Applicatons and Admissions

The Application

A quick introduction to what goes into the college application, from BigFuture

There are application systems that allow you to apply to multiple colleges with one application.  

The Common Application is the most widely accepted, with over 1,000 US and international school partners.

The Common Application 

• You can create your account anytime. Keep the following in mind if you create an account before your senior year:

  • The start term and deadline dates that you see in your account are for the current application year (2024-25). When the new application launches at the beginning of August, you will see the correct terms and deadlines for your applications.

  • When you log into your account at the beginning of August you will rollover your current account. Most of your answers from the Common App tab will rollover at that time but we may ask some new questions.

  • Any answers that you have in the My Colleges tab (college-specific questions) and any recommender invitations will not carry over in August. You should wait to complete those sections until after you rollover your account.

• There are a lot of resources available on their website to help guide you through the application process

  • Here is their First Year Application Guide

The Coalition Application

Applying Early

Some students choose to apply early to one or more of their top college choices. 

Here are some FAQ's from US News

This calendar will help you think about what steps you need to take and when if you choose to apply early

One piece of advice: Before you submit an early application, consider whether your best version of you application will be ready by the early deadline. If you  have to rush to get your application ready by the early deadline, you may be better off taking more time to polish essays, give your recommenders more time to get to know you or to write a more personalized letter, try for a higher ACT or SAT score after additional studying, etc. 

College Entrance Exams

General recommendations:

How many times should I take college entrance exams? When should I take them?

I encourage most of my students to take the ACT or SAT 2 or 3 times before they apply to college. Typically, this would mean taking one of the exams once or twice Junior year and once in the fall of Senior year. 

    Factors to consider when deciding testing dates- US News article 

Which test should I take?

The ACT and the SAT are now accepted on an equal basis at all US colleges that accept test scores.  

Article on how to choose between the two, from US News (some content still relevant, though not updated for upcoming ACT changes)

ACT- Most Linn-Mar students take the ACT only.  It is offered three times at year at Linn-Mar, but is given on all national dates at other local schools and at Coe College. Note for 2025: NO SPRING ACT date at LMHS. Marion HS, Coe, and Kirkwood all have upcoming testing dates available.

Registration and testing information for ACT

SAT- Some Linn-Mar students choose to take the SAT instead of or in addition to the ACT- Taking the PSAT can help students with that decision.

Registration and testing information for SAT, including local testing locations

Test-Optional Policies   I've heard that most colleges have Test-Optional policies now. Should I even bother taking  the test?  

My short answer: Yes. You were identified for the TAG program based on your standardized test scores (ISASP) so you are likely able to do well on other standardized tests. Many colleges have adopted "Test-Optional" policies over the last few years, though many selective colleges are once again requiring scores. Check each individual college's website for their policies, then decide if you will submit scores or not. If you do well on the test, it will be advantageous to submit your scores for both admissions and scholarships. If you don't take the test, you don't have the option to submit your scores and may miss some opportunities.

See this article from Inside Higher Ed for a some additional information

Test Prep Resources

Steps in test prep: 

1) Learn test strategies and timing specific to the test you are taking  

2) Take "official" practice tests  

3) Targeted content study based on results of practice tests

I highly recommend starting with official prep material from the ACT:

Official ACT Test Prep 

Test Prep book recommendations

Both ACT and SAT have questions of the day that can be found on their websites- a great way to get in a tiny bit of practice every day!

Zaps ACT strategy sessions have been helpful for first-time test prep for some of my students. There isn't an upcoming session at LMHS, though you'll usually find at least one session being offered somewhere within an hour's driving distance.

Application Essays

The personal essay is a critical component to the application at more selective schools. Generally, the more selective the school, the more important the essay becomes.  Essays can also be critical for many scholarships, though scholarship essays are often more "to the point" than application essays.  

Great examples of essays that "worked", from Johns Hopkins University

Lots of great essay help- this is a one-stop-shop for college essay help and advice- from College Essay Guy

A very detailed step-by-step guide to writing a college essay, from Prep Scholar

Quick tips on writing a college essay, from The Princeton Review

Letters of Recommendation

Many colleges and scholarships require letters of recommendation as part of their application process. Find out all the details of this process by using the links below, starting with general advice in the slideshow.

Understanding the Recommendation Process (simple guide)

Letter of Recommendation Complete Guide

Letter of Recommendation Request Template  You can adapt this letter to use when requesting recommendation letters; also see 'Brag Sheet' link in Resume section below

Guide to using Common App and Xello  Directions for assigning your counselor and requesting teacher recommendations in Xello for schools accepting the Common App

How to Request Letters of Recommendation in Xello Directions for requesting teacher recommendations in Xello for schools when NOT using the Common App

Resume and Activities List

Activities List and Brag Sheet

Most colleges don't ask for a formal resume, but you will need to have a detailed list of your activities.  You may need a resume for scholarship applications and it's very helpful to provide a resume and/or "Brag Sheet" for your recommendation writers.

Tips for a Better Activities List

How to Write a Successful Activities List- College Essay Guy 

Brag Sheet information and link -from LMHS School Counseling website *You should use this when requesting teacher and counselor recommendations; feel free to adapt and add specific info for each person you share it with*

Resume 

Though you likely won't need to submit a formal resume with your college applications, it is still an important document to create and maintain for other purposes.

Microsoft Word and Canva have nice templates that students can use to help you get started. Use whichever categories apply to you and the purpose for this specific resume. Education should be first when it is used for academic purposes. Only use an objective when necessary, or when it provides information that isn't already evident.

A resume should never be more than two pages. A student resume should almost always be one page or less. Include only the most relevant information for the specific purpose and audience.