Ready to apply to college?

Your college start date may be more than a year away, but admission deadlines will hit as soon as the fall of your senior year. Follow these steps to successfully complete the admissions process.

Narrow your choices

Wrap up your campus visits the spring of your junior year and early in the fall of your senior year. Narrow your top choices to three or four schools. Include your dream school, a sure-bet school and one close to home that allows you to commute.

Contact your top colleges

Ask the admissions office about deadlines for admissions, financial aid and college-based scholarships.

Apply!

Apply to your top colleges in the fall of your senior year, preferably by early December. 

When the college receives your application…

The admissions committee will review your transcript, class rank, GPA and ACT/SAT score. You don’t have to excel in all areas, especially if you take a variety of challenging courses.

They will also consider your extracurricular activities – that’s why you should participate in school and community activities, and volunteer and paid jobs. Schools want well-rounded students who can handle the rigors of college.

Some selective colleges may also require an essay, letters of recommendation and/or an admissions interview.

Accepted or rejected?

You’ll receive notification of acceptance or rejection in the spring. If accepted, the college will provide housing, deposit and freshman orientation information.

Carefully consider the colleges that accepted you and decide which you will attend. Notify the other schools of your decision.