The application gives the college a quick overview of you and what you have done in high school. You may need to dig up documents or get answers from your parents in order complete the form. Most students use online applications, but paper applications are usually available as well. There are also services that let you complete one application online and submit it to several colleges.

The Common Application is one of these services.

Be sure to check on each college website for their application due dates.

Decide if you want to apply for Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), or Regular Decision (RD). EA and ED applications are generally November or December.  

• EA = a non-binding application where you will receive an early response. There is no limit to the number of EA applications you can submit.

• ED = a binding application where you will receive an early response. You can only apply to one school via ED because if you are selected, you MUST attend.

• RD = a non-binding application with a standard response in the spring.

College application fees vary, but generally it costs from $35 to $100 to apply to each college. Fees are nonrefundable. Many colleges offer fee waivers (that is, they don’t require the fee) to students who can’t afford to pay. If you need application fee waivers, speak with your high school counselor or Post Grad. 

Please visit Colorado Free Application Day for more information about free applications

A record of the classes you’ve taken and your grades is one of the most important parts of your application. Your high school should send your transcript, along with a school profile, directly to the colleges you are applying to. Transcript request forms are available in the Counseling Office, Post Grad Office and online.

At the end of your senior year, your high school will send a final transcript to the college you’ve decided to attend. This shows your college what classes you took and whether you kept your grades up during your last year in high school.

Some colleges require or recommend that you send scores from tests such as the SAT or ACT. Colleges may accept scores only from the testing organizations themselves or will accept them from the High School Transcript. Visit the college website for exact requirements.

Many colleges require letters of recommendation from teachers or other adults who know you well. Ask your references well in advance of the deadlines to write you a recommendation. You may want to give them a short written summary of your achievements to help them write about you. There is a link to the recommendation form online.

Visit Letter of Recommendation for more information

Essays are a chance for you to give admission officers a better idea of your character and strengths. The essay should be sure to answer the prompt and be about you. Remember to proofread and have others proofread your essays carefully before you send them.

Visit College Essays for more information

If you’re applying to music, art or theater programs, the colleges may want to see samples of your work. This means you may need to audition or send portfolios or videos showing your artistic ability as part of your application. 

It’s a good idea to ask for an interview, even if it’s not required. It shows you’re serious and gives you a chance to connect with someone in the admission office. Even if a college is far away, you may be able to interview with a local alumnus. 

Be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA.ed.gov.  Look for scholarships on each college website and on trusted websites, such as BigFuture. 

Be sure to let Post Grad and your counselor know where you have been accepted and what scholarships you've received. You will be required to complete an exit survey before you will be cleared to pick up your cap and gown in May.

Visit Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information