College Planning

5 Simple steps to Apply to College

Step 1

Narrow down your college search to 4-5 colleges. (This can begin as early as your freshman year...begin looking at all your options early.)

Step 2

Apply to the colleges/universities of your choice. (Pay attention to all deadlines.   For Priority Scholarship Deadlines, apply by November 1st).

Step 3

Request Letters of Recommendations AND Transcripts via SchooLinks (Please request at least 2 WEEKS prior to application deadline.  This gives everyone time to process your request.)  If you have requested transcripts and letters of recommendations via SchooLinks, please disregard notices from colleges/universities. 

Ask teachers personally to write you a letter of recommendation. Then log into SchooLinks to request. 

How do I request transcripts and letters of recommendation?  SchooLinks Guide for Seniors

Step 4

Determine how Colleges/Universities accept ACT/SAT scores. 

ACT INFORMATION:  www.act.org 

ACT FEE WAIVERS:  Students on free/reduced lunch qualify for two waivers to cover the cost of the ACT. See Guidance for waivers.

SAT INFORMATION: www.collegeboard.org 

SAT FEE WAIVERS:  Students on free/reduced lunch qualify for two waivers to cover the cost of the SAT. See Guidance for waivers.

Step 5

Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarship (Initial application for admission may qualify you for certain scholarships, many have deadlines)


College Visits


Columbus Suburban College Fair
Otterbein University
Sunday, October 8, 2023
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

This College Fair is a must for juniors and most seniors. This program is also good for 9th and 10th grade students who are thinking about colleges. Each group will have different goals:

Be sure and take advantage of the resources available on this site and the college reference sites listed on the page bottom.


VIRTUAL COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES 

OACAC is proud to present a free Virtual College Exploration (VCE) program


Additional Ideas

Schedule a Visit:  If you have serious interest in a college/university, it is very important that you get on campus.  One of the most important factors in selecting a college is finding the right fit.  Walking on campus and feeling like you belong is extremely important.  Call the admissions office of your designated college/university to schedule an appointment.  Make sure you submit a note to Attendance from the admission office stateing the date that you were in attendance for your visit.

Participate on College Bus Tours (primarily for juniors and seniors):  

College Bus Trips- TBD

Fly-in Programs:  When we meet with students and discuss college planning, we often talk about finding the right fit.  Many colleges and universities offer free fly-in programs, travel assistance scholarships, overnight programs, and diversity programming that comes at little or no cost to students accepted to their programs!



Schoolinks

SchooLinks is a comprehensive web-based service designed for students and parents, that can help with decision-making about career and college choices. SchooLinks provides up-to-date information specific to Westerville South High School and allows you and your student to:


ACCESS


REQUESTING TRANSCRIPTS


SCHOLARSHIPS




College Athletics

NCAA

Eligibility Requirements   

If a student thinks that he/she may have the opportunity to play Division I or II athletics at the college level, he/she must be registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse and meet the NCAA academic requirements. To meet the academic requirements of the eligibility center, a student must do the following: 

REGISTER WITH THE NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER

Students can access the Eligibility Center website at eligibilitycenter.org 

Please note that the cost is $90.00.  

A student should seek this initial certification during the fall of his/ her junior year.  If you have any questions you should see Mrs. Stovall (stovallj@wcsoh.org)


STEPS TO REGISTER



NAIA

TO REGISTER WITH THE NAIA ELIGIBILITY CENTER

Students can access the NAIA website at http://www.playnaia.org 

Please note that the cost is $90.00.  

A student should seek this initial certification during the fall of his/ her junior year. 







Scholarships and Financial Aid

Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarship (Initial application for admission may qualify you for certain scholarships, many have deadlines)



Additional Resources

Athletics


Application


College Fairs


College Search 


Enrichment Opportunities


Financial Aid/Scholarships 


Gap Year Programs


General Interest


Military 


Special Interest


Testing