Preparing to Apply to Colleges
When Should I Apply to College?
Students can apply to some Texas colleges and universities as early as July 1 of the summer after their junior year. Almost all institutions open their applications by August 1.
Completing and submitting your application early in the application cycle is to your advantage.
Once all your applications are submitted, you'll be relieved of the stress of working on them.
Many institutions let students who apply early know if they have been admitted earlier than those who wait until just before the deadline.
Some colleges and universities may fill up their available spots in popular majors before the application deadline.
Click here for what you can do this summer to be ready to complete your applications in a timely manner.
What Documents Do I Need to Submit to the College?
The application including any required or optional/recommended essays.
The application fee (or fee waiver documents). Some colleges don't charge an application fee.
Official copy of your SAT and ACT test scores (In most cases you don't need to submit AP exam scores as part of the admission process). NOTE: Some colleges may not require test scores or be test optional.
Your high school transcript (and an ACC transcript, if applicable).
Other documents/steps that may be required or that you can choose to send/complete:
An expanded academic resume
Letters of recommendations from adults (usually teachers, sponsors, coaches, employers)
A school report from your counselor (part of the Common Application). Note: this report may includes a recommendation letter from your counselor.
An interview with an admission rep or an alum (sometimes required or recommended for some private colleges).
An audition (if you are applying to a performing arts major)
A portfolio of your work (usually for art majors and even architecture majors at some colleges)
Meeting a Calculus Readiness standard
And the list can go on. Always, always check out the freshman admission web page as well as your major's web page to make sure you don't overlook any requirements.