I. Pre-application Process
A. Add to your list of schools under "Colleges I’m Thinking About,” in Family Connection.
B. Include at least one possible, one probable, and one “safety” school on your list.
C. Read, sort, and select colleges for which you are suited.
D. Take as rigorous a college preparatory program in high school as possible.
E. Maintain good grades.
F. Improve or maintain a positive personal profile e.g., social media and good character.
G. Set deadlines and meet them.
II. Application Process (Seniors)
A. Fill out applications
Because the application format varies so much from school to school, you may need to perform some or all of the following tasks. Regardless, always put your best foot forward: make a rough draft; edit; proofread; and ask parents, counselor, or teacher to proofread again.
B. Know Your Academic Profile
1. High school course program (rigorous college preparatory, AP, and honors courses are positive factors)
2. Grade point average
3. Admission test scores: SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT
4. Official transcript
5. School profile
6. Grade trend
7. Extenuating circumstances
C. Write your personal essay(s)
1. Essays must be concise, compelling, and correct
2. Be authentic
3. Help the admission personnel understand you as an individual
4. Investigate essay/personal statement requirements and topics for each school
D. Provide supporting documents whenever necessary
1. Secondary school (counselor) report
2. Teacher recommendation(s)
3. Materials that demonstrate personal skills and activities:
List your activities, honors, and awards that are most important to you and that show the greatest level of involvement. Quality, not quantity, is most important.
4. Mid-year/7th semester report, if required
E. Meet all deadlines
1. Counselors and teachers need two to three school weeks preparation time
2. Meet all application deadlines for colleges to which you are applying