Embedded Files
APPLYING...
APPLYING...
Applications typically open August 1.
There are three ways to complete a college application:
College Specific Application (found via the college's website)
Common App is most often the easiest (and what we recommend) and their essay topics can generally be used across the board on other types of applications. Both the Common App and Coalition App allow you to fill out one application and send it to multiple colleges. Sometimes colleges will have a supplemental form to go with the Common/Coalition Application with additional questions specific to their school.
FERPA WAIVER - In SCOIR & on your college applications you will need to "WAIVE" your rights. Be sure to do this or we will not be able to send your school records or recommendation letters.
At the bottom of the page we provide instructions on how we help send documents to the colleges you are applying to.
Over 850 colleges use the Common Application
We highly recommend students use this application to simplify the process if they are applying to multiple colleges that are Common Application members.
Students can begin filling out the biographical information now and the essay prompts are also publicized.
College specific applications that serve as addendums to the biographical part of the application are available August 1.
Tips for Gathering Materials for Common App
DO NOT put in teacher or counselor emails on Common App. We send everything through SCOIR, so you do not want to email teachers through Common App asking for another recommendation.
Over 150 colleges use the Coalition Application
It is a very timely application, so we encourage students to first look at the Common Application college list to see if you even need to use the Coalition.
We only recommend using the Coalition Application if the college is an exclusive member with the Coalition.
Even then, if you find that all your schools are on Common Application and only one is part of the Coalition (ex. Rutgers) then just do the Rutgers application on the Rutgers website rather than the Coalition as it will save you time.
Again, we only recommend the Coalition if it is the only option or you have two or more colleges that are exclusive to the Coalition, but not part of the Common Application
The Coalition has published their essay prompts for 20-21, very similar to Common App and students can begin creating an account now.
Determine what application plans fit you best.
Determine what application plans fit you best.
Ready to apply? Let's do this!
Ready to apply? Let's do this!
Both of us (you the student, we the counselors) each have responsibilities in the application process. There are a lot of moving parts in the application, so the best advice we can give you is to make a list of your colleges and know the deadlines. Once you know the deadlines, subtract two weeks - that is the latest you can let us know to send your supporting documents! That is also the latest you will want to contact CollegeBoard/ACT to request SAT or ACT scores to be sent directly to the college (if you will be submitting test scores). Everything will meet at the college and once all the documents are received, your application will be evaluated.
Student responsibilities:
Submit all applications & essays
Send SAT/ACT scores (optional)
Submit Paper Transcript Request Form or Electronic Transcript Request Form to Guidance two weeks before deadline. Use the paper form if requesting in person and paying with cash/credit or use the electronic form if paying by credit card.
For self-reporting schools, complete the college's SRAR (self-reported academic record) in place of a transcript.
Student Athletes: Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse
Counselor Responsibilities:
Submit all supporting documents:
Official high school transcripts
Teacher & counselor recommendations
School profile
Secondary school report
By now, most of the teachers have written their recommendation letters. If they have not done so by now, don't worry - by the time you are ready to apply, they will be ready.
Page updated
Report abuse