APPLYING TO COLLEGE SENIORS

STEP 1

Select schools that have your major/area of interest. Most students apply to 5-7 schools. Apply to a couple of safety schools (you know you can get in), a couple of probable schools, and at least one reach school. You'll never know if you don't try!

Search for potential colleges in Naviance or Big Future. Sign up for college visits in Naviance. Go visit the colleges. Every college has a different feel and visiting the school will help you decide if it's right for you.

Communicate with the college representatives. It shows them that you are interested in their school. Some colleges keep track of the contact you have had with them. Also, some college reps are the ones who read your application!

STEP 2

Take the SAT and/or ACT in early fall and send all scores to your potential colleges. If you took the SAT and/or the ACT during your junior year, you received information about what you can do to improve your scores. Use this information to help you focus your review!

STEP 3

Go to the college websites and find out their admission requirements AND how to apply to their school. Some colleges have requirements in addition to the application materials, so make sure you check the school’s website. Watch for deadlines! Colleges have different deadlines for different things. Keep a calendar so you don’t miss an important date!

Free/Reduced Lunch Students: You can receive 2- SAT and 2-ACT fee waivers for FREE! Request the waiver from your counselor. Request scores to be sent directly to the schools you are applying to attend. SEND ALL SCORES! Admissions offices will ALWAYS use your highest test score. The majority of schools take the highest score from a single test day; some colleges will take the best score for each section (this is called super-scoring).

ApplyTexas.org is the application for all public universities in Texas and select private schools. CommonApp.org is the application for over 400 public and private schools across the country. If the school you are applying to is not using Apply Texas or Common App, complete the application on the school's website.

Most schools will require you to create an account for applying and/or for checking your application status. DO NOT LOSE this info! You'll need it later!

STEP 4

Fill out the application COMPLETELY. Read the instructions carefully to check for requirements such as essays, resumes, recommendation letters, or other supplemental materials. Pay the application fee. Don't forget to press SUBMIT!

Once again, pay attention to deadlines! Many colleges have more applicants than they can admit, so they won't look at students who did not meet their deadline! Know whether the deadline is postmarked by or received by!

If an application says "recommended" or "optional" - DO IT! It can only help you! This is especially important if your GPA and/or test scores are below the school’s average for admissions.

Pre-write your essay somewhere other than the application and have others edit it! Your essay is your chance to really let the college know who you are. Be creative, but answer the question. Most importantly - BE YOU! Let your voice be heard.

STEP 5

Request a transcript online through Naviance.Your application isn't complete until they have received ALL of the required documents.

AFTER YOU’VE APPLIED

If anything changes in your application status, notify the university (your schedule, your family living circumstances, etc.) Determine your TSI status. If you are attending a Texas public school, you will need to find out if you are exempt. If not, you will need to sign up for TSI testing. Students who are not TSI compliant have to take remedial courses in college - which cost money, but don't count toward graduation!

Complete scholarship applications! You will receive s about scholarships, but also look on Naviance, fastweb.com, your college website, etc. There are numerous scholarships out there and it is money you do not have to pay back! In January, complete the FAFSA for financial aid

QUESTIONS?

Visit the Counseling Center or the College and Career Center! A-C Alisa Ellis D-Ht Ashlee Pope Hu-Ne Rebecca Lyons Nf-Sa Geoff Harter Sb-Z Gareth Horwood College Advisor Pam Mason Career Counselor Trisha Uhler