Steps to College

Not sure what career you want to pursue?  It’s ok!  You DO need to know what you like to do, what you’re good at, and which careers will have openings available.  Also, not all career fields require college degrees.  Discuss the needed training with representatives at College + Career Day, your CTE teachers, and/or your counselor(s) and career coach to learn more about your path to your future job.

• Take an interest inventory to narrow down your options if you're unsure.  

• Use job market information to guide you to a growing field you will enjoy

• Contact your career coach for helping navigating this information.  

Some fields, like business, are offered at almost every university, so you have plenty of options.  Some, like engineering, are only offered at certain colleges.  Do your research!  Consider how long you will need to be in school and if you’re ready for the commitment.

• Find colleges that offer your program of study using services like College Scorecard or College Navigator or simply searching the college's page.

• You can also contact your career coach for help finding a school that offers your program of study.

You should apply to at least 3 colleges or training programs, even if you’re 100% sure on the one you want to attend (especially if they do not charge a fee to apply).  Your second or third choice might offer you a financial aid package that is too good to pass up.  Remember, you're not obligated to attend any school just because you send in an application packet.  

More tips:

• Many college admissions representatives maintain social media platforms for the college, so reaching out to your desired schools may be as simple as sending a direct message on Instagram or Facebook.  

• Take a Tour!  Most schools offer preview days or themed days for specific departments.  Ask an admissions officer about your options. 

• When you complete your FAFSA for financial aid, be sure to list every single college you could imagine attending.  The school will not be able to offer you a financial aid packet unless you list them on the FAFSA application.

If the school accepts online applications, find the application portion of the website and get started.  Ask your counselor or career coach if you need help.  Keep in mind that some schools do require an application fee.  Utilize the College Application Week events held in the fall and spring when many schools waive their fees.  If you're applying and still need to pay the fee, you’ll need a form of payment available, usually a credit card, to pay for the fee at the end of the application process.  If you think you qualify for an application fee waiver, talk to your school counselor as they’re the only ones who can issue the waiver for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch or meet other need-based criteria.  If your college does not accept online applications, school websites typically have a paper copy you can download and print.

More tips:

• Pay attention to deadlines, and do not wait until the last minute to complete your application, especially if you are required to submit additional materials in your packet.  Some schools combine their applications with scholarship data, so be prepared to answer questions about your awards, extracurriculars, leadership, and work experience - it helps to have your resume or brag sheet handy!

• Use an personal email address you check often and phone number where you can be reached (DO NOT use your Elmore County school email as it deactivates after you graduate).

• Complete all portions of the application before you submit.

• Save the confirmation page of online applications (even if it’s just a screenshot).

What additional pieces of information are required?  Some common items are listed below:

TRANSCRIPTS – Seniors in Elmore County should request transcripts through Parchment.com.  

Create an account using a personal email address and link to your high school as an institution where you have taken courses.   You do not need to create your account profile.  You must order a high school transcript for each college where you have applied.   Elmore County Schools provides 10 transcripts for free.

If you have taken college courses through dual enrollment, you should also link to each college where you have taken courses so that you can send those transcripts as well.  You can usually wait until you decide which college you plan to attend as each of these transcripts will cost you a fee.

ACT/SAT SCORES – Colleges usually require scores to be sent through the appropriate testing agency.  

You can send a limited number for free when you register for each test.  Each score above that limit will incur a fee.  Check with your guidance counselor to see if your college or university will accept scores via email.  

Log in to your online testing account for the test that you need to send.  Ensure that you have listed every college, university, or program to receive your scores if you want them to consider you for admission or scholarships.

ACT.org  (all juniors create an account when they take the free ACT on campus)

SAT (most Alabama students take the ACT; however, you may opt to take the SAT as well)

ADMISSIONS ESSAY OR RESUME 

Pay close attention to the guidelines and follow instructions.  Need someone independent to proofread your essay?  Sign up for GetSchooled's FREE Essay Review https://getschooled.com/college-review/. 

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

Give your contacts at least 2 weeks notice to write them for you.  Do not choose a family member unless that's who the college requests write the letter.

OTHER

Will you live on campus?  Make sure you note the housing application and deposit deadline.

Does your program require additional application materials or a tryout to enter?  Contact the appropriate parties at your college to get specifics on extra fees, deadlines, and more.

Create your FSA ID at StudentAid.Gov.

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as it becomes available for your senior class.  

Regardless of how you plan to pay for school, all college applicants need to submit a FAFSA.  Go to StudentAid.gov and follow the step-by-step instructions.  See your Career Coach's FAFSA Guide for more help.  Grant money is available on a first come, first served basis, so apply as soon as the application is released.

Apply for Scholarships

If you think you may qualify for scholarships from the school(s) you're interested in attending, seek out the financial aid portion of the website to find out how to apply.   You can contact your counselor or career coach for help.

Also look through the SCHOLARSHIPS page on this site to see opportunities through other organizations such as local foundations, church, civic clubs, or even your parents’ employers.

Planning to pay for school using a family member’s GI Bill?

Visit benefits.va.gov/gibill and discuss your options with your chosen school to determine your next steps.  

Keep an eye on your email and mailbox to look for your acceptance letter(s).  Keep up with any correspondence from admissions officers through email or phone.  Be sure to submit any outstanding documentation they request.  If you have questions or want to confirm your application is complete, you can seek help from the college by calling the admissions office.  And, finally, make your decision on which college you will attend.  Ensure that you accept any scholarships with that school, and ensure that your final transcript is sent to the college or university you selected.