Research & Planning
Timing is Everything – As Always!
Hopefully you’ve already scoped out the schools that meet your criteria. One of the reasons to look way before your freshman year is to get a jump on the application process, so that all necessary documents are submitted. Otherwise, you may miss the boat when first semester begins. For example, getting applications in by January 1 of the senior year is a typical requirement of many colleges.
So NOW is time to do some research on the schools’ requirements. Check their application procedures. Where to look?
Online is Fine
Most schools’ websites will provide all the info you need about application information. Here are some simple steps for easier cruising:
- Start at the college homepage
- Look for links directed to people like you. The most common phrases to be on the lookout for are “Admissions,” “Apply to [College Name],” “Prospective Students” or “Future Students.”
- The school’s catalog, usually available in PDF format, may also describe admissions procedures. Make sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader ™ installed.
- Click on any links that refer to application or admissions requirements.
- Look for links that indicate “Important Dates” – specific deadlines for submitting applications and relevant documents.
- Check for any additional web pages for high school, transfer students and international students.
- Click on any links that might include forms, such as “Apply Here.”
What Do They Want From Me?
It seems like a lot! But most of it is pretty standard. Here’s what most schools will require:
- Current high school transcript(s)
- A GED certificate – If you didn't earn a high school diploma
- An official high school transcript – In addition to providing proof of graduation, you may be expected to demonstrate that you earned a minimum GPA as determined by the individual college.
- Standardized college entrance exam scores – Required by many but not all colleges. The SATs are taken during high school, of course, but the college entrance exams, such as ACT or ASSET, can be taken during a campus visit – once you’ve been accepted – or just before the start of your first semester.
- Register for an SAT exam
- Register for an ACT exam
- Learn more about ASSET exams, which some colleges administer
- AP/IB Transcripts – If you participated in an Advanced Placement (AP) Program of the College Board or the International Baccalaureate
- Learn more about AP courses and exams
- CLEP transcripts – If you earned credits by taking one or more College Level Examination Program tests
- College Transcript(s) – If you’ve already earned some college credits elsewhere
- Portfolios – If you're applying to schools with a specific academic emphasis – such as art and design – they may require a portfolio with samples of your work. They’ll provide guidelines for expected portfolio components.
- Letters of Recommendations
- Essays