College Planning

• Review college admission requirements and deadlines before applying.

• Submit only one admission application per college.

• Apply for college admission during your senior year of high school.

• High school graduates are considered first-time/freshman applicants, even if they have earned college credit through concurrent enrollment.

• Epic Charter Schools students should identify themselves as public school students on applications.

• List Brianna Strickler (brianna.strickler@epiccharterschools.org) as your counselor on applications when requested.

• Students planning to graduate during 11th grade should complete both junior- and senior-year college planning activities and should not wait to reclassify before getting started.

• Students planning to graduate mid-year during 12th grade should review college admission requirements, application deadlines, and spring-entry options well in advance of graduation.

• Use the available college planning resources to better understand the admissions process and how to prepare for each step.

• Direct Admission Application

  • A direct application is submitted through a college’s official website. Most colleges offer this option for students applying directly to their institution.

    • Tailored to the college's specific admission process.

    • May include institution-specific questions, scholarships, or program applications.

    • Provides a direct connection with the college.

• Common App

  • The Common App allows students to apply to multiple participating colleges using one application. More than 1,000 colleges accept the Common App.

    • Saves time by using one application for multiple schools.

    • Includes tools to track application requirements and deadlines.

    • Allows students to submit all materials through one platform.

While each college sets its own admission requirements, there are several materials commonly requested as part of the application process. Preparing these items in advance can help ensure a smooth and complete application submission.

Admission application materials may include:

• • Student, Parent/Guardian, and Emergency Contact Information

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

  • Official High School Transcript

  • Official College Transcript (if applicable)

  • Current Course List

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

  • Professional Resume

  • Admission Essay(s) and/or Personal Statement

  • Counselor Letter of Recommendation

  • Teacher Letter of Recommendation

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

Important: Always review each college's admission requirements to determine which materials are required and submit all requested documents by the stated deadline.

• Direct Admission Application

  • After submitting a college admission application, students should add the application in Naviance and request an official high school transcript. Refer to the Naviance: College Application Updates & Transcript Requests resource linked below for step-by-step instructions.

• Common App

  • After submitting a college admission application, students should complete the Common App Counselor Request and add the application in Naviance. Refer to the Common App: Counselor Request and Naviance: College Application Updates & Transcript Requests resources linked below for step-by-step instructions.

• Direct Admission Application

  • Students requesting a counselor recommendation must complete the required recommendation form in Naviance and notify College Planning Counselor, Brianna Strickler. Refer to the Naviance: Counselor Recommendations resource linked below for complete instructions.

• Common App

  • Students applying through Common App must invite Brianna Strickler as their Counselor in the Recommenders and FERPA section, complete the required recommendation form in Naviance, and notify Mrs. Strickler. Refer to the Common App: Counselor Request resource below for complete instructions.

Many colleges offer application fee waivers to students who demonstrate financial need.

• Direct Admission Application

  • Students applying directly through a college’s website who need an application fee waiver should contact College Planning Counselor, Brianna Strickler, for assistance with the fee waiver process.

• Common App

  • Students applying through Common App may request an application fee waiver directly within the application. Fee waiver eligibility will be verified during the counselor submission process. Refer to the Common App: Counselor Request resource below for complete instructions.

Many colleges offer test-optional admission, allowing students to choose whether ACT or SAT scores are considered during the admission review.

If applying with test scores:

• • • Scores become part of the admission review.

    • Updated scores may be submitted if allowed.

    • Scores may also be considered for scholarships.

If applying without test scores:

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

    • Grade point average and course rigor receive greater emphasis.

    • Some colleges still allow test score submissions for scholarship consideration.

Important: Review each college's test-optional policy before making a selection.