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Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure everything out at once. This guide—along with support from your school counselors—will help you navigate the process one step at a time.
Stay Organized Throughout Senior Year
As you work through the college application process, keep track of:
Application deadlines: Most Early Action/Early Decision deadlines are November 1 or 15, while most Regular Decision deadlines are January 1 or 15. Colleges with rolling admission review applications as they are received, so the earlier you apply, the better.
Required materials: Recommendation letters, transcripts, SAT/ACT scores (if required), essays, portfolios, and any other application requirements.
Login information: Keep your usernames and passwords for Common App, FAFSA, college applicant portals, and other important accounts in one secure place.
Financial aid: Use each college's Net Price Calculator to estimate costs, keep track of FAFSA priority deadlines, and organize the financial aid offers you receive after you're admitted.
Scholarships: I'll share scholarship opportunities throughout the year—especially local scholarships—but be sure to do your own research, too! Visit our Scholarships page and keep track of application deadlines.
Your impressions: As you research and visit colleges, jot down your thoughts, favorite features, and priorities. You'll be glad you did when it's time to make your final decision.
Pro Tips
Stay organized. Whether you use a spreadsheet, planner, or notebook, keeping everything in one place will make the process much less stressful.
Use a personal email address. Apply to colleges using a professional email account that you'll continue to access after graduation, since your Lakeland email will eventually be deactivated.
Ask for help! If you have questions along the way, email your school counselor or schedule an appointment using the link in our email signature. We're here to help every step of the way.
Academic Fit
Academic Profile Match
Majors Available
Academic Rigor
Study Abroad Options
Honors Programs
Special Programs
Collaborative/Competitive
Internships/Research
Program Accreditations
Support Services
Factors to Consider:
Financial Fit
Cost of Attendance
Ability to Commute
Financial Aid Package
Payment Options
Loan Amounts
Return on Investment
Social Fit
Location
Distance from Home
Climate
Size of School
Campus Personality
% Greek Life
Student Organizations
Athletics/School Spirit
Peers and “My People”
Diversity
Religious Affiliation
Who Sends What?
The STUDENT submits:
Sign FERPA on Scoir
Request Letters of Rec on Scoir
Applications & Essays (if needed) on CommonApp
Portfolios (if needed for specific degree; often on college website)
Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR) (if needed, i.e, Penn State, Temple)
SAT Scores (if needed) and/or AP Scores (if needed) on College Board
Financial Aid Application - FAFSA
Scholarship Applications - Varies by scholarship. See Scholarships tab.
The COUNSELOR submits (via Scoir):
Official Transcript
School Profile
Counselor Recommendation
Teacher Letters of Recommendation (if required or accepted)
Complete Your FERPA Waiver!
FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a federal law that protects your educational records. Early in the college application process, you'll be asked to complete a FERPA Release and Waiver in Scoir (and sometimes again in Common App).
Completing your FERPA forms:
Allows the counseling office to send your transcript, school forms, and recommendation letters to colleges.
Allows teachers and counselors to submit confidential letters of recommendation on your behalf.
Prevents delays in sending your application materials.
A quick note about recommendation letters: Most colleges expect students to waive their right to view recommendation letters. Confidential letters are generally viewed as more credible by admissions offices, so it's considered best practice to waive this right—and to ask teachers and counselors who know you well to write your recommendations, so you can trust they are supporting your application.
*Important: Your transcript and other school documents cannot be sent until you've completed your FERPA Release and Waiver!!!
Other info in this guide:
Click the links and keep reading to find information about:
Requesting Letters of Recommendation
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