COLLEGE APPLICATION GUIDE

Make sure to link your Common Application account with your SchooLinks account by following these steps: Select “Colleges” on the left-hand side → Select “College Applications” → Click “Login” button under Common App

You MUST add or match applications to your SchooLinks account to ensure all transcripts and supplemental materials are sent to the college(s).

Transcripts

Fill out an Albemarle High School transcript request form and be aware of the following:

Requests are due at least 30 business days (do not include holidays/breaks) before the application deadline. If you have October deadlines, there is more flexibility due to the early nature of the deadlines.
List each school you are applying to, and check the box marked "Counselor Recommendation Needed," if applicable.
Forms need to be returned to your counselor. You can turn in as many forms as you need to!

DUAL ENROLLMENT STUDENTS:

PVCC transcripts must be requested directly through PVCC's website and by creating an account on Parchment. Click here for more information.

Letters of Recommendation

Colleges vary in their recommendation letter requirements. Each college sets its own policy, so check each school on your list to make sure you understand exactly who is to write your letter and how many they will accept.

Counselor Letter

Many schools no longer require a counselor letter of recommendation, but some still do. Others give the option of including one. Please communicate with your counselor regarding whether or not you would like them to write you a letter, especially if it is "optional" for the school(s) you are applying to.

The Senior/Student and Parent Brag Sheets will be used to help your counselor write your recommendation letter. The more information you and your parents/guardians include on these forms, the better! We recommend typing your responses and either emailing them or printing them to give to your counselor. These forms are strictly in-house evaluation forms and DO NOT go to your colleges. Click on the links below to access these sheets:

Senior/Student Brag Sheet

Parent/Guardian Brag Sheet

ALL TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORMS AND BRAG SHEETS MUST BE TURNED IN TO YOUR COUNSELOR 30 DAYS (NOT INCLUDING HOLIDAYS/BREAKS) BEFORE YOUR FIRST DEADLINE. PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF WINTER BREAK, AS COUNSELORS WILL NOT BE IN THE BUILDING DURING THAT TIME.
(Again, if you have October deadlines, there is some flexibility given how fast those dates come up. If you have October deadlines, please get materials to your counselor as soon as possible.)

Teacher Letter(s)

Be sure to ask the teacher if they will write you a college recommendation letter well in advance - an in-person, face-to-face ask is always best practice!

How to add a teacher as a recommender on SchooLinks:

Login to your SchooLinks account.
After adding a college application to your account, click "Request Teacher Recommendation" and select from the drop-down window.

You MUST add a teacher to your SchooLinks account to ensure their letter is sent to the college(s).

Test Scores (SATs, ACTs, APs)

YOU (the student) are responsible for signing up & submitting your scores to the college(s) of your choosing. Many schools went test-optional during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some are going back to requiring them again. It is important to always check directly with the college to confirm their current policy, either by going to its website or calling its admissions office. Some colleges may change their policies over the summer, so it’s a good idea to check back in the fall before you apply.

If you do not want your SAT and/or ACT scores included on your transcript, submit this Google Form by Monday, October 6th, 2025. After October 6th, you must reach out to your school counselor directly.

SAT Suite - College Board

AP Scores - College Board

ACT Website

Fee waivers are available for students who financially qualify. See your counselor for more information.

Personal Statements & Essays

Each school varies in its essay topics and personal statements. Make sure you pay attention to the exact requirements of the school you are applying to. Your personal statement and/or essay gives you a chance to give admission officers a better idea of your character and strengths. Remember to proofread your essays carefully before you send them in. Ms. Newman, our Talent Development Specialist, helps with college essay writing. Your parents/guardians, counselor, and teachers are also great people to ask to proofread your essays before you submit them.

Supplemental Materials

Schools may request additional supplemental materials. Be sure you understand the exact requirements for each school before you officially submit your applications.

Prospective PVCC Students

To request a meeting or get more information from Ms. Ratliff, our PVCC Admissions & Outreach Coach, please email her at CRatliff@pvcc.edu.

Meet with our College Adviser

Drishya Mishra is our college adviser through AdviseVA (formerly the Virginia College Advising Corps). You can schedule an appointment with her by emailing dmishra@k12albemarle.org.

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