College Application

How Do I Apply to College?

Fall of your senior years is the time to start completing the college application process. Most colleges prefer for students to submit their applications online.

Step 1: Get the College Applications

You know your sixth semester grades and SAT or ACT scores, and you have done your research and developed a final list of colleges, with a balance between dream, target and likely schools.

The Common Application There are hundreds of colleges and universities that participate in the Common Application, allowing applicant to complete one common application for multiple institutions.

This replaces the completion of the various institutional applications, saving the applicant from repeating the same information over and over.

If you use the Common Application, be sure to check for the required supplements from each college or university. Requirements vary among the different schools so pay attention to the different requirements for the different schools you are applying to.

Organizational Note: Set up a filing system to keep all communication with each college to which you apply.

Step 2: Create a Chart of Deadlines and Requirements

In the college admissions process, keeping track of deadlines and requirements are crucial. Chart each application deadline, required recommendations, essays, SAT/ACT requirements, and the date the information was mailed. Applying to college can become an overwhelming process, but creating an organization system will help alleviate some of the stress during that time.

Take note of deadlines for SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT if you plan to test in the fall of senior year. A complete listing of test dates and links can be found on College Board.

Be aware as well of early action and early decision policies at various campuses. The requirements for these programs will vary by institution so it is important for the student to research the policy for each campus.

It is important to research the application requirements and deadlines for each school. Do not procrastinate. Do not treat deadlines as though they are flexible. Use your created chart to track requirements and to mark your progress. Use your calendar to stay on top of upcoming deadlines.

Step 3: Complete the Applications

There are a number of pieces to completing the application process, the first being the actual application. The application contains biographical and personal information. Many colleges will require you to write an essay or personal statement. The topic for these will be found in the application or application supplements.

Many colleges also require students to submit their academic record, which would include the completed curriculum, grades, and senior year work in progress.

Official transcripts are often required to be sent to the college or university. Please see guidance to request your transcripts.

Students are also responsible for submitting their official test scores directly from the testing agency.

SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT:

Some colleges and universities require a school recommendation or Secondary School Report, which would be completed by your guidance counselor.

TEACHER LETTER OF RECOMMENDATIONS:

Finally, teacher recommendations may also be required by some colleges and universities. The teacher recommendation is intended to describe the student’s performance in the classroom, contributions and potential for studying at the college level. This is a snapshot of the student within a particular context of the classroom.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Do not wait until the night before the application is due to submit your applications!

Print the receipt acknowledging that your application and payment have been submitted. If you receive an e-mail from the college verifying receipt of your application, print the e-mail for your records.

Step 5: Submit Mid-Year Reports

Most private colleges will require students to submit seventh semester grades. Mid-year report and transcripts should be mailed out by early February, after first semester grades have been posted to the transcripts.

Step 6: Communicate Any Changes with Colleges

The student must communicate any changes to the admissions office after the application has been filed. For example, if you make a level change or drop a class you listed on your application, you must notify the college in writing of the change. It is important to communicate changes with the college; otherwise, the institution would have ground to rescind your admission. See your guidance counselor to discuss any changes and how to handle this with your application.