Applying to College
When to Apply
Students will begin applying to college the summer leading into their senior year. There are four different types of admissions deadlines students should be aware of: early action, early decision, regular admission, and rolling admission. You can check collegeboard.org or your college admissions website for more information about these deadlines.
Early Admission vs Early Decision
Early Decision – Early decision applications are Binding. Students are only allowed to apply to one early decision college because if the student is accepted as an early decision applicant, they must attend the college even if they are accepted to another college with a better financial aid package. Due to the strict, binding nature of this type of application, your counselors do not recommended applying under early decision. Check the college admissions website for more information about this deadline.
Early Action – Early action plans are nonbinding. Unlike early decision, early action gives you the opportunity to compare admissions and financial aid offers before committing. You should only apply for early action if you have a very strong interest in the school and can compete with other early action applicants. If you are not accepted under early action or miss the deadline, you are still eligible to be admitted during regular admission. Make sure you read each college’s guidelines carefully, because policies may vary. Check the college admissions website for more information about this deadline.
Regular Admission vs Rolling Admission
Regular Admission – This is the most common type of admission. There are no restrictions as to how many colleges a student can apply to and students are not bound to attend any specific college just because they were accepted there first. Most regular admission deadlines are in December or January. Check the college admissions website for more information about this deadline.
Rolling Admission – Under rolling admission, there are no application deadlines. Colleges accept applications and applicants throughout the year and decisions to admit students are made within 4 to 8 weeks. As a high school senior, it is still encouraged that you apply sooner rather than later to these schools to ensure your best possible chance of acceptance. Check the college admissions website to see if they are regular or rolling admissions.
What is an application package?
An application package is typically made up of the items below. Keep in mind that not every school requires all of this information so please be sure to check with the college(s) you are applying to for the items they require.
Application Form
Application Fee
Personal Essay
Teacher Recommendation Forms
School Report Form/Counselor Recommendation
Transcript (9th – 12th Grade)(Courses, GPA, Rank)
SAT/SAT Subject Tests/ACT Scores
What are colleges looking at for admittance?
Colleges are interested in the information listed below when deciding to admit an applicant. Please keep in mind that colleges differ in how they evaluate this information.
Grade Point Average
Class Rank
Difficulty of courses
SAT and/or ACT scores
Recommendations
Activities/Awards
Personal Essays
Personal Interviews
General Tips
Make sure you know the deadlines and give yourself plenty of time to meet them.
Answer ALL questions. If an essay is listed as “optional,” it is highly encouraged for you to still submit an essay with your application.
Practice writing the essay and have someone else review your response before submitting the final version. Be yourself, be honest, and do not ramble.
Include requested supporting materials (letters of recommendation, resume, scores, transcripts etc.).
Make sure you pay the application fee (if required). If you do not submit the application fee, your application will not be considered for acceptance. Please check with your school counselor to see if you qualify for a fee waiver
Proofread Your Application Before Submitting!