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

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 you 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. Take the time to explore your interests, strengths, and aspirations. Reflect on the type of college environment that would best suit your needs, academic goals, and personal preferences. Consider your long-term career objectives and how different colleges can help you achieve them.

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

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

Once you have a better understanding of yourself and your 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 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 you have 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 you are ready. If you are enrolled in Algebra 2 during Junior year, then we suggest waiting to test until you have had the majority of the math curriculum (March or April). Either way, you have plenty of time to test and retest and can then decide how to use your scores in the application process.

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

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

Finally, you will want to work on identifying your 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 you want to reach out to teachers (preferably two) or mentors (preferably one) who can write strong letters of recommendation on your behalf. By starting in June of 11th grade, you will allow yourself enough time for revisions and edits.

The Common App

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

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

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

Common App | College Application Process

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

Once you have all your application materials prepared, it's time to complete and submit your 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 list to ensure timely submission.

We recommend keeping a document in addition to your school application management account that is simple but color coded, see our example below for how you can 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 - you will hear within 6 weeks of applying
Early Action Deadline (EA) 10/15, 11/1, 11/15 or 12/1 - you will hear in December, January, or February - not binding
Early Decision Deadlines (ED) 11/1 - you hear by 12/25, binding
Early Decision 2 - 1/1 - you hear by March, binding, but you can ED2 if you are waitlisted to your ED1 and are waiting to hear on other applications
Regular Decision Deadline (RD) - 1/1 - You 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 you navigate 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 2023 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 interests, achievements, or demographics.

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

Once you've submitted your applications, the waiting game begins. You 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 for you to put the school offers you have under a microscope so you can determine, fit, cost, and academic opportunity.

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

Lynne Fuller https://www.collegeflightpath.com