College Application Process

The four major steps in the college application process are explained in detail below:

STEP 1:         OBTAIN COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
If applying to a Texas public college or university you should use THE TEXAS COMMON APPLICATION.  The application is available at www.applytexas.org or you may pick up a copy in the Counseling Department after Monday, September 17, 2007.

If applying to other colleges - private (in-state or out-of-state), or public (out of state) – applications should be filed on-line. In addition, there may be supplemental forms that must be down-loaded and given to your counselor.  These supplements are; Secondary School Report, Teacher Recommendation Form, & Mid-year Report. Also, be sure to ask for financial aid, scholarship, and housing information at the same time. www.collegequest.com  is a site with links to all colleges in the U.S.

STEP 2:         COMPLETE EACH APPLICATION
File your portion of the application on-line then print the receipt confirmation page that should come up after hitting ‘send.’ 

Be thorough - answer every question (“cross every “t”).

Presentation is very important  - the way your application appears is your introduction to an admissions officer at that school. Give them the best first impression that you can.  Whenever possible, type or print in black ink.
Essays may be saved in Word format and then “cut and pasted” into the application itself. 

STEP 3:         MAKE YOUR OWN COPY OF YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION(S).   The Counseling Department does not keep copies of applications. During the application process, it is important that you do not discard anything!  Test score reports, application instruction sheets, information from colleges, financial aid forms and applications, and correspondence with colleges are examples of items which you may need at a later time. Organize everything and keep it all in one place! 

STEP 4:         SUBMIT EACH APPLICATION TO YOUR COUNSELOR
Bring the printed receipt page from submitting your application online along with a Transcript Release Form, and résumé to your counselor for review.                                   
The Counseling Department will mail: Counselor and/or teacher letters of recommendation; Supplemental forms; resume’, writing samples.

•  Everything will be mailed together from the Counseling Department.    
• THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES 10 SCHOOL DAYS TO PROCESS AN APPLICATION. Plan ahead!     

• Early Action/Early Decision applications MUST be submitted 10 school days before the deadline set by the college.

• THE DEADLINE FOR ALL COLLEGE APPLICATIONS TO BE SUBMITTED TO YOUR COUNSELOR IS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2007.

• Inform Mrs. Northway in the Counseling Department when you receive acceptances to your colleges.

• Inform your counselor when you receive notice that you have been awarded scholarships.  Bring a copy of your award letter with you.

Printable Version: College Application Process