Embedded Files
Application Types
Application Types
These two platforms are used by a majority of private/out-of-state colleges for their applications. Others have their own individuals applications.
Private/Out-Of-State School Checklist
Private/Out-Of-State School Checklist
Determine which application you need to complete by referencing the colleges' websites.
Many colleges utilize either the Common Application (commonapp.org) or Coalition Application (coalitionforcollegeaccess.org), while others have individual applications.
Check to see if letters of recommendation are needed from your counselor and teachers.
Complete any essays (including supplemental essays) for colleges that require them.
You can create a Google Doc copy of the Common App and Coalition App prompts by clicking the links above!
Submit your official transcript along with your application if necessary.
If applying via Common App, your counselor will submit your transcript on your behalf
Detailed instructions can be found on the "Transcript Requests" section of our PHS website.
Submit your standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) for colleges that still require them
Submit SAT scores via collegeboard.org and ACT scores via act.org. Please note that some schools are "test-optional", so you can choose whether or not to submit your scores.
School Information when completing the Common App
School Information when completing the Common App
On the "Grades" section:
Portola High School CEEB Code: 050266
Graduating class size (approx): 580
Class rank reporting: None
GPA Scale Reporting: 4
Cumulative GPA: Include your weighted 9-12 Cumulative Academic GPA
GPA weighting: Indicate "Weighted"
Reporting Courses & Grades on the Common App
Reporting Courses & Grades on the Common App
Reporting your Portola courses (0:13)
Reporting courses with quarter grades (2:41)
Reporting senior year courses (4:01)
Reporting summer courses (4:36)
Reporting courses from other schools (or online) (5:34)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
General Questions
Do colleges evaluate senior year grades as part of the admissions process?
For private/out-of-state colleges, many will review your 1st semester senior year grades (unless you are applying early), while a select few will request 1st quarter grades.
Transcripts
Transcripts
How do I submit my transcripts to colleges?
For both the Common Application and Coalition Application, your counselor will be submitting your Portola transcript on your behalf.
If you have taken any classes outside of IUSD (Community College or accredited online school), you must submit your transcript directly to the colleges you’re applying to from the community college/online school
If I see my 9th grade transcript that I took at a different school in Aeries, does it send alongside my Portola transcript.
Although your grades and credits you took from another school will show up on your Portola transcript, you will need to make sure you submit your official transcript from your other school to the colleges you're applying to for verification purposes.
Inputting Classes & Activities
Inputting Classes & Activities
For the "Courses and Grades" section, how do you list quarter long classes such as PE and Athletics?
Since these classes use the "quarter" grading scale instead of "semester", click "Add courses from another transcript", put down Portola, then on "Schedule" click "Quarters".
You will then have the opportunity to enter each of your grade per quarter.
What course level does "Enhanced Math" classes go under?
You can use the "Honors" designation for the Course Level for Enhanced Math courses.
Do we include Math classes (i.e. Enhanced Math 1) if we took it in middle school when reporting our grades?
No you will not need to. Only report courses listed on your Portola transcript.
If I am a Student Aide, can I list it in my courses for the Common App? If I can, what course level an grading scale should I put for it?
Yes you can! You would need to list "Student Assistant" on the "Quarters" grading scale, and mark "Regular/Standard".
If I am still making up credits for graduation next semester through Learning Lab, how do I input that into applications?
On the "My Colleges" tab, you would need to navigate to "Current or Most Recent Year Courses" and input your Learning Lab class there.
To clarify, "Other Secondary/High Schools" can include schools like San Joaquin High School and UC Scout? What about summer courses taken at other school sites?
Yes! Please make sure to add these schools as "Other Secondary/High Schools"."
If you took a summer class at another high school, you would not need to report that school under "Other Secondary/High Schools."
Regarding the activities descriptions, do you recommend using abbreviations (i.e. years as yrs)
Because the space for activity descriptions is limited, you are welcome to use abbreviations to save space and be thorough with your descriptions! Just make sure that it will be easy for the reviewer to interpret within the context of your description.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of Recommendation
What is the process for requesting letters of recommendation?
Directions for requesting letters from your teacher/s and counselors can be found here.
Do I have to wait to submit my application until all my letters of recommendation are in?
No! Once you finish your part of the application process and request letters from your teachers/counselor, you can submit your application.
What if I am asking for a recommendation from a teacher who doesn't currently teach at Portola (i.e. teaches at another school, retired, etc.)?
Please obtain the email address from the teacher, and email your counselor with this information. They will then add your teacher to Naviance so you can make your request via Naviance.
Can I request letters of recommendation from people other than teachers (i.e. coaches, supervisors, clergy, etc.)
Yes you can! Instead of making your request via Aeries, invite these recommenders directly from the Common App in the "Other Recommender" section.
If you already invited them on the Common App, you will not need to invite them again on Naviance.
What is the FERPA Release Authorization form? Should I waive my right to review my recommendations and supporting documents?
FERPA regulates the privacy of student education records, which could include your application to the college where you enroll. FERPA also gives you the right to review confidential letters of recommendation provided as part of that application after you enroll.
It is recommended that you waive your right to review your recommendations and supporting documents, as it will allow your teachers and counselors to give an open and honest evaluation of your candidacy.
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