Navigating the College Application Process

The college application process, demystified.

Applying to college can feel overwhelming — but it doesn't have to. Whether you're a freshman just starting to think about the future or a senior in the middle of application season, this page breaks the process into clear, manageable steps organized by where you are right now.

You don't have to figure this out alone. BPS has tools, advisors, and partner organizations ready to support you every step of the way.

Log into Xello — Build Your College Plan

Quick Links

BigFuture-College-Planning-Calendar-Seniors.pdf

College Application Check List (Start here!)

Common App

MEFA

Paying for College & the FAFSA

At A Glance: Application Process by Grade

Senior Year Timeline

Senior year is when everything comes together. Stay organized, meet your deadlines, and lean on your support network. Here's what to focus on, month by month.

September 2026

Welcome back to School!

Meet with your counselor and/or College Adviser
Create a CommonApp acccount
Connect Xello to CommonApp

October 2026

Create your college list with 3-5 options
Start your Personal Statement (College Essay)
Make a calendar of upcoming deadlines
Start your FAFSA or MAFSA

November 2026

Early Action & Early Decision Deadlines!

Submit your application if applying Early Decision or Action
Ask your teachers for a letter of recommendation
Complete a Brag Sheet for your counselor recommendation

December 2026

Finish any applications with January 1st Deadlines
Check your email and college logins for any steps
Complete CSS Profile, if your college requirers it

January 2027

Happy 2027!

Complete your FAFSA or MAFSA
Submit any final regular decision applications
Keep logging into your college portals and double check they have all your information

February 2027

Complete any interviews, portfolios, or extra requirements
Follow up on missing financial aid documents
Apply to Scholarships! (in Xello, MEFA, uAspire)

March 2027

Review your admissions decisions when they arrive with family, friends, teachers, etc.
Review & compare financial aid offers
Ask questions to your counselor if you do not understand something!!

April 2027

Visit college or attended admitted students events
Compare costs, programs, campus life, etc.
4-year college enrollment due May 1st!

May 2027

May 1st - Make a Decision!

Must submit FINAL college choice decision through your college portal (Accept!)
Pay (or ask to waive) your enrollement deposit
May 1st is also the last day to apply for financial aid (MassGrants) from the state of MA

June 2027

Congrats on Graduating!

Ask your counselor to send your final transcript
Complete any remaining financial aid requirements
Set up your new college email and schedule orientation

For students graduating in August, get support from the Postsecondary Tranistions Center over the summer for next step planning!

July 2027

Complete Orientation and course registration
Review your college bill and accept financial aid (if needed)
Make a plan for books, transportation, dorm supplies, and other potential costs

August 2027

YOU DID IT! 😀

Submit any remaining health, housing, or enrollment forms
Confirm your class schedule and move-in plans (if living on-campus!)
Save important campus contacts like your academic advisor or the career center on campus

Affording Postsecondary Education

Taking the SAT

SAT Practice & Preparation Resources

The SAT is one part of your application. Here's everything you need to know.

The SAT is a standardized test used by colleges as part of the admissions process. It is owned and administered by the College Board and offered digitally at approved testing sites. You register, view your scores, and send score reports to colleges all through your College Board account at collegeboard.org.

The SAT has two sections:

Reading and Writing — scored 200–800
Math — scored 200–800

Total score range: 400–1600

The SAT (Grade 12) and PSAT (Grades 10 and 11) will be administered during the school day during October 2026 at NO COST to students. Talk to your school counselor for more details.

Test-Optional: What It Means

Many colleges and universities no longer require SAT or ACT scores as part of your application. Test-optional means you choose whether to submit your scores. If your score reflects your abilities, submit it. If it doesn't, you don't have to — and your application will be reviewed on everything else.

Before assuming a school is test-optional:

Check the policy directly on that college's website — policies change year to year
Some schools are test-optional but still consider scores favorably if submitted

A small number of highly selective schools have returned to requiring test scores — always verify

Prepare for Free!

You do not need to pay for SAT prep. The best prep resources available are completely free!

Khan Academy

The College Board partnered with Khan Academy to create the official, free SAT prep platform. It builds a personalized study plan based on your PSAT results, includes full-length practice tests, and covers every skill tested on the SAT.

College Board SAT Practice- Bluebook

The SAT is taken digitally using the Bluebook app. Download it and familiarize yourself with the interface before test day — the testing environment on test day will look exactly like Bluebook during practice.

Writing Your College Essay

Your college essay is not a summary of your resume. It is your chance to let admissions officers hear your voice — your specific story, told in your own words. A great college essay is honest, specific, and personal.

Tips for a strong essay:

Write about something that genuinely matters to you — not what you think sounds impressive
Be specific. "I learned the importance of teamwork" is vague. "The moment I realized I had to trust my teammates was the night before the championship when our captain broke his hand" is specific
Start early and write multiple drafts — the first version is almost never the best one
Ask your school counselor, English teacher, or a trusted adult to review your draft
Read it out loud — if it doesn't sound like you, revise it

Common App Essay Prompts

The Common App offers 7 essay prompts — you choose one. Your school counselor can help you choose the best prompt for your story.

Interviews

Not all colleges require interviews, but many offer them as optional. If offered, take it — it's another chance to make a positive impression. Prepare by researching the college, practicing common questions, and dressing professionally.

Portfolios

Some colleges or programs require a portfolio, especially for art, design, music, theater, or architecture. Check each school’s requirements early so you know what to include, how to submit it, and when it is due.

Visit before you decide.

Seeing a college in person — or virtually — can tell you things a brochure never will. Here's how to make the most of college visits:

Schedule tours during a regular school day when classes are in session
Sit in on a class if possible
Talk to current students — not just admissions staff
Walk around the surrounding neighborhood
Take notes or photos so you can compare later

Boston-Area Open House opportunities:

Many local colleges host regular open houses and information sessions for high school students. Check the Open House Directory and the College & Career Month calendar for opportunities to visit.

Appily: College Fly-In Programs and Free Visit Opportunities for Students

Coalition for College Access: Exploring Fly-In Programs and Visit Experiences

Boston_Area_College_Open_Houses_Fall_2026

Free College Support Partners for BPS Students

Connect with a college access advisor. Free college advising is available to BPS students through partner organizations. These advisors can help you build your list, understand financial aid, and navigate the application process at no cost.

BU PATH is your in-school college & career adviser. PATH advisers work directly in participating high schools and can help you explore options, complete college or trade applications, apply for financial aid, and find a postsecondary path that fits you.

College support for first-generation students. Boston HERC provides coaching, college and career exploration, application and financial aid help, and support through the transition to college. Programs are available at participating schools and community sites.

Get help making college affordable. uAspire helps students complete financial aid applications, understand and compare financial aid offers, plan for college costs, and complete the financial steps needed to enroll. Support may be available in school, virtually, or by text.