A Crash Course in College Applications

https://saintjosephsquare.com/6385/student-life/college-application-tips-and-tricks/

https://saintjosephsquare.com/6385/student-life/college-application-tips-and-tricks/

With college application season upon seniors, it is time to start getting those applications in. It can be stressful at times, especially if you have no idea where to begin, but here are some things you can do to get started: 

Create Accounts: 

There are numerous sites out there that will help you with your college ambitions, and with some of those, it is absolutely necessary to have an account. Here are some of the most important ones to look into: 

Parchment: 

Parchment is a website that is primarily used for the ordering, sending, and storing of high school transcripts. These transcripts include records of all the courses you have taken in your high school career (omitting 12th grade) and the grades received. Most colleges require them as part of the application process. Also, as of right now, all Parchment transcript order fees are waived. 

Parchment’s website: https://www.parchment.com/ 

Common App: 

Common App is a website that is used to fill out college applications. Once your account is created, you can add colleges to your list. The site will ask you to fill out “Common App” questions, which are common to all colleges you apply to, and a majority of colleges will have their own separate questions to answer. A lot of colleges use Common App for their applications, but some have you apply directly on their website. For example, Michigan State accepts an application through either their website or through Common App, while Oakland University requires applying through their website. Make sure to be aware of the type of applications that colleges accept. 

Common App’s website: https://www.commonapp.org/ 

College Board: 

Everyone should already have an account, but if not, be sure to make one right away. This site gives you the ability to view all your SAT and AP exam scores, which some schools ask for. If you have already received your AP scores, there is a section that details what colleges will give credit based on your numbers. In addition, the “BigFuture” section on the website informs about different scholarship opportunities that students can enter. Students can even earn chances for scholarships just by adding and “strengthening” their college lists on the site. 

College Board’s website: https://www.collegeboard.org/ 

 

Apply Early: 

Many colleges have a November 1st deadline for what they call an “early action” application. Students who choose to apply early action, will get their decision sooner than students who do not apply right away. Applying earlier can also take less stress off you for the rest of the school year and allow more time to figure out the other aspects of preparing for post-graduation plans. 

 

Fee Waivers: 

There are a lot of colleges that have an application fee when an application is submitted. However, these fees can be “waived” for a variety of reasons. Throughout the month of October, many Michigan colleges will be waiving their application fees for everyone living in the state (another reason to apply early). Some schools might ask for a specific code that must be entered in order to redeem the fee waiver. A list of the colleges participating in free applications (and their codes if necessary) can be found below. 

https://michigancollegeaccessnetwork.app.box.com/s/ivwy0ez8m8h35vddi9fyebbd8wfmivnd 

 

Letters of Recommendation: 

Some colleges require that one of your teachers completes an evaluation/recommendation of you. For colleges that use Common App, you can invite a recommender through the site, and they will be notified. However, do not solely rely on Common App to notify them-ask your teachers in-person if they would be able to write a recommendation letter for you. Out of courtesy, give your teachers enough time to write the letter, and do not ask them the day before it is due.  

 

FAFSA: 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that is filled out and is used to determine eligibility for college financial aid. It recently opened on October 1st and the deadline for Michigan is March 1st, 2023. This may seem like a long time, but it is really not-especially when considering that the longer you wait, the less of a chance you will have of receiving aid, so the sooner you submit it, the better. Since it is a process that requires multiple legal documents, it is a good idea to set aside a specific date and time to complete the form. 

For more info on FAFSA and student aid: https://studentaid.gov/ 

 

Other Important Information: 

***There is a section of Common App that requires the school’s counselor to fill out. Even though Common App’s (early action) deadline for that is November 1st, Dakota High School’s deadline is October 25th, since the counselors need a week to complete it.*** 

***Most schools are now test score optional until at least 2024, so if you would rather not submit scores like your SAT score, it is no longer a requirement for many universities*** 

***If you have any questions, be sure to visit your counselor in the guidance office.*** 

 

I wish you all the very best of luck in your college endeavors!