FAQs

You have two choices: Yes, I waive my rights -OR- No, I do not waive my rights. The District 203 Student Services Departments strongly recommend that you choose “Yes, I waive my rights.” There are multiple reasons why a student should waive their rights.

• If you choose not to waive your rights, colleges view this as a ‘red flag’ that you do not trust your recommender.

• If you choose not to waive your rights, the only way you would ever be able to see the recommendation is if you (1) apply, (2) are accepted, (3) you attend the university, and (4) they actually still have the recommendation on file. Most schools will purge all recommendations after students have been admitted. So even if you choose to not waive your rights, the chances you have to see your recommendation are slim-to-none.

Ideally, 4-7 applications, although this will vary from student to student. As for types of schools:

• Reach: Your credentials may meet or are below the published admission standards.

  • Note: All highly selective institutions should be considered a reach for every student, regardless of GPA/test score.

• Target: Your credentials are in the range of the published admission standards.

• Likely/Safety:

  • Academic: Your credentials definitely meet or exceed the published admission standards.

  • Financial: In addition to being an academic safety, this school meets your financial situation.

  • Geographic: This school is a reasonable driving distance from home.

This depends on each individual institution’s deadline. Check with the Admissions Office at each school you’re applying to for the most up-to-date & accurate information.

Do not use an e-mail address that uses questionable words/language. We suggest you create a new email address for college application & scholarship purposes - and make sure you check it often.

College admission officials make it a point of understanding social media that high school students are utilizing. It is crucial that students maintain a professional public image on social media.

The National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) revealed that 25% of US colleges were searching for applicants on social media and/or search engines. In addition to maintaining a professional social media presence, also make sure that you understand the privacy settings within all social media that you utilize.