Applying to College

Organizing Your College Applications

We get it. It's a lot to manage.  Make a copy of this College Application Chart and use these instructions to help you stay on track and meet your application deadlines. 

Online Applications

Apply online using these sites:

If a college offers multiple application choices, there is no inherent advantage to one over another -- you should choose whatever option eases the process for you.

You will need to create an account, so save your logins and passwords where you will be able to find them. Communication from colleges about the status of your application will come through email, so use an email account that you check regularly.

Essay Prompts

Get a head start on your college application essays by writing rough drafts over the summer.

Westlake English teachers also offer a summer college essay writing camp!  Information is here. ------ >

CollegeEssayCamp.pdf

Transcripts

When an official transcript is required with the application, you will request an Initial Transcript (grades earned through Junior year).  In the spring semester, some of you may also need to request a Mid-Year Transcript, which reflects your senior year fall semester grades.  After graduation, we will send a Final Transcript to the school you have chosen to attend. In order for the transcript to match up with your application electronically at its destination, your application MUST to be submitted prior to requesting a transcript.

Rather than an official transcript, some schools will want you to complete a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). For these schools, you can reference your unofficial transcript in Skyward to complete the SRAR.  You will not request an official transcript for these schools. 

A $30 senior transcript fee will be assessed at the start of the year.  This fee covers your initial transcript, a mid-year transcript (if applicable), and the final transcript.

Recommendation Letters

Read instructions carefully to see whether or not your college wants letters of recommendation, how many they want, and who they want to write those letters (counselor, teacher, etc).  Generally, Texas public colleges and universities do not need counselor recommendations.  Private institutions and colleges/universities found outside of Texas are more likely to want a counselor recommendation.  When a letter is optional, consider asking for a letter from someone who leads a program you participate in, an employer, etc.

Keep in mind that it is a courtesy, not an expectation, that anyone write a letter for you. You will want to ASK politely, and give your recommenders 2-3 weeks notice before your letter is due. Writing a good letter takes time.  

Counselor Letter

We ask that BOTH students and parents fill out a separate questionnaire to help us learn more about you and enable us to write a more meaningful letter.

Please type responses to ensure legibility and email the forms to your counselor.

Student Questionnaire 

Parent Questionnaire


Teacher Letter

Teacher recommendations are meant to give the college insight into the kind of scholar you can be. Be sure to select teachers who know you and have something insightful and meaningful to share.

(Click the box to the left to view a video explaining how to invite teacher recommenders in Naviance.)

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Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. With a commitment to equity and excellence, Think College supports evidence-based and student-centered research and practice by generating and sharing knowledge, guiding institutional change, informing public policy, and engaging with students, professionals and families.