Scholarship for Undocumented Students - Golden Door Scholars

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Applying For College

Ready to Apply for College? Here is your Step-by-Step Guide

This timeline is a general guide; specific deadlines and requirements may vary among colleges. Stay organized, seek guidance from your high school counselor, and prioritize your academic performance and likelihood of success while in college.

 

Timelines

Junior Year Timeline

Fall:

  • Research Colleges & Scholarships

  • Meet with Your College Counselor

  • Prepare for Standardized Tests like the SAT or the ACT

Winter:

  • Narrow Down College Choices

  • Plan College Visits

Spring:

  • Register for Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

  • Build Relationships to Receive Letters of Recommendation

Summer (Before Senior Year):

  • Create a Common Application Account

  • Work on Your Personal Statement

  • Explore Scholarship Opportunities

Senior Year Timeline

Summer (Before Senior Year):

  • Finalize Your College List:

  • Prepare Application Materials

  • Begin Drafting College Essays and Ask for Feedback from Teachers

Fall:

  • Finalize and Revise Essays

  • Prepare for Standardized Tests (Prepare to Retake Any If Needed)

  • Request Recommendation Letters and Send Thank You Notes

  • Submit Early Applications (if applying for Early Decision or Early Action)

  • Research and apply for scholarships and grants

  • Apply to FAFSA or the CSS Profile

Winter:

  • Complete Regular Decision Applications

  • Track Application Status and Check Your Email Often

Spring:

  • Compare Financial Aid Offers

  • Make a Decision

  • Submit Final Transcripts

  • Celebrate and Prepare for College Orientation!

How to Build A Personalized College List

Safe Schools

  • Your academic credentials fall comfortably above the school's range for the average freshman. You can be reasonably certain that you will be admitted to your safe schools.

  • Put at least two safety schools on your list, just in case.

Target Schools

  • Your academic credentials (grades, test scores) fall well within (or even exceed) the college’s range. There are no guarantees, but being accepted to several of your target schools is not unreasonable.

  • You should keep about four target colleges on your list. That way, you have plenty of choices, whether you’re accepted to every school or just a couple.

Reach Schools

  • Your academic credentials fall below the school's range for the average freshman. Do not approach reaches like a lottery, “…if I apply to all Ivy League schools, one is bound to admit me…”

  • Ideally, you should put two or three reach schools on your list. You never know what might happen, so it's worth trying for your dream school(s).

The Application Process

Applying to an undergraduate program often requires gathering various materials to showcase your abilities as a student and your interest in higher education.

College Application Materials

When applying to college, you typically need the following materials:

  • Application Form: Complete the college's application form, either online or in a physical format, if applicable.

  • Transcripts: Request official high school transcripts from your school's registrar's office. These transcripts should include your grades, courses taken and cumulative GPA.

  • Standardized Test Scores: Submit your standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT. Contact the testing agencies to send your scores directly to the colleges you're applying to.

  • Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other individuals who can speak to your academic abilities, character, or extracurricular involvement.

  • Personal Statement/Essay: Write a personal statement or essay showcasing your goals, experiences, and reasons for wanting to attend the college. It is an opportunity to express yourself and highlight your unique qualities.

  • Application Fee: Pay the required application fee or request a fee waiver, if applicable. Some colleges may offer fee waivers for students with financial need. Use this template as a reference when requesting a fee waiver.

  • Additional Materials: Some colleges may require other materials, such as a resume, portfolio (for arts-related programs), or specific supplemental essays. Check the college's application requirements to ensure you provide all requested materials.

Remember to check each college's application deadline and submission requirements, as they may vary. It's always a good idea to start the application process early to allow ample time for gathering and submitting all the necessary materials.

This content was created with assistance from an AI technology tool.

Cristina Mansur