It’s no small feat to apply to college. But your application doesn’t have to be time-consuming. The key is to break it down into small steps, which makes each task more manageable and gives you a better idea of your progress.
If you’re about to start your applications, this is a step-by-step guide to the process. If you’re still narrowing down your college picks and deciding on application type, check out this article.
You may have special circumstances, such as being an international student. This article will still be helpful, but there will be additional research for you.
Gather your materials
Your application will be easier if you have all your documents ready to go before you start. These sections are in recommended order but take them on however makes sense for your situation. Remember to keep an eye on your timelines and make sure you have plenty of time to accomplish each task!
Request transcripts
Your high school needs to send your official transcript to each college you’re applying to. Colleges need your transcript to prove that you’re going to graduate, plus your college-level courses and language classes may waive requirements or qualify for credit.
Inform your high school which colleges you need your transcripts sent to. You can talk to your college counselor, front office or directly to the registrar’s office. Let them know at least two weeks before your application deadline, so they have enough time to submit the document.
Can an unofficial transcript be used for college applications? You may also have access to your unofficial transcript, typically available online and not certified by your high school. You should not submit this as part of your college application.
Request letters of recommendation
A letter of recommendation is a great way to help admissions counselors know you better. Your recommender can show how you excel and demonstrate who you are as a person, too.
“I scour those for info or tidbits about a student, and I include that in my file,” Azarcon says. “It tells me more about what the student has overcome. Maybe they got a lower than normal grade this semester and this letter of recommendation says there was something going on in the family. We can connect the dots behind the scenes.”
Colleges approach this step in different ways, so you’ll want to check admission guidelines for each school. If a college does not require a letter of recommendation, then you will not be penalized for not including one. A good letter of recommendation can make your application more competitive, though.
High school teachers and counselors are common choices for recommenders, but you can think creatively about this, too. There may be others who can speak to your achievements, like a mentor, a coach, an employer or other non-family members.
Ask your recommender well before your application deadline. A good rule of thumb is at least two weeks, but more time never hurts. Your recommender sends their letters directly to the schools you apply to. Pacific’s guide to getting a letter of recommendation can help if you don’t know where to start.
Write application essays
Your personal statement is another chance to set yourself apart, highlighting what you’ve accomplished or overcome. Your essay can tie together your experiences and show why you’re excited about this college and this major.
“I look for genuine interest and curious students,” Azarcon says. “I like creativity. And I love to walk away feeling like the student was passionate about what they wrote.”
Applications that require a personal statement include a prompt to give you an idea of what you should address in your writing. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, take a look at Pacific’s guide to crafting a great personal statement.
If you’re applying to multiple colleges, they may have similar prompts. You should resist the urge to use the exact same statement for each application. You don’t need to start from scratch but retool your writing to be specific for each college.
Are personal statements on college applications optional? Most colleges require a personal statement, but there are some applications where it is optional. Still, your personal statement is a chance to stand out among other applicants.
Do colleges check for AI in application essays? College admissions counselors do often check for artificial intelligence in essays. You can certainly use AI for ideas or to double-check your personal statement, but your writing should be your own. The goal is to reflect your story in your own words.
Submit your application
After all your work filling out forms, submitting documents and asking for letters of recommendation, you can submit your application. Keep your deadlines in mind! Most Early Action/Early Decision applications close in November and most Regular Decisions applications close in December but check with your picks for the exact due dates.
You don’t need to wait for all your materials before you submit your application. Your application will indicate anything that you can submit after sending in your application, like official transcripts, personal statements and letters of recommendation.
If you realize you’ve made an error or want to change something later, regardless of whether you submitted an instructional or Common App application, contact the school’s admission office to notify them and ask for next steps.
Pay the college application fee
Finally, there is the college application fee. You generally pay the fee when you submit your application, but some applications may allow you to pay later. Just like your documents, make sure you pay the fee before the deadline! Otherwise, schools may not consider your application complete and will not review it.
If applicable, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver. Check with your college picks and high school counselors to see if you’re eligible for a waiver.