need them
Write your college essay. Have your teachers/counselor review them!
Sign up for college visits at WEGO- Join College Virtual Visits Google Classroom with code: 6gtqxfo
november-december
november-december
It is anticipated that the FAFSA application will open October 2025
When the FAFSA does open, make sure you complete the 2026-27 FAFSA as soon as possible
Apply for scholarships! You can find them at:
Your parents' work might offer scholarships
Apply to community college (if applicable)
Continue to check for new scholarships
january-may
january-may
Stay active in school
Encourage your parents to complete their tax forms as early as possible
Continue completing scholarship applications
Review college acceptance offers and compare the financial aid packages
Complete one final visit to your school before making your decision
Inform every college of your acceptance/rejection by May 1st
Notify your college of any outside scholarship awards
Request a final transcript to be sent to your college by completing the Senior Exit survey and selecting your enrollment decision in Schoolinks.
summer before college
summer before college
Get familiar with your college (housing, choosing courses, parking, programs in your major, etc.)
Attend a summer orientation and new student orientation
Get in touch with your roommate and coordinate what you will bring (if applicable)
Create a financial plan for your time in college: Where will money come from (on-campus job)?
Talk to your parents about how to handle emergency situations while you are away at college
Create a list of all items you will need to bring to college
Be sure to tour your classes before the first day of school
summer College Application tasks for rising seniors
summer College Application tasks for rising seniors
Click here for to-do's for going-to-be seniors including researching scholarships, working on application essays, and more.
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