The Application Process

  • The Common Application
    • Lots of institutions have chosen to streamline their application process through The Common Application – where you can input all your basic information, extracurricular activities, and submit your essay!
      • Some colleges require supplements. These are extra short-essay questions specific to a university. You can answer and submit these through Common App as well!
      • There are application fees associated with applying and they are different for each institution. Find out which colleges accept application fee waivers here.
      • Not all colleges use the common application. Be sure to double check their website to see if they use their own application portal.
  • Deadlines
    • Early Decision
      • If you choose to apply early decision, you are entering a binding agreement with the university that means if you are accepted, you will rescind all other applications and commit to this school. This deadline is typically around late fall.
    • Early Action
      • If you choose to apply early action, this simply means that you wish to submit your application early to receive an admissions decisions earlier than April. But you do not have to commit earlier than the normal commitment deadline in May.
    • Regular Decision
      • The deadline for regular decision varies depending on the school but it typically falls within the first two weeks of January. Most admissions decisions come out in early April.
        • Some schools have what’s called a rolling application process. What this means is applications are reviewed as soon as they are received and admissions decisions are given immediately.
  • Transcripts
    • If you’re approaching your junior year in high school, you may have been recently introduced to your school’s registrar. He/she will be the one responsible for sending your transcripts to the schools you wish to apply to.
      • Let them know your choices as soon as possible –  they will be sending out lots of transcripts at this time of year. You don’t want to miss your deadline!
  • Recommendations
    • Most universities and colleges require at least two recommendations from teachers and/or community members who think highly of you and can tell colleges why they’ll be lucky to have you. These will be submitted by your teachers through the online application portal.
      • You will most likely be require to waive your right to view your recommendations.
      • Most teachers have a limit as to how many recommendations they have time to write each year. So ask early!

Check out our article Inside Admissions for some tips on how to make your application the best representation of you!