College Planning 

Applying to College

College Application Timeline

*Click the image to see our recommended monthly timeline for applying to college!

The most important thing to remember during the college application process is that you are not alone. Your school counselor is here to assist you every step of the way. This may look different from person to person, and that's ok.  Stay in touch with your school counselor through email or through in person/ zoom meetings.  We can answer most questions or find the information you may need to assist you. 

Counseling Team Contact Info:

College Search Tool

Use College Board's Big Future College Search Engine to narrow down the list of schools you are looking to apply to!

The Center for College Planning's website is one of the best places to learn more about the College Admissions Process. 

The Common Application is used by over 1,000 college and universities — public and private, large and small, highly selective and modestly selective, and East Coast, West Coast, and every region in between. Even some international schools now use the Common App. The Common App started in 1975 with just 15 private colleges that wanted to provide a common, standardized first-year application form. 

The College Essay

The college essay is one component of your overall application.  The recommendation of the School Counseling Center is that you seek support from your senior English teacher in the writing of your essay. The essay is your opportunity to give the reader, the admissions counselor, an opportunity to get a good sense of the type of person you are and what you would bring to their college community. 

"As with most of the college application process, there is no absolute answer. Colleges may weigh aspects of the application package differently, but in very few cases will a student be accepted or rejected based solely on the essay. Typically, the essay becomes most important for marginal candidates. While a fantastic essay cannot make up for poor high school grades, it can be a factor when an admission decision could go either way."  Granite Edvance 

Letter(s) of Recommendation

Most schools are looking for one letter of recommendation from your school counselor. Some schools may require additional recommendations from a teacher or other adult in your life. It is important to follow each schools requirements. Sending more than what is asked for is never a great idea. College admissions counselors are reading hundreds if not thousands of applications. Sending them additional material to read through will not impress them. 

Steps to securing a letter of recommendation:

Standardized Testing

Many colleges and universities are still waiving standardized test scores for the 2024-2025 application cycle. Check with the schools you are applying to for their specific requirements. 

Helpful Tools and Links