Starting the Application Process FAQ

When should I start?

During the summer before senior year and early fall, research schools you may be interested in applying to.

• Use the following resources to research schools: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/how-to-find-your-college-fit/college-search-step-by-step
• Ask yourself questions like: https://www.ivywise.com/ivywise-knowledgebase/newsletter/article/how-to-research-a-college-effectively/
• Go on schools’ websites, read their student publications, look up YouTube videos, and take a virtual tour (https://www.youvisit.com/education/) to get a feel for the campus culture.
• Reach out to Mater alumni who may be at those schools.

How many schools should I apply to?

Aim to apply to 6-9 schools.

• 2-3 safety schools
• 2-3 match schools
• 2-3 reach schools
• You should probably also apply to most of the public state schools [FIU, FSU, UF, USF, UCF]
• Keep track of these with a list. Keep in mind this list will probably change as you continue to do research and figure out what you want in a school- that is okay. That is the point of all this planning and researching.
• By mid-late September you should know where you’ll be applying. Keep track of all application due dates, fees, details, and account log-ins with spreadsheets or Google Keep.

Should I send additional material?

It’s best if you can express everything about your qualifications and qualities in the materials requested. Colleges spend a great deal of time creating their applications to make sure they get all the information they need about each applicant. If you feel it’s absolutely necessary to send additional material, talk to your counselor about it.

Some arts programs may require portfolios or videos of performances. Check with the college to find out the best way to submit examples of your work.

Is it OK to use the same material on different applications?

Definitely. There’s no need to write a brand-new essay or personal statement for each application. Instead, devote your time to producing a great version of basic application parts.

Should I apply to colleges if my admission-test scores or grades are below their published ranges?

Yes. The admission scores and grades that colleges show on their websites are averages or ranges — not cutoffs. There are students at every college who scored lower (and higher) than the numbers shown.

Remember that colleges consider many factors to get a more complete picture of you. For example, they look at the types of classes you take, your activities, recommendation letters, your essay and your overall character. Colleges are looking for all kinds of students with different talents, abilities and backgrounds. Admission test scores and grades are just two parts of that complete picture.

Should I even bother applying to colleges I don’t think I can afford?

Absolutely. Remember that after financial aid packages are determined, most students will pay far less than the "sticker price" listed on the college website. You don’t know if you can afford a college until after you apply and find out how much aid that college will offer you (if you’re accepted). Fill out the FAFSA as early as possible after Jan. 1 to qualify for the most aid.

Even if the aid package the college offers is not enough, you have options. Many colleges are willing to work with students they have chosen for admission to ensure that those students can afford to attend.