College Application Overview

Pennridge Transcript and letters of recommendation request process linked here 

There are multiple parts of a college application, and each college requires something slightly different.  Included below is a comprehensive list of what could be required in an application, along with who will often be required to make the submission.

***If you are a student who qualifies for free and reduced lunch please speak to your Guidance Counselor confidentially about Fee Waivers.  When possible try to inquire with ample time before deadlines to allow time for processing because there are times that additional waivers need to be ordered. 

Submitted By the Student

The Application – Some colleges have their own unique application form.  Others use the Common Application, which can save you substantial time by allowing you to apply to multiple schools through a single portal. Regardless of the format, colleges often ask for the following on the application form:

•  Extracurricular Activities – Include all activities from grades 9-12 on your application

• Summer Activities- Explain summer jobs, internships, or other enrichment opportunities.

• Essays – Have an adult read your essay prior to submission.

• Honors– List any honors you have received in grades 9-12. 

• Application fee – Pay for your application to officially submit it. Your application is not complete until you submit the payment.   Fee waivers are often available if you qualify for free/reduced lunch.

• Standardized Test Scores – In addition to listing your SAT and/or ACT scores on your college application, you will be required to submit official score reports.  The student must send their scores directly from the College Board (SAT) (Links to an external site.) or the ACT (Links to an external site.) to the college

Students must also request the following documents through Naviance  (see Pennridge process linked above)

• Submit a request on Naviance for Teacher/Counselor recommendations several weeks before application deadlines 

• Submit a request on Naviance for your transcripts to be sent to each school you are applying to at least 10 school days before the application deadline. 

•  NCAA- Student Athletes planning to play at the Division I or II level must register with the NCAA. (Links to an external site.)

Submitted by your guidance counselor

• Official High School Transcript – Students must request via Naviance at least 10 school days prior to the college deadline

• Mid-Year and Final-Year Grade Reports –Colleges want to make sure that you finish strong, so they typically ask for an update on your grades from your guidance counselor after the first half of your senior year and again once you finish senior year

• Secondary School Report- Required by the Common App. Your Counselor will complete this when your transcript request is submitted.  

• Counselor Recommendation – You must complete the Counselor Brag Sheet in Naviance prior to requesting a Counselor recommendation.

Submitted by your teachers

• Teacher Recommendation – The first step is to speak to your teacher in person to request a letter. You must complete the teacher brag sheet in Naviance prior to requesting a teacher recommendation on Naviance.  The teacher recommendation is meant to give colleges insight into how you perform academically within the classroom.

One Final Note

Even though several elements of the your application are submitted by others, you are still the person who is ultimately responsible for making sure that all parts of the application arrive on-time.  You can check the online portal for each of the colleges where you are applying to make sure that they have received all materials in a timely manner.