Embedded Files
Submitting Components of the Application
1) Link your Common App to your SchooLinks account.
Teachers and counselors use SchooLinks to send transcripts and letters of recommendation.
In SchooLinks go to Colleges → College Applications and click Link Common App Account.
In Common App:
Add at least one college to your Common App under College Search
Enter Monticello High School as your high school under Education
Complete the FERPA waiver under My Colleges → Recommenders and FERPA.
2) Request letters of recommendation.
Teacher Letter of Recommendation
Check to see how many letters each college wants and then ask teachers if they are willing to "write a positive letter of recommendation". Do not ask for more letters than the colleges request. After a teacher agrees, request letters for each college through your SchooLinks account.
Counselor Letter of Recommendation
Check college admission websites to see if a counselor letter is needed. If it is, reach out to your school counselor to see what they need you to do in order for them to write a letter. You need to reach out to your school counselor at least ten school days prior to the college's deadline date.
3) Send test scores.
Do I have to submit my SAT/ACT scores? Most colleges are leaving it up to the applicant to decide if they want to submit scores. If you are unsure whether to submit your schools to a specific school, you can search the web for the 'freshman profile' of the school, or look the school up in your SchooLinks account to see whether your scores would be considered favorably by that college.
If you are submitting SAT/ACT scores: If a school is requiring scores, or you decide to submit them to a test-optional school, the college might require you to send your scores directly to the college from your College Board or ACT account. Other colleges will allow applicants to self-report scores on their application and only provide an official score report if they are accepted and choose to attend.
Your unofficial SAT/ACT test scores are listed on your transcript, but they are not considered official. If you do not want your SAT/ACT scores on your transcript, talk to your school counselor.
4) Turn in a Transcript Release Form.
MONTICELLO HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
You must submit a hard copy of the transcript release form to the counseling office. They are available in the counseling office or you can download the one below. Legally, we can not release your transcript to colleges until we receive this completed form.
PVCC TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS (for Dual Enrollment coursework)
If a college needs an official PVCC transcript for admissions purposes, you complete this task through Parchment via PVCC's website.
Transcript Release Form.pdfOur school profile will be sent to each college listed on your transcript request form.
Monticello High School School Profile 25-26.pdf5) Complete your applications.
Make sure you submit all required components of each application prior to the deadline. You should check your email frequently after submitting your application, as colleges often reach out via email if components of your application are missing.
Personal Statement & Essays
The essay questions for each school will be in the application. Here's a list of the writing requirements for Common App schools, and here is a link to the 2025-2026 Common App essay prompts. This is an important portion of the application and should not be submitted without revisions. Some senior English teachers plan to make essay writing part of your fall curriculum.
Supplemental Materials
Schools may also request additional supplemental materials. Be sure you understand the exact requirements before you officially submit your application.
School Information
Below is some information you might need while filling out your applications:
Graduation Date May, 2026Graduating Class Size 275Class Rank Reporting noneGPA Scale Reporting 4Cumulative GPA check your transcriptGPA Weighting weightedCourse Scheduling System semester
College Essay Tips
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