At the beginning of the senior year, students should have a good idea of their college major and narrowed down their college choices through internet research, college fairs, and/or college visits. If not, they still have a little time, but they should be focusing on these decisions to ensure that they do no fall behind and that they apply to colleges before their deadlines. It's recommended that students apply to at least one "fall back school" in addition to desired colleges to ensure that they will get accepted into at least one college. Below are items to keep in mind:

Watch deadlines:

• Check out specific college websites for application deadlines

• If possible, try to apply by the middle of November of the senior year

• It's recommended to write down deadlines on a calendar

Use your personal email account while applying to college and financial aid:

• Emails from many different institutions are blocked by the school email

• Once you graduate high school, you will no longer have access to your school email

Admission Types:

• Regular Admissions: Students must apply by a particular deadline

• Rolling Admissions: Applications are reviewed as soon as they're received

  • Applying early could increase your chance of being accepted

• Early Decision: Students must apply early and will find out early if they're accepted.

  • If accepted, students must attend that college. Students who apply for Early Decision are also encouraged to apply to other colleges in case they are not accepted.

• Early Action: Students must apply early and will find out early if they are accepted

  • This is NOT binding so students can get accepted for Early Action but then decide to go to a different college

College Applications:

• Specific Applications: Can be found on specific college websites

  • Many colleges do not offer a specific application

• Common Application: A very long application that can be used for several colleges, both public and private

  • To apply for an application fee waiver, there is a section where students can indicate if they are eligible for free/reduced lunch. Once this is verified by the school counselor, many colleges will waive the application fee.

• SUNY Application: A shorter application where students can be used for several SUNY colleges

  • To apply for an application fee waiver, students and parents will need to complete the SUNY Fee Waiver Form and return it to the high school guidance office at the time they submit their SUNY application.

Information Typically Required for Applications (particularly 4-Year Colleges)

• High School Transcript

  • Students should notify the guidance office as soon as they apply so they can send out their official transcript and supporting documents

  • While in the guidance office, students will be required to complete and turn in the Transcript Request Form before the transcript is sent to the college(s). There are hard copies of this form in the guidance office

    • The major you indicate on this form will also be used when identifying students for a number of local scholarships

• SAT or ACT Scores

  • Many colleges are now "Test Optional" meaning that they are no longer required. However, they will look at scores that are submitted to them.

• Activity Sheet: This is a list that students receive during their senior meeting where students are asked to document the activities in which they participated in throughout high school. Up to 16 of these activities will be reported on students' transcripts.

• Three Letters of Recommendation: Typically one from the school counselor and one from two different teachers

  • Please give recommenders at least a couple weeks' notice before applying so they have enough time to write a good letter

• College Essay: It is recommended that students ask a teacher to proofread their essay before it is submitted

• Application Fee: Unless it can be waived