Applying for College After High School: As you prepare to graduate high school and transition to the next phase of your life, applying for and enrolling in college can seem like a daunting process. With so many steps to take and decisions to make, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
However, by breaking the application process down into more manageable pieces and setting aside time to complete each task, you can make applying for college more approachable. Over the coming weeks and months, stay organized and focused as you request transcripts and letters of recommendation, fill out applications, write essays, apply for financial aid, choose colleges to apply to, and ultimately select which school you’ll attend. With dedication and planning, you can successfully navigate the college application process after high school.
Deciding Where to Apply for College
Determine Your Priorities
To choose colleges that meet your needs, first determine your priorities in a school. Think about factors like programs of study offered, school size, location, cost, available extracurricular activities, and housing options. Create a list ranking the importance of each priority to help guide your college search.
Research Your Options
With your priorities in mind, start researching colleges that interest you. Visit college websites to learn about admissions requirements, majors and programs offered, tuition, financial aid, and other key details. Check rankings and reviews to determine the colleges’ reputations and strengths. Make a list of colleges you want to apply to based on how well they match your priorities.
Visit Colleges if Possible
If feasible, plan campus visits. There’s no better way to determine if a college is the right fit than by experiencing it firsthand. Meet with admissions counselors, tour facilities, sit in on classes, and talk to current students. Campus visits can strengthen your interest in some colleges while eliminating others from your list.
Meet Application Deadlines
Once you determine your college list, make note of each school’s application deadline and set a schedule to complete all parts of the applications on time. Double check that you meet all admissions requirements before submitting your applications. Applying to college is a big undertaking, but with careful planning and preparation, you can craft strong applications and maximize your chances of acceptance to schools that suit you well.
Key Deadlines for Applying After High School
To apply for college after high school, you must be aware of important deadlines to ensure you maximize your chances of acceptance and available funding opportunities.
Application Submission
Most colleges have hard deadlines for submitting applications, typically between December and February of your senior year for admission the following fall. Check with each school’s website for their specific dates. It is recommended you submit at least a month before the deadline to avoid potential technical issues.
Early Decision vs Regular Decision
For your top choice schools, consider applying Early Decision, which has deadlines around November 1st. Acceptance rates are often higher for Early Decision, demonstrating your strong interest. However, you must attend if accepted. Regular Decision offers more options to compare financial aid packages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Don’t miss out on funding by missing financial aid deadlines, typically around March 1st. Complete the FAFSA form as early as October 1st of your senior year. Check with schools for other financial aid forms and deadlines. Also research private scholarships, which have deadlines from September through May. The earlier you apply, the more opportunities you may have to earn funding.
AP Scores and Transcripts
Most schools require official final high school transcripts and AP test scores. AP scores are released in July, so request your scores be sent to schools then. Final transcripts must be sent after you graduate. Check with your high school counselor for the process to request transcripts, as it can take several days to process requests.
Meeting key deadlines is essential to maximize your opportunities for college acceptance and funding. With advance planning, you can ensure you are poised for success in your college applications.
Gathering Materials Needed to Apply
To apply for college, you will need to gather certain materials that prove your academic achievements and potential for success. First, you should request an official high school transcript from your school registrar or counselor. Your transcript provides colleges with your GPA and grades from each class you have taken so far in high school.
Next, find the standardized test scores that will be required for your college applications, such as the SAT or ACT. Many schools consider scores from either exam, while others prefer or exclusively accept one or the other. Check with the colleges you plan to apply to in order to determine which scores they will need. Then request that those official scores be sent to the colleges directly from the testing agency.
You will also be asked to submit letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to your abilities and potential for college-level work. Ask teachers from academic subjects that you excelled in, who know you well and can provide specific examples to support their recommendation. Provide the teachers with details about your college plans and any programs you may be interested in so they understand the context for their recommendation.
In addition, you may need to submit essays, written statements or responses to short answer questions as part of your college applications. Be prepared to write clearly and persuasively about your interests, goals, experiences, values and personality. Your writing provides an opportunity to share more about yourself with colleges beyond just your grades and scores.
Finally, complete any college-specific forms required for the schools you will apply to, which may include questions about extracurricular activities, awards, community service and more. Submit all materials by the posted deadlines to ensure your application will be considered. With preparation and attention to detail, you can gather all the necessary materials to put forth a compelling college application.
Completing the College Application Itself
Gathering Necessary Information
To complete most college applications, you will need to have certain information on hand, including your full legal name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. You will also need the name and address of your high school, as well as your high school transcript. Some colleges may require additional information like test scores, letters of recommendation, or a personal essay. Make sure you understand exactly what each college on your list requires so you can gather everything in advance.
Filling Out the Application
Complete each section of the application carefully and thoughtfully. Double check that all information like your name, address, and date of birth are entered correctly. For the education section, list all high schools you have attended. Enter coursework, grades, and test scores accurately.
Personal Essay
The personal essay allows you to share more about yourself with the colleges you are applying to. Follow the prompt and length guidelines carefully for each college. Draft and revise your essay to ensure it is compelling while also giving a genuine sense of who you are as an applicant. Have others review and provide feedback on your essay before submitting.
Activities and Interests
This section allows you to highlight the activities and interests that have shaped you outside the classroom. List any clubs, sports teams, volunteering, jobs, hobbies, or other activities you have participated in during high school. Briefly describe your role and responsibilities for each activity. Select activities that demonstrate qualities and skills that would make you a great candidate for that college.
Application Submission
Double check that all parts of the application are complete before submitting. Once submitted, your application cannot be changed. Submit any required application fees at the same time you submit your application. Note any deadlines for supporting documents like transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation and submit those as soon as possible. Most colleges will notify you once your application has been received and is complete.
Following these steps carefully will help ensure you submit a strong, polished college application that represents you well to colleges on your list. Give the application process the time and attention it deserves, as it can help open the door to exciting new opportunities.
Next Steps After Submitting Your Applications
Check Application Status Regularly
Once you have submitted your college applications, it is important to regularly check on their status. Most colleges today offer online portals where you can see if any additional information or documents are needed for your application. Be sure to monitor these portals weekly and provide any requested materials promptly.
Compare Financial Aid and Scholarship Offers
As acceptance letters arrive, compare the financial aid and scholarship offers from the schools that have accepted you. Consider the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Determine which school offers the most generous package in line with your family’s budget. You may be able to use these offers to try to negotiate a better deal with your top choice schools.
Make a Final Choice and Meet Deadlines
After comparing all your options, choose the school that is the best fit for your academic, financial, and personal needs. Most schools require you to submit an enrollment deposit by May 1 to hold your place in the incoming class. Failure to meet this deadline could result in your spot being given away to another student. Send in your deposit right away and notify the other schools that accepted you that you will be declining their offer of admission.
Prepare for Your Transition to College
Once you have made your final choice and been accepted, there are a few more steps to take to ensure you are ready for your first semester of college. Meet with your high school guidance counselor to make sure you are on track to complete all necessary credits and requirements to graduate. Talk to your parents about preparing financially for college by setting a budget, opening a bank account, and determining costs for living essentials. Mentally prepare for this next chapter of your life and all the exciting opportunities ahead!
The college application process requires diligence and hard work. But by following through with these important next steps, you will find yourself ready to start this new journey in your life. Best of luck!
Conclusion
In closing, applying for college after graduating from high school can seem daunting, but breaking the process down into manageable steps makes it far more approachable. Stay organized, meet all deadlines, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. With focus and determination, you can successfully navigate the college application process. Remember that you know yourself best – trust your instincts when making this important life decision. The effort will be well worth it when you embark on the next chapter of your academic career. Stay positive and believe in yourself every step of the way.