Application Process

Application Process Tips

• Narrow your list of colleges to between 5 and 10. Visit as many colleges as possible. DON’T put all your eggs in one basket by only choosing and applying to one school.  Have a plan B and a plan C ready to go just in case.
• Make a master calendar and note: a. test dates, b. college application due dates, c. required financial aid application and deadlines, d. recommendations, transcripts, and other necessary materials
• Ask for recommendations from people who KNOW you! (teachers, counselors, coaches, pastors, employers, etc.) If you are requesting a letter of recommendation from a counselor, complete the “recommendation form” which is located in the college and career center.
• Write application essays and ask teachers, parents and friends to read first drafts—use spell and grammar checks.
• Take the SAT and ACT

Application Deadlines

Applying early action or early decision:

• November 1: for early admissions, colleges may require test scores and applications in early November
• Send your SAT and/or ACT scores
• Use the schools FAFSA Forecaster/Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of what your financial aid could be (each college/university is required by law to have this on their website)
• Complete FAFSA as soon as possible. More money is available in the fall than in the spring—many priority deadlines for financial aid fall in March.