What are the main steps in the college application process?

The main steps include self-reflection, researching colleges, taking standardized tests, gathering application materials, submitting applications, applying for financial aid, and making a final decision.

What is the process for enrolling in college?

The process for enrolling in college involves submitting applications, receiving acceptance letters, comparing offers, and finalizing your decision by the enrollment deadline, which is often May 1st.

What is the timeline for applying to college?

The timeline typically starts in junior year with standardized testing, research, and visiting colleges. Applications are submitted from the summer before senior year through the early winter of senior year, depending on deadlines.

How are college admissions done?

College admissions are done through a holistic review process that evaluates academic records, standardized test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and demonstrated interest.

How do colleges choose which students to admit?

Colleges choose students based on a combination of factors, including academic performance, standardized test scores, personal essays, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and the student's overall fit with the institution.

What GPA do college admissions look at?

Most colleges consider a student's cumulative GPA from all high school years, with a focus on the rigor of courses taken and grades received in core academic subjects.

What are most deadlines for college applications?

Most application deadlines fall between November 1st and January 1st, depending on whether students are applying for Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision.

What is the latest date to apply for college?

Some colleges offer rolling admissions, meaning students can apply until the program is full, while others may have specific deadlines in January or February.

When should I start applying for college in 2024?

You should start applying to colleges in the summer of 2024, ensuring all applications are submitted before the relevant deadlines, which may be as early as November 1st for Early Action and Early Decision.

When should you start applying to colleges?

The college application process generally begins the summer before senior year, with applications typically submitted between September and January of senior year, depending on deadlines.

Demystifying the College Application Process

College Counseling

Jul 13

Written By Lynne Fuller

By Lynne Fuller, Founder of College Flight Path

As college counselors, we understand that the college application process can seem overwhelming for high school students. However, with a clear roadmap, a well-structured timeline, and a few helpful tips, this journey can become a manageable and introspective experience. In this article, we will explore the specific steps involved in applying to colleges, the timeline that high school seniors should follow, and some best practices to ensure a successful outcome. We will even share a few tools to help your student get started.

College Application Process Steps

Step 1: Self-Reflection and Goal Setting: Beginning Early in A High School Career

Before diving into the application process, it is essential for high school seniors to engage in self-examination and goal setting. They should take time to explore their interests, strengths, and aspirations. Also, students need to reflect on the type of college environment that would best suit their needs, academic goals, and personal preferences. Consider long-term career objectives and how different colleges can help students achieve them.

Identifying your student’s operating manual by focusing on their intrinsic motivators, core values, and characteristics is an enormous benefit when they engage in writing their personal statement. They are setting the stage for the admissions officers to truly get to know what makes them tick.

Step 2: Research and Build a College List: 10th and 11th Grades

Once your student has a better understanding of themself and their goals, it's time to research and build a college list. Explore different colleges and universities, through virtual tours and campus visits if possible.

Research specific academic programs, extracurricular activities, campus culture, and financial aid options. Consider factors such as location, size, and the overall fit of the institution. Aim for a balanced list that includes stretch, target, and likely (especially if they are financially viable) schools.

Step 3: Standardized Testing and Test Preparation: 10th - 12th Grades

Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT play a significant role in college admissions for many institutions. Determine which tests are required or recommended by the colleges on your student’s list and create a study plan. Consider using study guides, practice tests, or even a test prep course or tutor if needed. Start early to allow ample time for preparation and multiple attempts if necessary.

For example, if your student has finished Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 by Sophomore year, then consider taking a diagnostic and study over the summer to test in late summer or early fall if they are ready. If enrolled in Algebra 2 during Junior year, then we suggest waiting to test until they have had the majority of the math curriculum (March or April). Either way, there is plenty of time to test and retest and then decide how to use scores in the application process.

Step 4: Gather Application Materials - June of 11th Grade

As your student approaches senior year, it's important to gather the necessary application materials. Begin working on the personal statement once AP and IP tests have concluded in order to elicit a reflective response. It will also be important to put in a request for the high school transcript including 11th grade coursework and GPA as well as build a resume that includes all activities, jobs, volunteerism, and academic highlights.

Finally, your student will want to work on identifying their top 10 activities (see our Brag Sheet Post on how to gather this information) for the Common App and begin preparing for the supplemental essays.

Before the school year ends, students should reach out to teachers (preferably two) or mentors (preferably one) who can write strong letters of recommendation on their behalf. By starting in June of 11th grade, this allows enough time for revisions and edits.

The Common App

Many colleges utilize the Common Application or Coalition applications, which make the process streamlined. It is possible to start the Common Application prior to August 1st, just stick to the column marked Common App and enter in key information, after August 1st the app “rolls over” or opens up for the student’s class, which will generate deadlines for the year. In the Common App tab, all of the information will stay in the app and auto-populate, whereas college-specific information will be lost.

When in the Common App Tab, fill out Profile, Family, Education (have your student wait until they get the senior course roster to fill out Current Year Courses), Testing (only if they want every college to see their scores), and Activities once they have been edited. It's best to work on these in a Google Doc first where they practice filling out the fields, edit, and then copy them into the application.

Hold off on writing the college essay in the application, instead write your essay in a Google Document, edit, and then, when your student is ready place the latest version of the essay into the application.

Common App | College Application Process

Step 5: Complete and Submit Applications - September - Early Winter of 12th Grade

Once all of the application materials are prepared, it's time to complete and submit the applications. Carefully fill out any remaining forms and double-check for any errors or omissions. Keep track of application deadlines for each college on your student’s list to ensure timely submission.

We recommend keeping a document in addition to the school specific application management account that is simple but color coded, see our example below for how to create a streamlined document. Remember to pay attention to any supplemental essays or additional requirements specific to each institution.

College Application Deadlines:

Application Types:

Rolling Admissions Deadlines - student will hear within 6 weeks of applying
Early Action Deadline (EA) 10/15, 11/1, 11/15 or 12/1 - student will hear in December, January, or February - not binding
Early Decision Deadlines (ED) 11/1 - student will hear by 12/25, binding
Early Decision 2 - 1/1 - student will hear by March, binding, but can ED2 if waitlisted to the ED1 and are waiting to hear on other applications
Regular Decision Deadline (RD) - 1/1 - student will hear in mid to late March - not binding

College Application Deadlines | College Application Process

Step 6: Financial Aid and Scholarships - October - December of 12th Grade

As your student navigates the application process, it's crucial to consider financial aid and scholarships. Research the various types of financial assistance available, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), CSS Profile and any other required financial aid forms. Typically these open in October, but in 2025 the FASFA will not be available until December. Be aware of each college's financial aid deadlines, as they may differ from the application deadlines. Additionally, search and apply for scholarships that align with your student’s interests, achievements, or demographics.

Step 7: Review Offers and Make a Decision - December - May 1st of 12th Grade

Once applications have been submitted, the waiting game begins. Your student will start receiving acceptance letters, financial aid offers, and scholarship notifications.

Review each offer carefully, comparing financial aid packages, academic programs, and campus resources. Take the time to visit or revisit campuses or attend virtual events for admitted students. This is the time to put the school offers under a microscope so your family can determine fit, cost, and academic opportunity.

It sounds like a lot, but plan ahead, remain organized, and know when to ask for help, and the college application experience can provide first-hand experience in learning how to tackle a long term project, overall introspection, and improved executive functioning skills. Of course, we are here to help guide your student through the process and provide the roadmap that helps chart their course!

To learn more about the college application process or any other related topics, email hello@collegeflightpath.com or book a free 15-minute call.

Lynne Fuller https://www.collegeflightpath.com