College Planning

• Each college sets its own admission criteria. Students should review these requirements thoroughly before submitting an application to ensure they meet all qualifications and deadlines.

• Students should only submit one admission application per college, no matter the application type options offered. Typically, if a college offers more than one admission application type, the college has no preference on which application type the student selects.

• Students should only apply for college admission during their final year of high school.

• Students graduating from high school should apply to college using an undergraduate, first-time and/or freshman admission application.

• All graduating high school students, regardless of the number of college credit hours earned through concurrent enrollment during high school, are still considered incoming freshmen for college admission purposes.

• Students enrolled at Epic Charter Schools are public school students and should indicate this on all college admission applications.

• Students should list College Planning Counselor, Brianna Strickler, as their Counselor on all admission applications, if applicable.

• Direct Admission Application

  • A direct application is submitted through an individual college’s official website. Most colleges offer this option, allowing students to apply exclusively to their institution. These applications are typically completed online and may include custom questions or requirements specific to that school.

    • Tailored to the college's specific admission process.

    • Often includes school-specific scholarship or program applications.

    • Allows for a focused, direct connection with the institution.

• Common App

  • The Common App allows students to apply to multiple colleges through a single, streamlined platform. With one application, students can submit their materials to any of the more than 1,000 participating colleges across the country.

    • Saves time by using the same core information for multiple schools.

    • Offers built-in tools for tracking deadlines and requirements.

    • Includes sections for recommendation letters, essays and transcripts.

While each college sets its own admission criteria, there are several materials commonly requested as part of the application process. Being prepared with the following items can help ensure a smooth and complete application submission: 

• • Student Contact Information

  • Emergency Contact Information

  • Valid Identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport)

  • ACT, SAT, or AP Scores (if required)

  • High School Transcript

  • College Transcript (if applicable)

  • Professional Resume

  • Essays

  • Counselor Letter of Recommendation

  • Teacher Letter of Recommendation

  • Application Fee Payment (credit/debit) or Approved Application Fee Waiver

It is essential to carefully review each college’s application requirements to determine which materials must be submitted for the application to be processed and considered for admission. Providing all required documents on time supports a strong and complete application.

• Direct Admission Application

  • Students who submit direct admission applications to colleges may request for their official high school transcripts to be sent to colleges via Parchment from Naviance.

• Common App

  • For students who apply to colleges using Common App, transcript requests will be submitted automatically once a Counselor Recommender is added in the Recommenders and FERPA section.

  • Students should list College Planning Counselor, Brianna Strickler, as their Counselor Recommender within the Common App Recommenders and FERPA section.

• Direct Admission Application

  • Students may request for College Planning Counselor, Brianna Strickler, to complete a recommendation for college admission applications.

• Common App

  • For students who apply to colleges using Common App, counselor recommendation requests will be submitted automatically once a Counselor Recommender is added in the Recommenders and FERPA section.

  • Students should list College Planning Counselor, Brianna Strickler, as their Counselor Recommender within the Common App Recommenders and FERPA section.

Many colleges require an application fee; however, to promote equitable access to higher education, most institutions offer fee waivers for students with limited financial resources. Students who meet eligibility criteria set by the college may request to have their admission fee waived.

• Direct Admission Application

  • Students applying directly through a college’s website and needing a fee waiver may request assistance from College Planning Counselor, Brianna Strickler. The appropriate admission fee waiver form, accepted by the college, will be completed and submitted on the student’s behalf.

• Common App

  • The Common App includes a built-in option for students to request a fee waiver directly within the application. Students will be prompted to indicate their financial need and confirm eligibility. 

  • Students should list College Planning Counselor, Brianna Strickler, as their Counselor Recommender within the Common App Recommenders and FERPA section.

Many colleges recognize that students are more than test scores and offer test-optional admission, allowing applications to be reviewed holistically.

On the application, students will choose one of the following options:

• • • I do want my ACT or SAT scores considered.

    • I do not want my ACT or SAT scores considered.

This selection determines whether test scores are included in the academic evaluation. 

If applying with test scores:

• • • Scores are required before the application is considered complete.

    • Once under review, scores cannot be removed.

    • Updated scores may be submitted later.

    • Scores are typically used in both admission and scholarship decisions.

If applying without test scores:

• • • The high school transcript becomes the primary academic indicator.

    • Grade point average and course rigor (e.g., AP, honors, CareerTech, and concurrent enrollment) are emphasized.

    • Some colleges allow students to submit test scores separately for scholarship consideration.

Students should review the college’s official website for specific test-optional policies and requirements.