Applying to college is a big moment in your life!!! Getting into your dream school can often hinge on the extra things you do. Think about what you can do now: taking challenging courses, earning college credit in high school, participating in extracurriculars, volunteering, or taking an internship or a job. Read below for guidance on your next steps!!!

Seek out the colleges you are interested in online. You can apply directly on a college website. The Common Application is another way to apply to colleges in which you can apply to multiple colleges at one time.

Four Year College/University

Each campus has their own admission guidelines. Review requirements on each college's website for specific information including deadlines. Most colleges will open their application window on August 1. Generally speaking, most schools will require you to submit applications for early action or early decision by November. To meet a regular decision deadline, you can submit your application in January. Early action allows you to apply earlier than regular decision. Applicants receive admission decisions sooner, usually starting in mid-December. Early decision is similar to early action; however, it is a binding agreement that you will attend a specific college. Regular decision allows you to submit your application a little later; however, you may not get a decision from a college until March or April.

Two Year or Technical College

Generally speaking, program applications are typically accepted on a rolling basis and can be accepted until a week prior to the start of each semester. There are some exceptions for certain programs.

​It is a good idea to figure out a way to organize yourself first!! One suggestion would be to create a spreadsheet listing each college you plan to apply to along with important information. Determine which colleges require an application and make a checklist with due dates to submit the application, financial aid, etc.

Consider applying to several schools to keep your options open and improve your chances of getting into a program of your choice but only colleges you would want to attend. It's a good idea to consider submitting your application to between five and eight colleges. Include a variety of schools, based on the descriptions below:

• Dream schools are colleges you know will be a challenge to get into.
• Safety schools are colleges you know are very likely to accept you.
• Possible schools are the colleges you have a good chance of getting into.

Applying to colleges in this way will increase the chance that you get accepted into at least one college that you have an interest in.

This is what you'll typically need to complete in order to apply to colleges and universities.

• Application: You’ll likely have to fill out a general application for each school you want to attend. These tend to cover information like a list of extracurricular activities and parent or legal guardian information. While there tends to be an emphasis put on academics, there is more to your story than just grades and test scores. Colleges will want to know about other aspects like work experience and leadership qualities.

• Application Fee: Many colleges have waived the application fee but others will require a fee. Students may also qualify for an application-fee waiver; reach out to your school counselor for additional information.
  

• Academic transcripts: Colleges will request to view your transcript which you will need to submit through Parchment.
  

• Letters of recommendation: Some colleges require two or three letters of recommendation. These typically come from teachers or counselors who can speak to your academic abilities, but they can also come from club or team coaches, employers, volunteer organizers, or others who can discuss your various strengths. Ask for letters of recommendation at least a few weeks ahead of your application deadline. It is respectful to give individuals plenty of time to prepare the letter and collect any information they need.

• Personal statements and essays: Colleges want to take into consideration who you are beyond your grades and test scores. The essay can often be a distinguishing factor for an applicant, so you want it to be well-written. The personal statement or essay gives you the opportunity to showcase more of who you are. Even if a topic is chosen for you already, a college essay is really just a way for admissions advisors to get to know you more intimately, hear your perspective and relate to you on a personal level.
  

• Standardized scores: Taking a college entrance exam, such as the ACT is a requirement during high school and used to be a requirement when applying to college. Many colleges now however, have waived submission of test scores for admission. With that being said, even when they're optional, submitting your scores can help detail your college readiness.

• Financial information: Some schools will request information on your or your family’s financial situation to see if you qualify for scholarships. The deadline for financial information might be later than the application deadline, though it’s good to double-check. You’ll want to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the very least. See the Smore on Paying for College for additional information.