Timeline:  By Fall

We recommend identifying 5 colleges within the lens of academic fit (ACT/GPA): 

• Safe - Below current GPA/ACT

• Target - same as current GPA/ACT

• Reach - slightly above current GPA/ACT

College Search Options

• College Scorecard

• Big Future College Search

• Tuition Tracker

• College Vine

Virtual Campus Tours

Visiting campus allows students to get a sense/feeling for the school environment. Learn about the location, connect with current students, tour a dorm room! Check each college/university's website to set up a virtual or in-person (varies by colleges) campus visit.

Project Success Virtual Tour Schedule

Also check out these virtual campus tours!

• YouVisit

• CampusTours

• Campus Reel

CCC College Rep Visits

Sign up for a rep visit on the CCC Event form. You will be emailed the access code for the virtual session. 

Questions to ask at a Rep Visit

Personal Essay/Statement

Most 4 Year Colleges and also scholarships will commonly require an essay. 

Timeline: Fall

• Ask high school teachers (via email/phone/etc.) who you have/had a good relationship with, particularly a core or academic class.  Please make sure you're giving teachers at least two weeks (OR MORE) notice.

• IMPORTANT. After they have confirmed,  send a letter of recommendation request via Naviance. See this video for instructions on how. This is where the teacher will upload their letter of recommendation, so that your counselor or CCC Coordinator will send your letter with your college application.

Some helpful articles:

• How to Pick Which Teachers to Ask for Letters of Recommendation

• How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation

There are 3 platforms/methods that students typically use to apply to colleges:

1. Directly through the college Website

2. CommonApp.org

3. BlackCollegeCommonApp.org (HBCU's)

Make sure you click submit before the deadline! 

Application Fee's

A college will not process your application until the application is taken care of (if there is one). If you qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch, you DO NOT have to pay the application fee. Simply check the box on the Transcript Request form that you qualify, and an application fee waiver will be generated for you and sent to the college with your materials. 

All colleges require a transcript to be sent.  

Some colleges also require you pay a fee. Students may get that fee waived through a fee waiver.

Check the college you're applying to to make sure you submit other materials (i.e. letter of recommendation).

Please connect with your Counselor or CCC Coordinator for a fee waiver or if you have questions on applying.

Submitting Test Scores

If you have an ACT score on file in Naviance, that will be sent with your transcript. Colleges will require an official score either directly from the ACT website, or from PH Counselor. 

We understand that the Class of 2024 has had minimal if any opportunities to take the ACT. The plus side is that there are many 4-year colleges that no longer require an ACT score as a part of their admissions application. Prior to the pandemic, there was already a trend in 4-year schools moving into test-optional. Check out the list of 500+ Colleges that have made ACT Admissions adjustments. 

Sending Personal Essay 

Most applications will provide you the option to upload your Essay directly to the application. If not, you can typically email the essay directly to the admissions counselor you are working with. 

Timeline: Starts Dec 31st, 2023

The FAFSA or MN Dream Act (MDA) applications open up on October 1st.  This is an application to get financial aid (money) to help pay for college. THE SOONER YOU APPLY, THE BETTER. See our "Paying for College" page for all the details

Process for completing the FAFSA:

1. Create FSA ID (Fall/Winter)

2. Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (Fall/Winter)

3. Watch for Verification Documentation (Weeks following Submission)

4. Receive Estimated Award Letter (Spring)

5. Accept Funds (Summer)

Time: Spring 2024- Fall 2025

For every college acceptance you receive, that "offer" is available for you to accept through May 1st. We encourage families to wait before making their final decision until each financial aid offer has been reviewed.