As you are working through your various applications, a tracking sheet will be helpful to keeping you organized. 

What does admission mean? What is a transcript? What's the difference between early action and early decision? When applying to college, you're bound to come across unfamiliar collegiate terms. This glossary can help you make sense of all the college terms you're sorting through. 

These are platforms that allow you to apply to multiple schools with a single, standardized application. Instead of filling out multiple applications, you fill out one application that you can submit to each college. Compare your college list to the schools that accept each application to decide which one(s) might be right for you.

• The Common App is accepted by over 900 institutions.

• The Coalition application is accepted by more than 150 institutions.

• The Common Black College Application is accepted by almost 70 HBCUs.

• The Universal application is currently accepted by 18 institutions.

• Direct to Institution is when you apply directly to the college through their website. 

Remember that you'll still need to pay each school's application fees, and some schools may require additional materials. Speak with your school counselor if you need college application fee waivers to cover this expense.

Parts of an Application

Class Size: 240

Rank: N/A (we do not rank)

GPA Scale: 4.0

GPAs are located on transcripts on Schoolinks.com. 

Viewing or Downloading your Transcript on Schoolinks: 

1. Accessing Transcript Request

From the dashboard, click the School icon on the left navigation sidebar, then select Transcript Requests from the drop-down menu.

2. Downloading your Transcript

Click the green Download Unofficial Transcript button to download your transcript.

Note: Because you are downloading this without a school seal or electronic signature, this transcript should not be provided or sent to anyone unless "unofficial transcript" is indicated as an option.

College Entrance Exams (ACT/SAT):

ACT Test Dates & Deadlines: www.act.org

SAT Test Dates & Deadlines: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration 

All TRHS transcripts have your 3 most recent ACT or SAT scores on them. Some colleges allow your scores to be submitted on your transcript without coming from ACT or SAT. It is your responsibility to send the official ACT or SAT test scores to the college directly from the testing agency (if needed). You may select colleges to send scores to during the registration process and you can send additional scores by going to the testing agency website.

What Is Test-Optional?

If a college or university has a test-optional admissions policy, that means they allow all or some applicants to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT® scores as part of their application. It doesn’t mean that schools aren’t interested in seeing all applicants’ test scores—but if a student doesn’t submit their scores, it won’t be counted against them in the application review.

In a recent survey, representatives from test-optional colleges and universities reported that, on average, close to 80% of their applicants choose to submit test scores. Another survey showed that more than 80% of students who took the SAT said they wanted the choice to send their scores. 

Understanding test-optional policies can help you make informed decisions about whether to take the SAT, the ACT, or both. The most important point is that policies vary widely. Be sure to read each college’s policy carefully so you understand what you need to do to qualify for admission, scholarships, financial aid, etc.

Writing a college essay can seem scary. Not only are you showcasing your writing skills, but it's also a part of your application where you can showcase your authentic self. You want to make a good impression with your essay because it can boost your chances of getting accepted. However, you only have several hundred words to make that happen. Complete your schoolinks learning about essays.

• How to write the best college essay: 

• Tips for writing a college essay

• Sample College Essay 1 with Feedback

• Common App Essay Prompts

If you are applying through Common App, you will need to link your Schoolinks and Common App accounts

Directions on how to link your Common App with Schoolinks

If you are applying through the college/university website you will need to request your transcripts through Schoolinks. 

How to request transcripts for Non-Common App 

December 1st FAFSA Available

Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA)

FAFSA Priority Deadlines