The entire process will take much longer than you think. For each college, there is a multiple-page application that often includes short answer essays (1 to 2 paragraphs in length).
1. College search.
2. Select 10 or more colleges/universities.
3. Finalize your student résumé.
4. Decide on your student theme to incorporate into application materials.
5. Register to take (or retake) the SAT® and/or ACT® tests.
6. Decide on which application schedule is best for you – Early, Regular, Rolling or Late (Early is STRONGLY recommended).
7. Print paper copies of application materials for all colleges and universities you will apply to.
8. Fill out paper copies of college applications by hand.
9. Write college application essays.
10. Proof-read college application essays (at least one adult should proof-read each essay).
11. Request official copies of grade transcripts from your high school and community college (if you completed a community college class).
12. Create a list of adults you will ask for letters of recommendation.
13. Request letters of recommendation from adults (teachers, counselors, employers, other).
14. Completed letters of recommendation and Recommendation Forms should be returned to students for mailing to colleges with other application materials, or mailed directly to colleges by teachers/counselors/employers.
15. Finalize college application essays.
16. Verify ACT® and SAT® scores have been sent to all colleges and universities you are applying to.
17. Submit college applications online with essays pasted into application spaces provided.
18. Gather all other required college application materials (i.e., Recommendation Forms, student résumé, official transcripts, other).
19. Photocopy all paper college application materials.
20. Mail all paper college application materials (i.e., Recommendation Forms, student résumé, official transcripts, other).
21. Watch for decision letters to arrive.