College Applications
This is your time to show the admissions team who you are! At first glance, it can be a very long and frustrating process, but it doesn't have to be that way. If you space it out and look at the resources below you'll see that it can be done. Keep in mind that you will not be the first or last student to have filled out a college application. Reach out to those older than you and see what other tips and tricks they can give.
My most important piece of advice is...DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!
Procrastination and college applications do not mix well.
All the work that you've done deserves its moment of glory.
This is the time to show it!
Application Breakdown
First, let's breakdown what the application usually consists of. (I say usually because each application is a little different.)
General Information
Your contact information, information about your parents/guardians
Courses & Grades
Here you'll put in your current and past classes and the grades you received (having your transcript or virtual counselor in front of you is vital for this section). Some schools require the SSAR (Self-reported Student Academic Record) and others require a transcript to be sent directly from the school. Most schools also require you to send a final transcript after graduation so continue to work even after you receive that acceptance letter!
Application Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Early Action (EA) |
EA is a nonbinding application, you will receive an early response to your application, used to demonstrate high interest in a college, can apply to multiple schools early action. |
| Early Decision (ED) |
ED is a binding application between you and a college, you can only apply to one school early decision, if you're accepted with an early decision application then you must attend the school and withdraw all other applications, only apply ED if it is your top choice, your application will be due earlier and your result will be released first (in most cases). |
| Regular Decision (RD) |
RD is the most common way to apply, you can apply to as many schools as you'd like via regular decision, your admission results will be released in the Spring after applying (if you apply in the fall). |
| Restrictive Early Action (REA) | REA is a nonbinding application where you can only apply to one school as early action with REA, it's like an early decision but without the binding contract |
| Rolling Decision | Rolling Decision is a first come first serve, best to apply as soon as the application window, ex: the University of Central Florida (UCF), can apply to multiple schools, your decision will come out in a couple of weeks after applying. |
Choosing An Application
There are several ways that applications can be submitted to colleges. The Common App and Coalition Application are some options. You can also choose to apply directly to the school you are applying to. Common App and Coalition are both general applications that can be used to apply to multiple schools. However, each school is different. Check with the schools you are applying to and see if they accept the Common App or Coalition and then choose which is most convenient for you. If all your schools accept the Common App and not the Coalition, then that's the one for you!
Choose the Application That's Right for You
Common App & Coalition