Steps to the College Application Process
1. Research colleges that have your desired major
Checkout BigFuture for college searches
2. Visit colleges that peak your interest the most
Schedule college visits ahead of time! Most will want you to schedule your visit online through their admissions office website.
3. Take the ACT or SAT
and have your scores sent to the college you are interested in applying
Check out the ACT & SAT page on our website
4. Fill out and submit the college application
Apply to the colleges you are interested in attending.
Most college applications are online and completed electronically through the college admissions website. Most will have an application fee, and some might waive this fee if you apply online and meet the application deadline.
Be aware of early action and early decision deadlines. Many of these are as early as Nov 1. Please check with your college or university for their application deadlines. This is very important to be admitted, meeting early scholarship deadlines, applying for housing and etc.
Click here for more information about Early Action and Early Decision.
Students who are applying to selective colleges may want to use the
Common Application.
Please visit with your counselor before using the Common Application.
5. Supplemental application materials and recommendations
If there are supplemental application documents included in the application process, for example counselor recommendation forms or letters of recommendation, please give ADVANCED NOTICE
(2 weeks is customary) to your counselor or your letter writers.
Do not wait until the last minute.
6. Send your high school transcript
After you have applied to your colleges, send transcripts when requested.
7. Find scholarships and financial aid
Begin filling out scholarship applications and searching for financial aid. Be sure to check out the Scholarships section of this website.
1. Research colleges that have your desired major
Checkout BigFuture for college searches
2. Visit colleges that peak your interest the most
Schedule college visits ahead of time! Most will want you to schedule your visit online through their admissions office website.
3. Take the ACT or SAT
and have your scores sent to the college you are interested in applying
Check out the ACT & SAT page on our website
4. Fill out and submit the college application
Apply to the colleges you are interested in attending.
Most college applications are online and completed electronically through the college admissions website. Most will have an application fee, and some might waive this fee if you apply online and meet the application deadline.
Be aware of early action and early decision deadlines. Many of these are as early as Nov 1. Please check with your college or university for their application deadlines. This is very important to be admitted, meeting early scholarship deadlines, applying for housing and etc.
Click here for more information about Early Action and Early Decision.
Students who are applying to selective colleges may want to use the
Common Application.
Please visit with your counselor before using the Common Application.
5. Supplemental application materials and recommendations
If there are supplemental application documents included in the application process, for example counselor recommendation forms or letters of recommendation, please give ADVANCED NOTICE
(2 weeks is customary) to your counselor or your letter writers.
Do not wait until the last minute.
6. Send your high school transcript
After you have applied to your colleges, send transcripts when requested.
7. Find scholarships and financial aid
Begin filling out scholarship applications and searching for financial aid. Be sure to check out the Scholarships section of this website.
