College Application Resources

Types of College Admissions

Colleges and Universities usually offer different types of admission options. When considering which colleges to attend it is also important to know how and when to apply. Take some time to read through the different types of admissions and become familiar with dates for the schools you would like to attend.

1. Priority Admissions

• Priority admission dates are set by the school, usually September through December (before regular admission dates). Your application will be considered before other students who apply after the priority deadline.

2. Early Decision

• When you apply early decision, you MUST attend the school if you are accepted. Be absolutely positive that you want to attend this school. It is a binding agreement. You can only apply to one school this way.

3. Early Action

• You can apply early and get decisions quickly but, unlike early decision, you are not required to attend if you are accepted into the school.

4. Regular Decision

• You can apply to the school during the regular application window. The application window for most colleges is between January 1^st-March 1^st. Be sure to research the application dates for the schools you are interested in attending.

5. Rolling Admissions

• You can apply any time during the application period. Schools accept students as they receive the applications.

There are several ways to apply to colleges:

1. Directly from the college website

• Most colleges and universities allow you to apply online by completing and submitting the application on their website.

2. Common App

• Common App allows you to complete one online application that can be sent to over 700 colleges and universities. This is a free service, however individual colleges may charge application fees, typically ranging from $20-$100.

• How to Apply Using the Common Application

1. Log onto www.commonapp.org

2. Create a user name and password

3. Follow the directions on the Common App. Website

4. Write down you Common App. log-in information

5. Complete the FERPA release authorization on the Common App. website – YOU ARE ALLOWING YOUR TRANSCRIPT & RECOMMENDATION LETTERS TO BE SENT TO COLLEGES ON YOUR BEHALF

6. Log into Naviance

7. Click on the “Colleges” tab and then click on “Colleges I’m Applying To”

8. Fill out the large blue box at the top – Common App. Account Matching – Enter your Common App. email address NOT your Naviance address!

3. Common Black College Application

• For a fee of only $20, your application is made available to 55 different schools.Visit the Common Black College Application to learn more about the their member colleges and universities.

College Application Fee Waivers

Applying to colleges can be expensive. The average college application fee is $40 but can cost as much as $100. If you are applying to several colleges, those fees can really add up. Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch or family income falls within the USDA eligibility guidelines are eligible for fee waivers allowing students to apply for free.

Visit College Board to find out more about college application fee waivers. Contact your school counselor with any questions you might have.