How to Apply for College

For most undergraduate programs in the United States, college application deadlines fall between late November and mid-March. It’s advisable to start planning your college application process during the summer before your junior year of high school. A typical college application consists of several key components, including:

• Personal information, extracurricular activities, and awards
• Essays (main college admissions essays and supplemental essays)
• High school transcripts
• Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
• Letters of recommendation

To further assist you, we have developed a complimentary Google Sheets template that you can utilize to keep track of your college applications and maintain a clear overview of the process.

College application timeline

The college application process typically begins in your junior year of high school and continues through your senior year. Here’s a general timeline to help you stay on top of your tasks:

Junior year (September-May):

• Research colleges and create a list of schools you’re interested in
• Take the SAT or ACT
• Start working on your college essays
• Visit colleges and attend college fairs

Senior year (September-December):

• Finalize your college list
• Complete and submit your college applications
• Apply for financial aid and scholarships
• Request letters of recommendation
• Send your high school transcripts and test scores
• Senior year (January-May):
• Receive admissions decisions
• Compare financial aid packages
• Make your final college decision and submit your enrollment deposit

Research schools

Researching schools is a crucial step in the college application process, as it helps you identify institutions that align with your academic, personal, and professional goals. By thoroughly investigating your options, you can create a well-balanced college list that includes a mix of safety, match, and reach schools.

Make your college list

To begin, compile a list of potential colleges based on factors that matter most to you, such as:

• Academic programs and majors
• Location and campus setting
• Size of the student body
• Campus culture and atmosphere
• Cost and financial aid opportunities
• Career services and job placement rates

To gather information about each institution, utilize online resources like college search engines (e.g., CollegeBoard, Niche), rankings, and school websites. Don’t forget to consider the insights and recommendations of your family, friends, teachers, and guidance counselors.

Visit schools

Visiting colleges, either in person or virtually, is an excellent way to better understand the schools on your list. By setting foot on campus or taking a virtual tour, you can better gauge whether a school’s environment and community fit you.

Consider the following ways to explore colleges:

• Attend college fairs and information sessions
• Schedule campus tours and sit in on classes
• Speak with current students, faculty, and admissions representatives
• Explore the surrounding area and local community

If in-person visits are not feasible, take advantage of virtual tours, online information sessions, and connecting with college representatives via email or social media.

Note the requirements and deadlines for each school

As you research schools, pay close attention to each institution’s specific application requirements and deadlines. Create a spreadsheet or use a planner to keep track of:

• Application deadlines (early decision, early action, regular decision, rolling admissions)
• Required essays (main essays and supplemental essays)
• Standardized test requirements (SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests)
• Recommendation letter requirements
• Interview requirements, if applicable
• Financial aid and scholarship deadlines

Staying organized and aware of these requirements will help you plan your application timeline and ensure you don’t miss any crucial deadlines.

Choose early decision, early action, regular decision, or rolling admissions

As you finalize your college list, consider which application route you want to take for each school:

Early Decision (ED)

• Binding agreement: if accepted, you must attend the school.
• Early decision I applications are typically due on November 1 or 15, with decisions released in mid-December. 
• Early decision II applications are usually due on January 1 or 15, with decisions released in January or February. 
• Both early decisions I and II are binding, meaning that if you are accepted, you must attend the school unless the financial aid package is insufficient. 

Early Action (EA)

• Non-binding: you receive an earlier decision but can wait until the regular decision deadline to commit.
• Early action applications are also usually due on November 1 or 15, with decisions released in mid-December.

Regular Decision (RD)

• Non-binding; you apply by the school’s regular deadline and receive a decision in the spring.
• Regular decision applications are due from late November to mid-March, with decisions released in March or April.

Rolling Admissions

• Schools evaluate applications as received and typically notify applicants of decisions within a few weeks.
• Rolling admission applications can be submitted anytime between July and April, with decisions typically released around four to eight weeks after submission. 
• Rolling admission is non-binding, but admission stops once the class capacity is reached.

Apply for financial aid

Applying for financial aid is essential to the college application process, as it can help make higher education more affordable and accessible. Several key steps to securing financial assistance include completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), applying for application fee waivers, and seeking out scholarship opportunities.

Apply for the FAFSA

The FAFSA is the primary form used by the federal government, states, and colleges to determine your eligibility for financial aid. It considers your family’s income, assets, and other factors to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). To apply for the FAFSA:

1. Create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov for yourself and one for a parent/guardian.
2. Gather necessary documents, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, and bank statements.
3. Fill out the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov, starting October 1 of your senior year.
4. Submit the FAFSA before your earliest college or state deadline.

Remember to complete the FAFSA annually to remain eligible for financial aid throughout your college years.

Apply for application fee waivers

College application fees can add up quickly, but fee waivers can help reduce this financial burden. You may be eligible for fee waivers if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• You qualify for the Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch program.
• Your family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines the USDA Food and Nutrition Service sets.
• You are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs).
• You receive public assistance or live in federally subsidized public housing.
• You are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

To apply for fee waivers, contact your high school guidance counselor or the admissions offices of the colleges to which you are applying. Some colleges also accept the College Board or NACAC fee waiver forms.

Complete scholarship applications

Scholarships are a great way to secure additional funding for your college education. They can be awarded based on various criteria, such as academic merit, athletic ability, artistic talent, community involvement, or financial need. To find and apply for scholarships:

• Research scholarships through online databases (e.g., Fastweb, Scholarships.com), your high school guidance office, and the financial aid offices of your prospective colleges.
• Gather required materials, such as essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts.
• Submit your scholarship applications before the deadlines, which can vary by organization.
• Keep track of your scholarship applications and follow up as needed.

Scholarships are highly competitive, so starting your search early is essential, as applying to as many relevant opportunities as possible and putting your best foot forward in your scholarship essay applications.

Take standardized tests

Standardized tests, such as the SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams, play a significant role in college admissions. These tests allow colleges to assess your academic abilities and compare your performance to that of other applicants.  

Take the SAT or ACT

The SAT and ACT are the two main standardized tests for college admissions in the United States. Most colleges accept scores from either test, so you can choose the one that best suits your strengths and test-taking style. Here are some key steps to taking the SAT or ACT:

1. Determine which test you want to take based on your skills and the requirements of your prospective colleges.
2. Register for the test online at the College Board (SAT) or ACT websites, paying attention to registration deadlines and test dates.
3. Prepare for the test by reviewing content, taking practice tests, and working on test-taking strategies. You can use free online resources, purchase prep books, or enroll in a test prep course.
4. You should take the test on your scheduled date and bring the necessary materials (e.g., admission ticket, photo ID, approved calculator).
5. Consider retaking the test if you feel you can improve your scores. Many students take the SAT or ACT more than once to achieve their best results.

Some colleges have adopted test-optional policies, meaning that you can choose whether or not to submit your SAT or ACT scores as part of your application. However, strong test scores can still work in your favor, especially if you’re applying to highly selective schools.

Take Advanced Placement exams

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are subject-specific tests the College Board administers. They are designed to assess your mastery of college-level material in various subjects, such as English, History, Science, Math, and Foreign Languages. By taking AP exams and earning high scores, you can:

• Demonstrate your academic abilities and subject expertise to colleges.
• Earn college credit for introductory-level courses, allowing you to save time and money in college.
• Becoming eligible for advanced course placements lets you skip introductory classes and move directly into higher-level courses in your field of interest.

Write college application essays

College application essays are a critical component of your application package. They provide you with an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and writing abilities beyond your grades and test scores. By crafting compelling essays on what colleges look for, you can help admissions officers get to know you better and demonstrate why you would be a valuable addition to their campus community.

Write your main college admissions essays

Your main college admissions essay, also known as the personal statement, is typically a 500-650-word essay responding to a prompt provided by the college or application platform (e.g., Common App, Coalition App). 

Your main essay should reflect who you are, so avoid trying to write what you think admissions officers want to hear. This essay should focus on a significant experience, achievement, or personal growth story, highlighting your unique qualities and values. 

Write supplemental essays

In addition to the main essay, many colleges require supplemental essays (Why this College essays) specific to their institution. These essays often ask you to explain why you are interested in the school, discuss your intended major or academic interests, or respond to a prompt that allows you to showcase your creativity. 

Revise your essays and get feedback

Revising your essays is an essential step in the writing process, as it allows you to refine your ideas, strengthen your narrative, and ensure that your essays are clear, compelling, and error-free.

Complete college applications

Once you have researched schools, taken standardized tests, and written your essays, it’s time to complete and submit your college applications. This process involves several key steps, including creating accounts on application portals, filling out personal information, uploading documents, and requesting supporting materials.

Create accounts on college application portals

Most colleges use online application portals, such as the Common App, Coalition App, or school-specific portals. To begin your applications:

• Create an account on each required portal using a professional email address and a strong password.
• Familiarize yourself with the application interface, noting sections you must complete and any additional requirements for each school.
• Add prospective colleges to your account, paying attention to their specific application requirements and deadlines.

Fill out your personal information, extracurriculars, and awards

Next, complete the personal information sections of your applications, which typically include:

• Biographical data, such as your name, address, and family information.
• Educational background, including high school, graduation date, and college coursework.
• Extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, volunteer work, and hobbies. Provide details about your roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments in each activity.
• Honors and awards you have received, both in and out of school. Include the name, date, and a brief description of each achievement.

Be thorough and accurate in your responses. This information helps paint a picture of your interests and achievements beyond your academic record.

Upload your essays

After you have finalized your main and supplemental essays, upload them to the appropriate sections of your applications. Double-check that you have selected the correct essay for each prompt and school, and ensure your formatting is preserved during uploading.

Send your high school transcripts and test scores

Your college applications will require official copies of your high school transcripts and standardized test scores. To send these documents:

• Request that your high school send your official transcripts to each college on your list. Follow your school’s specific procedure for making transcript requests.
• Have your SAT, ACT, and/or AP scores sent directly from the testing agencies to your colleges. You can request score reports through your online accounts with the College Board or ACT.

Make sure to submit your requests well before application deadlines to allow sufficient time for processing and delivery.

Request letters of recommendation

Most colleges require one to three letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know you well. To request these letters:

• Identify potential recommenders who can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential for success in college.
• Ask your recommenders well before your application deadlines, providing them with your resume, essay drafts, and any specific guidelines or forms required by your colleges.
• If your recommenders prefer to mail their letters directly, provide them with stamped and addressed envelopes for each college.
• Follow up with your recommenders to ensure they have submitted their letters before the deadlines, and thank them for their time and support.

Write your resume

Some colleges may allow or require you to submit a resume as part of your application. Even if it’s not required, creating a resume can help you organize your activities, awards, and work experience for your applications and recommendation letters. Your resume should include:

• Your contact information and educational background.
• Your extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and community service.
• Any work experience, internships, or summer programs you have participated in.
• Your skills, hobbies, and interests.

Keep your resume concise, well-organized, and visually appealing, using bullet points and clear headings to highlight your achievements.

Review your application

Before submitting your applications, thoroughly review each section to ensure that:

• All required fields are complete and accurate.
• Your essays are free of typos and formatting issues.
• You have followed all instructions and requirements for each school.
• You have paid or waived any necessary application fees.

Once you are confident that your applications are complete and polished, submit them before the deadlines and celebrate your hard work!

College application essay checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your college essays are strong, compelling, and ready for submission.