College Applications
WHAT ARE THE APPLICATIONS I CAN USE TO APPLY TO COLLEGES?
Directly to the Institution
You can apply directly to the institution on the college's website. Google the school you want to apply to, and the college's website will have a link for you to click that will take you directly to their school's application.
The Common Application is accepted by 900+ schools. The application only requires you to fill out the form once and then it is available to send to any of the schools that are a member of the system. If you have 2 or more Common App schools on your list, you may want to consider using it to save you some time.
Free college-planning tools, provided by 150+ top schools, to help students learn about, prepare for and apply for college.
COLLEGE APPLICATION TIPS
READ ALL DIRECTIONS AND FOLLOW THEM!
Submit your applications early (recommended by November 1st) to ensure you are as competitive as possible for automatic scholarships. Exceptions are if you have earlier deadlines or if you are waiting for test scores.
Use an appropriate email address that you check often. This is the means by which colleges communicate with you.
Be sure to keep track of all passwords and keep them in a safe place.
Use your full, legal name when completing applications. It must match exactly with what is on your transcript and test scores (i.e. If your name is Jennifer and you go by Jen, complete your applications with Jennifer).
Be sure to type your counselor’s and/or teacher’s name and email address correctly or they will not receive your recommendation request.
If you are asked to list GPA (and nothing says “unweighted” or “weighted”), use your higher GPA.
You can send different pieces at different times – colleges will collect all materials (application, test scores, transcript, recommendation, etc.) and put them into a student file. Once all the pieces are there, it’s a complete application.
Have someone check over your application before submitting.
WHAT IS AN UNOFFICAL TRANSCRIPT?
Email your counselor for a copy of your unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be requested on Naviance.
Use your unofficial transcript to self-report your grades/courses/GPA/class rank. Report them exactly as they appear.
Your GPA is on a 5.0 grading scale.
You may need to report the number of students in your graduating class. There are 601 students in the Class of 2022.
HOW MANY COLLEGES SHOULD I APPLY TO?
We recommend a balanced list that includes reach, target, and safety schools.
Choose schools which you would be happy to attend.
What are reach, target, and safety schools?
Reach: A college that is unlikely to offer you admission. A college where your academic credentials (grades, standardized test scores, and class rank) fall below the school's average range for the most recently accepted class.
Target: A college where your academic credentials (grades, standardized test scores, and class rank) fall well within the school's average range for the most recently accepted class.
Safety: (sometimes called a "back-up school") A college that you will almost certainly get into because your academic credentials (grades, standardized test scores, and class rank) are well above the average for admitted students. In addition to being an academic safety, this school meets your financial situation.