Introduction to College Applications
How to Apply for College
If you’re wondering how to apply for college, you’ve come to the right place.
The college application process can be scary. When students are applying to college, it’s important to understand the process so they can feel prepared.
We’ve broken down the process into a list of 10 steps. This will help you learn how to get into top colleges or the college of your dreams.
How to apply for college in 10 steps:
Research colleges and build your college list
Research the required tests and find out which one’s best for you.
Make a checklist with application deadlines and requirements
Develop your candidate profile
Brainstorm and write your personal statement & any other supplemental essays that are required
Ask for your letters of recommendation
Work on your list of extracurricular activities
Find out about financial aid and merit scholarships. Fill out FAFSA.
Apply for those scholarships
Fill out applications & submit!
Types of college application deadlines and programs include:
Early Action
Early Decision
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
Rolling
Step 1: Your college list
The first step in the college application process is creating your college list. Before you start researching for your college apps and applying, it’s important to research different universities and decide which schools you want to apply to.
Submitting college applications is time-consuming. You have to make sure to narrow down your list to have enough time to manage the application deadlines. This will help each of your university applications stand-out!
Research time
As you begin your research, consider what factors are important to you.
Some factors include:
Academic offerings
School size
Location
Campus culture
Extracurriculars
Development opportunities
College visit are a great way to choose your top schools. If you can’t visit a college in person, it’s okay! Many universities offer virtual tours, webinars, info sessions, and many more.
As you draft your list, make sure you balance schools into:
Safety schools - Above the average qualifications
Match schools - Average qualifications
Reach schools - Below the average qualifications
This will ensure you maximize your potential and will help you gain the confidence you need to apply!
Step 2: Standardized Tests
The second step in the college application process is to take any required standardized tests. There are two standardized tests: SAT or ACT.
Taking standardized tests requires practice. If it’s hard for you to concentrate or you don’t know where to start, you should consider reaching out to an expert tutor. We offer an SAT prep course. Feel free to reach out and ask about it!
Study and prepare
High scores can boost your college applications. It’s important to study and prepare as this will help you feel as calm as possible when test day comes.
Most students take the PSAT their junior year. This can give you a sense of what the SAT is and how you might do in it.
Both SAT and ACT are offered seven times throughout the year. So, if you want to try again until you reach your preferred score, you have lots of chances to do so. Keep in mind that some schools superscore your results on your college apps. This means they will consider the best scores for every section when reviewing your application, even if they were from different test dates.
When doing your college list, you might want to research the policies for testing. Some schools have adopted test-optional policies. These allow you to choose whether they want to include their test scores in their university applications. However, strong test scores can only strengthen your application. If you choose not to submit test scores, universities will rely on other factors like your GPA and course history.
Step 3: Checklist
The third step in the college application process is to create a college application checklist. It helps you get otganized and by following your checklist, you’ll feel ready to submit your college apps by the deadlines.
Deadlines
Early Action
Early action is non–binding. This means you are not bound to attend if you are accepted.
You may also apply early action to multiple colleges.
Early action deadlines usually fall at the same time or before than early decision.
The advantage of early action over early decision is the opportunity it gives you to apply to and compare financial aid packages from several schools.
Early Decision
Early decision is binding. This means, if accepted, you are committed to attending that school, and you have to withdraw any applications you may have submitted for the regular deadlines at other schools.
You may not apply to more than one college under early decision.
If you are not accepted, you will either be rejected or deferred.
Rejected applicants may not apply again that year.
Deferred applicants will be reconsidered during the regular admission period, and are free to apply to other schools.
Early decision deadlines are often in November, and students are typically notified of the decision in December.
Early Decision II
Students may also want to consider schools with ED 2 policies when thinking about college application deadlines.
These policies allow students to send in their university application later while still gaining any advantage they might gain from applying early. One of the benefits of ED 3 is to have received admissions decisions from their ED 1 applications by the time the ED 2 college application deadline arrives. If you didn’t get into your first choice school but have a clear second choice, ED 2 is the next step.
Regular Decision
If you're uncertain about the type of school you want to attend, you'll likely find yourself applying to college and submitting your college applications by the Regular Decision (RD) deadline.
Even if you opt for RD applications for all the schools on your list, you might need to handle multiple application deadlines for your university application, financial aid forms, and test scores.
In such a situation, a checklist can be invaluable in helping you manage your time, deadlines, testing dates, and application materials.
Rolling
This means that applications are evaluated as they are received.
Applying to schools with rolling admissions can be a way to gain an early advantage in the application process.
However, it's crucial to remember that institutions with rolling admissions still have final college application deadlines, so ensure you check those when deciding on your college application approach.
Step 4: Develop your candidate profile
The fourth stage of the college application procedure involves crafting your college candidate profile.
Many institutions employ a comprehensive assessment approach to assess university applications. In this method, they assess your college application in its entirety, taking into account every aspect of your application and how they interconnect.
Candidate profile building questions:
Who are you?
What do you do?
What do you care about?
What type of learner are you?
How do you get involved in your communities?
Why should colleges admit you?
Step 5: Personal Statement and other supplements
The fifth step in the college application process involves composing your college application essays. While many students dread this part of applying to college, these essays are essential for making your application stand out. Your college application essays are a chance to introduce yourself, your values, and how you'd enrich the campus.
There are two primary types of essays:
Personal statements
Supplemental essays
Personal statements are more in-depth and can be chosen from a set of prompts, while supplemental essays are shorter and specific to each school.
It's vital to begin early, create a timeline, and set deadlines for brainstorming, drafting, revising, and proofreading your essays. Seek feedback from others to ensure your ideas are clear and compelling. These essays are a crucial aspect of your college application, and many colleges use them to evaluate your fit for their institution.
A valuable resource for this step is college application essay support from a college application advisor, who can guide you in choosing a topic, managing your essay timeline, and providing feedback to ensure your essays are top-notch. It's essential to complete this part of your college application checklist well before your application deadlines.
Step 6: Letters of Recommendations
The sixth stage in the college application process involves obtaining your letters of recommendation. These letters provide colleges with an external perspective on who you are, typically coming from a teacher, counselor, coach, or another trusted mentor. They are an integral component of the college application process.
While not all university applications mandate recommendation letters, their necessity depends on the colleges you're applying to. Whether they are obligatory or voluntary, we recommend including them in your college applications. These recommendations offer valuable insights that can complement the other components of your application.
Some things to consider when choosing your university application recommenders:
Do they know me well enough to write a strong letter of recommendation?
Are they eloquent with their written words? Am I confident that their writing will best show off me and my abilities?
Do we have a good relationship?
Will the recommendation elevate my application narrative?
Is the recommendation relevant to my application (i. e. an art teacher’s recommendation if applying to an art program)?
Step 7: Extracurricular Activities
The seventh phase in the college application process involves compiling your list of extracurricular activities. Consider your extracurricular list as your college application resume, which provides a comprehensive overview of your activities, accolades, achievements, and leadership roles.
As you contemplate how to apply for college, it's important to understand that an "extracurricular" isn't limited to formal clubs. Your extracurriculars can encompass any activities that demonstrate how you spend your free time, including community involvement, specific responsibilities you've undertaken, and your passions.
When using the Common App for your university applications, you'll need to provide details such as:
Type of activity
Description of your position or leadership role
Organization name
A brief description of the activity, including accomplishments and recognition
Grade levels of your participation
Timing and duration of your involvement
Weekly hours devoted to the activity
The number of weeks per year dedicated to it
Whether you plan to continue this activity in college
Given the specificity of your extracurriculars, it's crucial to ensure they align with your candidate profile for college.
For a compelling extracurricular list on your college applications, focus on depth rather than breadth. Colleges seek students who have excelled in their interests and taken on leadership positions. Highlight any awards, accolades, and local or national recognitions, as these can enhance your chances of gaining admission to top colleges.
In addition to offering college application guidance, CollegeAdvisor provides resources to help you find programs tailored to your interests. Juniors can explore summer opportunities in various fields, while seniors can consider pitching new ideas, assuming different roles, or expanding their involvement in their chosen activities.
If you're unsure about what to include in your university application, you can find additional tips in our article on tailoring your extracurriculars to your college applications. For more comprehensive guidance, we recommend utilizing our college application help service and collaborating with college application advisors. These advisors offer personalized advice on what to incorporate in your university applications and selecting the most suitable extracurricular activities for you.
Step 8: Financial Aid and Merit Scholarships
The eighth phase in the college application process involves applying for financial aid. The application to college is just one aspect of the comprehensive college journey. For many students, financial aid is the crucial means by which they can afford higher education, making it a profoundly significant component of the college application process.
To assess your eligibility for financial aid, you must complete two financial aid applications: the FAFSA and CSS profile.
Understanding these forms is an essential part of the college application process.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form enabling students to request federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. It is also employed by many institutions to determine your qualification for state and institutional aid. The FAFSA becomes accessible from October 1st and remains open until June 30th.
The College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS profile) is an application sponsored by the College Board and is used by many colleges to evaluate a student's eligibility for non-federal financial aid. The CSS profile opens on October 1st and typically has varying due dates between January and March, depending on the school.
It is crucial to note that most colleges have specific financial aid deadlines in addition to their application deadlines. For example, Northwestern University mandates that Early Decision applicants submit their FAFSA and CSS by December 1st, and Regular Decision applicants by February 15th. Thus, it's imperative to align your financial aid deadlines with your college application deadlines.
As you navigate the college application process, remember that the sooner you submit your financial aid paperwork, the quicker you'll receive a decision regarding financial aid. If you require assistance with college applications or seek guidance on financial aid applications, consider exploring our Financial Aid Overview and FAFSA 101 webinars. These sessions offer valuable insights to demystify the entire financial aid procedure.
In addition to offering college application guidance, services like ours can help you navigate financial aid applications. Your expert college application advisor can assist you in completing the FAFSA and CSS profile, ensuring you receive the necessary financial aid to pursue your college education. This will boost your confidence when submitting college applications.
Step 9: Applying for scholarships
The ninth phase in the college application process involves pursuing scholarships. In contrast to other forms of financial aid, which assess a student's financial need, merit-based scholarships provide financial assistance based on a student's accomplishments. These scholarships can originate from individual colleges and universities as well as privately awarded national scholarships of various sizes.
Identifying and applying for scholarships might appear to be an additional task when applying to college. However, in many instances, this aspect of the college application process is highly rewarding. Therefore, allocate time in your college application plan to explore scholarship opportunities. Additionally, consider scholarship deadlines in addition to your college application deadlines, as this could mean the difference between receiving hundreds or even thousands of dollars in aid.
For those seeking straightforward scholarship opportunities, College Board offers scholarships exclusively for students who complete the steps in their college application checklist and apply to college. These steps include creating a college list, SAT practice, and submitting applications to two or more schools.
Step 10: Fill and submit your applications
The tenth phase of the college application process involves completing your university applications and adhering to each college application deadline. There are various types of college applications that you may need to complete when applying to college. These include the Common Application, the Coalition Application, and school-specific applications. Some institutions have their unique application portals, such as Cal State and CUNY, while others, like ApplyTexas, serve numerous public and private universities within the state.
While most college applications request similar information, each type of college application format possesses its distinct characteristics. Depending on which college applications you submit, you may exclusively use one particular college application format.
One of the most widely utilized college application formats is the Common Application, which allows you to apply to over 900 schools. The Common Application streamlines the application process, as you only need to complete each section once, regardless of how many colleges you apply to. College application help services, like CollegeAdvisor, can provide valuable guidance as you navigate your college applications.
In their university application guide, the Common App recommends gathering the following materials before commencing your college applications:
A copy of your high school transcript
A list of your activities, work, and family responsibilities
Test scores and dates from your college entrance exams (SATs, ACTs, etc.)
Parent/legal guardian information
Academic honors and achievements
Collecting these materials beforehand will help you feel prepared as you embark on the university application process. Once you've created your Common App account, you can manage your college applications on your dashboard. This allows you to upload materials, edit your applications, and view any additional requirements.
It's important to note that you may not use the Common Application for all your college applications. Each university application portal is unique, although many college application formats require similar information. Therefore, it's essential to conduct research and understand the steps for submitting college applications well before your college application deadlines. If you need assistance, a college application advisor can help you navigate this process.
In the college application process, there are several common mistakes to avoid:
Being too general: Make your college applications stand out by adding detailed information about your experiences to showcase what makes you unique.
Ignoring deadlines: Missing college application deadlines can have significant consequences, so aim to complete your applications at least a week before the deadlines.
Not asking for help when needed: College application guidance can make a substantial difference in the process, so don't hesitate to seek support from a college application advisor.
In addition to the college application, you may need to include supplemental documents such as a college resume and college application letters. These items play an essential role in the college application process and should be factored into your college application deadlines.
A college resume, often referred to as a high school resume, allows you to showcase your extracurricular activities and accomplishments from high school, complementing your university application.
College application letters, similar to cover letters for job applications, highlight why you should be considered for a specific college. While they are rarely required, a well-written college application letter can enhance your admissions prospects.
For first-generation college students, the college application process may come with unique challenges. It's important to declare your first-generation status in your university applications, as there are scholarships and resources available specifically for first-gen students. These resources can provide valuable support during the college application process and beyond.
International students applying to colleges in the US may encounter challenges such as standardized tests and English proficiency exams. It's crucial to submit grades as reported in your country, and letters of recommendation should emphasize your adaptability to the academic environment in the US. International students should attend information sessions and webinars to gain a better understanding of the application process.
US students applying to colleges abroad may face a different application process and education system. It's essential to thoroughly research international universities and understand the requirements and deadlines unique to their application process. Staying motivated, starting early, and adhering to deadlines are key when applying to colleges internationally.
In conclusion, the college application process encompasses several essential steps, including selecting the right applications, avoiding common mistakes, preparing supplemental documents, and considering the unique challenges faced by first-generation and international students. Staying organized and seeking guidance when necessary can significantly improve your chances of a successful college application process.