Applying to College at SVHS

SVHS's Essential Document for the College Application Process for Seniors:

The SVHS College Application Guide is the go-to document for applying to colleges at SVHS. It is a step-by-step guide on how to apply and includes everything that you need to complete. Please use this document to get started on college applications and follow all of the steps! You should bookmark this document and/or save this link.

Depending on the institution, you may apply via the Common Application for some and directly on college websites for others. See college application sites below for more information. I would strongly suggest that as you make a list of institutions you would like to apply to, organize them by application deadline. Complete the earlier deadlines first!

SVHS College Application Guide - Seniors Click Here!!!
2024-25 Financial Aid Guide for Seniors - Seniors Click Here!!!

JUNIORS should get familiar with these College Application Process forms the summer prior to their senior year!

Staff Alma Maters

Curious or want to learn more about a particular college? Click this link to see where some of our SVHS staff members attended. They have volunteered to speak with students about their school and experience!

SVHS College Information Night - Recording, Slideshow, and Question Bin

SVHS College Information Night Recording - Click the link to see a recording from our college information night to learn more about the application process, financial aid, and more!
Slideshow Presentation
Question Bin

Other resources:

Colleges Application Sites

The Common Application

www.commonapp.org/ - explore nearly 900 colleges and universities using Common App.
- www.commonapp.org/apply/first-time-students - application guide for first-time college students.
- The AXS Companion - a free, open online resource designed by professional consultants to be used side-by-side with Common App as you work through your application.
- Common App Activities Section - short slideshow guide
- www.commonapp.org/plan/for-families - tips & resources for families to help their students along the journey to college.
- 2024-25 Common App Essay Prompts
- How to Make Your Common App a Lot Less Common

The Common Black Application

www.commonblackcollegeapp.com/ - apply to over 60 Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) for one fee. HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. Click here to learn more about HBCUs through campus life videos.
- Scholarship opportunities for eligible students.
- Please note: Howard, Bowie State, and Hampton Universities are currently not the Common Black Application.
  - Check their website for the latest list of participating schools.

School-Specific Applications

Some colleges have their own application process and/or online application for students to submit. It is important that students review the application process for each school they interested in applying to. The process is typically outlined on the school's official website. For example, Montgomery College has their own application. Reach out to Mr. Nalda or your counselor if you have any questions or need assistance.

College Admissions Terms & What Do They Mean?

Many colleges accept the majority of their applicants by early or priority deadlines. Early action or priority deadlines are encouraged for students who hope to be considered for merit scholarships awarded by colleges. See below to learn more. Be sure to check with each college to determine all deadlines and/or if there are separate applications to be completed for scholarship consideration.

Non-Binding Application Options

Students are not restricted from applying to other institutions and have until May 1 to consider their options and confirm enrollment.

Early Action (EA) or Priority: students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution’s regular response date.
- Students interested in the University of Maryland, College Park should apply by the Early Action deadline of November 1st!
Restrictive Early Action: students agree to file just one early application at any private institution.
- Students may, however, apply to other colleges via regular admissions or rolling admissions. They may also apply for a public school’s early application program or apply to a foreign college or university at any time, so long as those programs are non-binding.
Regular Decision: students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time.
Rolling Admission: institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admissions decisions throughout the admission cycle.

Binding Application Options

Students are responsible for determining and following restrictions.

Early Decision (ED): students make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they definitely will enroll. The application deadline and decision deadline occur early.
- This is regardless of cost, financial aid, and/or other factors. Once committed, you are expected to attend.
- Counselors will review these this type of application with students and parents/guardians to ensure understanding.

Priority Deadline - This is a set deadline for applications whereby students who are accepted are given PRIORITY consideration for admission, housing, scholarships, and other aid.

Academic Common Market

This program is intended to allow degree-seeking MARYLAND residents to enroll at certain out-of-state institutions in undergraduate programs of study not offered at a MD public college/university and to pay in-state tuition. This is a cooperative tuition-reduction agreement among Southern Regional Education Board states, of which Maryland is one.

If PUBLIC institutions in your home state do not offer degree programs in your field of study, it may be possible to arrange a waiver of out-of-state tuition to attend a cooperating PUBLIC institution in another participating state. These programs may change yearly.

Test-Optional Colleges

During the pandemic, colleges have introduced more flexibility and choice into the admissions process. Many have decided to adopt a “test-optional” policy regarding college entrance exams, either temporarily or permanently. 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. (from CollegeBoard)

Please note:

Understanding test-optional policies can help you make informed decisions about whether to take the SAT, the ACT, or both.
Some schools only exempt students who meet minimum grade or class rank criteria; others use test scores solely for placement purposes.
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.

Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS)

The Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS) is a FREE program designed to help college-bound African American high school juniors and seniors navigate the admissions process by directing them to the most comprehensive and reliable resources available, including –

Access to GPS College Advisors
Weekly college and scholarship advising webinars
College scholarship, essay and supplement reviews
Scholarship application assistance
Access to SAT fee waiver
FAFSA and CSS profile application assistance
Test prep tools
College interview prep

Launched in summer 2016, GPS uses Workplace by Facebook to create a virtual community dedicated to helping students select, apply, and pay for college. Applications are accepted year-round.

Click here for more information and to register | Click here for the flyer

Typical Components of a College Application - Click Here

This is a general list of common required pieces of a college application.

Reminder to check each school’s application requirements as you prepare!

Application Form - Common App, School-specific application, Common Black App, etc.
Essay or writing sample - start early! Your chance to express yourself in writing. If possible, have an adult or English teacher review for editing.
Letters of Recommendation - from your counselor and your teacher(s)
Test Scores - students send directly to schools via SAT (College Board) & ACT
- Check with the admissions office of each school of interest to find out if they are test-optional for the upcoming application cycle.
Fee or Fee Waiver Form (if you qualify) - many schools charge an application fee. Students on or eligible for FARMS typically qualify for fee waivers. Check with your counselor if you have any questions.
- Be on the lookout for fee waiver codes! Some schools offer application fee waivers at certain times of the year regardless of financial status. See your counselor or Mr. Nalda for more information.

Official Transcript - submitted by staff at your high school. Students request transcripts via Naviance for Common App schools. Non-Common App schools have their own method for submitting documents. Request transcripts early to avoid delays in sending!

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