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Where do I begin?
Where do I begin?
Step 1: Build your College List on Overgrad
Step 1: Build your College List on Overgrad
Use the college search filters on Overgrad to discover colleges that fit your interests, preferences, needs and wants.
After discovering a new college on Overgrad, we recommend researching that school further using sites like Niche and Big Future. Many colleges also publish virtual tours on their websites or on Campus Reel, so use those resources to decide if the college is a good fit for you.
When you decide that you want to apply to a college, make sure to "follow" it on Overgrad to officially add it to your list.
Check out this video to see what this process looks like!
Over 900 colleges use the Common Application. You can save yourself a TON of time by filling out the Common App once and then submitting it to multiple colleges. That's right-- it's ONE application that you can send to countless colleges around the country!
To get started, check out the Step by Step Guide (created by and for DSST students!) below to help you with the Common App.
The Common App also has a ton of great videos and resources to guide you through each part of the application.
Please note- Not every college uses the Common App (Colorado School of Mines, for example), but if you fill out the Common App first, you'll find that many colleges ask the same questions on their own school-specific applications.
Step 3: Draft, Revise, and Finalize Your College Essay
Step 3: Draft, Revise, and Finalize Your College Essay
Writing your college essay often feels like the most challenging part of the application process. Luckily, you already started writing your Common Application essay in your junior year English class, and will continue to get support from your Senior English teacher and college counselor on this process.
We also highly, highly recommend using the resources here to guide your writing and revision process and to see many solid example essays.
And as always, reach out to your college counselor at any time to support with brainstorming, revising, and editing your essay!
Step 4: Draft, Revise, and Finalize Supplemental Essays (if needed)
Step 4: Draft, Revise, and Finalize Supplemental Essays (if needed)
On the Common Application, you might notice that some of your colleges ask for additional essays or short answer questions. These questions help colleges make sure that you are interested in them and will be a good fit for their campus and community.
The College Essay Guy also has a ton of great (and free) resources and blog posts to help you with these essays.
And as always, your college counselor is here to help!
Step 5: Review and Submit Your Application
Step 5: Review and Submit Your Application
After you have filled out the application form and attached your college essay(s), review your application to ensure that all your information is correct. Check your grammar, spelling, and capitalization as well!
After reviewing it one last time, click submit!!!
Step 6: Request Your Supporting Documents
Step 6: Request Your Supporting Documents
In addition to your application form and essay(s), colleges will ask that you submit some (or all, depending on the college) of the materials below. The list below explains where to request each document.
High School Transcript
Required by every college
Request on your Overgrad application page
Fee Waiver
Required if eligible (based on receiving free/reduced lunch or facing other financial challenges)
Request on your Overgrad application page
SAT Scores
Optional at most colleges this year
If you took the SAT and want to report your scores, you will need to send your scores directly from your College Board Account.
Counselor Recommendation
Not always required, but we will submit it to every college to support your application anyway
Request on your Overgrad application page
Teacher Recommendation
1-2 letters of recommendation required by most colleges
Three Steps to Request:
Email your teacher asking if they are willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. Explain why you think they could write a strong letter (give examples from when you were in their class) and ask to set up a time to meet.
Meet with your teacher at the scheduled time, and provide them with any additional information they ask for.
Officially submit the letter of recommendation request to that teacher on Overgrad.
Congratulations, You've Applied To College!
Congratulations, You've Applied To College!
After you have submitted your application and requested your documents, check your application status page to make sure the college has received all your required documents.
And of course, keep an eye on your email to find out if you were admitted to that college!
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