1. Susquehannock High School’s Counseling Department Presents...
A GUIDE TO
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
General Information About College Applications

2. Where Do I Start? Research Application Requirements.
Individual College Websites
Admissions Page (Undergraduate)
Application Fees
Program Deadlines
Application Components:
Essay & Writing Supplements, Recommendations, & Optional Items
Naviance
Admissions Tab Under The School Page
Important Policies
Acceptance History of SHS Students
Requirements, Recommendations, & Optional Items
Required & Recommended High School Courses
Classification of Application Factors:
Very Important / Important / Considered /Not Considered
Common Application Website
College Search or My Colleges Page
Information From Admissions Page
FAFSA & Scholarship Program Deadlines
Teacher or Counselor Letter of Recommendation Requirements
Where Do I Start?

3. Final Precautions & Reminders
Organize Application Information & Components
Double Check All Components Before Starting & Submitting
Be Sure To Note Deadlines
Will Vary Based On Application Plan / Type
Final Precautions & Reminders

4. Deadlines By Application Type
Non-Restrictive Application Plans
Restrictive Application Plans
Regular
Decision
Regular
Decision
Rolling
Admission
Rolling
Admission
Early
Action
Early
Action
Early
Decision
Early
Decision
Restrictive
Early Action
Restrictive
Early Action
Definition
Students submit an application by a specified date (1st or 15th of a month) and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time.
Definition
Institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admission decisions through the admission cycle.
Definition
Students apply early and are placed into a smaller pool of applicants. They receive a decision well in advance of the regular response date.
Definition
Students make a commitment to their top choice school. if admitted they must enroll regardless of the financial aid award amount. The application and decision deadline occur early.
Definition
Students apply to an institution of preference and receive a decision early. They may be restricted from applying ED or EA or REA to other institutions. If offered enrollment, they have until May 1st to confirm.
Commitment
Non-Binding
Commitment
Non-Binding
Commitment
Non-Binding
Commitment
Binding
Commitment
Non-Binding
Deadlines By Application Type

5. When To Consider Early Action or Early Decision
You have visited this college and are convinced it is your true love.
Would you marry someone you never met?
Your Junior Year Transcript represents your best performance, and your grades in the 1st semester of your Senior Year would not tip the academic scale in your favor.
You have taken the ACT or SAT before September and are content with your scores.
You are willing to sign a contract that if admitted you will attend. You have researched the Early Decision odds.
Have had a discussion about the pros and cons of Early Decision with your parents and school counselor.
You are Prepared to present your strongest application by
Early Decision Deadline.
Early Action
You have researched the college and know it’s a match.
Your Junior Year Transcript represents your best performance, and your grades in the 1st semester of your Senior Year would not tip the academic scale in your favor.
You have taken the ACT or SAT before September and are content with your scores.
You understand the college’s policy on applying Early Action.
Will it benefit you to apply early? Will It affect Scholarship options?
Have had a discussion about the pros and cons of Early Decision with your parents and school counselor.
You are Prepared to present your strongest application by
Early Action Deadline.
When To Consider Early Action or Early Decision

6. Application Types Paper Applications Online Applications
Infrequently Used; Most Applications Are Online
Around 1% of Schools Require A Paper Application
Specific Schools Within A School May Require A Paper Application
Ex: An Honor’s College
Print Two Copies Before Submitting
One Rough Draft & One As A Final Submission
Online Applications
Requires You To Create An Account
Whether School Website, Common App, Etc.
Remember What Info & Components Are Needed For Completion
Specific Schools May Require Additional Components.
SAVE OFTEN !
Applications Don’t Have To Be Completed In One Session
Avoid Getting Timed Out
Application Types

7. Information You May Need
Demographic Information
Name, Address, GPA, Class Rank, Etc…
List of Activities & Awards
SHS CEEB Code
Letters of Recommendation
Set In Naviance To Be Sent To School(s) You Applied To
Access to College Board / ACT Account
Some Schools Require OFFICIAL Scores Directly From Them
Information You May Need

8. Completing The Process…
Pay The Application Fee
Send In With The Application For Paper Applications
Request Transcript In Naviance
Be Sure To Indicate How You Have Applied
Direct To Website, Through Common App, Paper, etc…
Check Status of Letters of Recommendation
Set In Naviance To Be Sent To School(s) You Applied To
If Requested Before Applying, Remind Teacher To Submit
Check Frequently
Await Results…
Completing The Process…

9. QUESTIONS ?
Questions