When you've finalized your college list, here are the steps on how to apply:

​

1. Begin applications. Most colleges are on the Common App, where you will fill out one application and send it to numerous colleges. For schools not on the Common App, you will need to apply directly on their website.

​

2. Choose an Admission Plan.

• Early Action - Apply in November, get your decision in December. This is a good option for students who want to hear back from colleges earlier, but aren't sure they want to go yet. 

• Early Decision - Apply in November, get your decision in December. You can only apply to one college ED. If you're accepted, you must attend. This is a good option for students who are 100% sure they want to attend a particular school, and they're 100% sure they'll be able to afford that school. 

• Regular Decision - Most schools have deadlines in January/February. If you apply RD, you will get your decision in March/April.

• Rolling Admission - Some schools don't have deadlines and accept applications throughout the year. They evaluate applications as they come, so students can expect a decision 4-6 weeks after they apply.

​

3. Letters of Recommendation. It is important that you ask two teachers for letters of recommendation. Colleges like to see letters from core academic subjects, such as English, Math, Science, History, or Foreign Language. When you're thinking about who to ask, think about which teachers you connected with, and what classes you did particularly well in. If you're applying to science programs, ask a science teacher. If you're applying to art programs, ask an art teacher. Also, colleges prefer to read letters from teachers who taught you during junior year, but sophomore year is okay, too. Once your teachers have agreed to write your letters, you can request them in your Naviance account. 

​

4. Standardized Tests. After you've taken the SAT or ACT for the second time, you can decide if you plan to send your test scores to colleges. If your scores are higher than the school's average, it is probably fine to send them. If you're unsure, please talk to your counselor. We can advise you on sending scores to individual schools. Remember: you will not be disadvantaged in any way if you apply test-optional. See the list of test-optional schools here. To send SAT scores, go to www.collegeboard.org/sat and send a score report. To send ACT scores, go to www.actstudent.org. 

​

5. Essay. Most colleges require an essay. To get started, look at the prompts on the Common App, and decide which question you want to answer. The essay is the portion of your application where you can truly differentiate yourself from other applicants. It's your opportunity to tell your story. Colleges not only want to see your writing ability; they want to get to know you as well. What are you passionate about? What occupies your mind? How do you react to setbacks? Be as detailed as possible. Use anecdotes. Make sure you have multiple people look over your essay before you submit it!

​

6. Sign FERPA Waiver. In your Common App, you must sign your FERPA waiver before submitting applications. By signing this, you are waiving your right to see your letters of recommendation, which are supposed to be confidential. 

​

7. Match Common App and Naviance Accounts. Your counselor will not be able to send your documents electronically if you do not match your Common App and Naviance accounts. 

• Log in to Naviance

• Click on "Colleges I'm Applying To"

• Click "Match Accounts" on the top right corner

• Enter your Common App email address and date of birth

​

8. Request Transcripts. Once you've submitted your applications, you must request your transcripts on Naviance. This notifies us that you've applied and will allow us to send your documents electronically. 

• Log in to Naviance

• Click on "Colleges I'm Applying To"

• Click on the pink plus sign on the top right corner

• Type in the name of the school you've applied to

• Choose your admission plan (Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, Rolling Admission)

• Check "Initial"

• Click "Request and Finish"

​

9. Financial Aid. It is crucial that you apply for financial aid in order to help lower the cost of tuition. More information on financial aid can be found on the Financial Aid section of this site. ​You will complete the FAFSA, PHEAA, and CSS Profile if required. 

​

Additional Resources

-Inside the Admissions Office at Tufts University

-Behind the Scenes in Admissions at Brandeis University

-Inside the Admissions Process at Grinnell College

​