application guide
how to apply to college
A step by step guide
PREPARE
RESEARCH COLLEGES
Ask yourself first what you want in a school. Do you want to go far or stay close to home? How important is athletics to you? Do you want to be in a city or our in the country? Do you want to go to a small school or a big school?
CREATE A RESUME
Include work experience, extra curriculars, special awards and any volunteer experience.
Create Your College List
Narrow down your list to eight potential schools you plan to apply to. Organize them into Safety, Target and Reach schools. We would recommend concentrating on Target schools and having at least one Safety school and one Reach school.
ASK FOR Recommendations
Start asking teachers and other mentor figures for recommendations! Check to see how many you need for each school. You should never assume someone will agree to be a reference for you--ask first. Ask early on too, to give them plenty of time to write your letter.
Take the SAT and/or ACT
Although many schools are becoming test optional, we still recommend taking the SAT or ACT. Many scholarships and financial aid packages REQUIRE it.
Familiarize Yourself with All the LIngo
There is a lot of specialized vocabulary used in the college search process. Make sure you know what all the acronyms mean!
APPLY
Create a Common App Account
Most schools use the Common Application, so we recommend creating an account to make your life a bit easier. That being said, you may have to apply directly on the institution websites for certain schools.
COMPLETE THE FAFSA
The first step to paying for college is completing the FAFSA! The form opens October 1st and the sooner you apply, the more money you can potentially receive.
Write Your College Essay
The Common App essay is used for almost all institution applications. There is a list of seven prompts that you can pick from. Make sure you check to see if the school you're applying to requires additional essays!
Apply to Scholarships
In addition to the FAFSA, you should apply to as many other scholarships as possible! The money does add up!
Remind Recommenders to Submit
Check in with your recommenders to make sure they are on track to submit before the deadline. Remember, you can submit your application even before your recommenders submit their letters.
MAKING THE DECISION
Deciphering your Financial Aid Letter
Once you are accepted into a school you will receive a Financial Aid Letter. This document can be confusing to decipher, but lays out any Grants, Scholarships and Loans you have been awarded for the year. If you are confused by your letter come talk to Ms. Kelly in Room 108!
Talk with your Counselor!
The Girls' High Counseling Team is here for you! Come down to the counseling office to chat and discuss your options. You can also feel free to visit Ms. Kelly in Room 108.
We're here to help so please reach out!
Submit Your Depostt
You've picked your school, now you have to submit your deposit and confirm your spot! Make sure you follow all the guidelines from your specific institutions.
Keep Applying to Scholarships
Just because you've decided on a college, doesn't mean there's no more money to save. Keep applying to scholarships throughout the summer! The more money the better.
