Overview

Applying to college can feel pretty overwhelming at first. But it doesn't have to be stressful! This guide will break it down into manageable steps and give you the inside scoop on making your application stand out.

‍

Step 1: Research and Choose Your Colleges

‍

Factors to Consider

Before jumping into applications, take some time to think about what you're looking for in a college. What are you passionate about? What kind of environment do you thrive in? What kind of campus do you see yourself enjoying the most? It's important to identify your academic goals, interests, and aspirations so that you can focus your efforts on the colleges that you align with most.

‍

Building your College List

In addition to conducting research online, we recommend attending college fairs and visiting campuses to get a feel for different schools. Our general advice is to solidify your college list by early fall of your senior year.

‍

Types of Application Timelines

Part of understanding your college options is learning about the different types of applications that each offers. Here's a breakdown of the most common application deadlines and what they mean:

‍

• Rolling Admission (RA): Colleges with RA review applications as they're submitted and make decisions right away. You can apply anytime within a broad window, but the earlier, the better! Why? Because spots fill up, and financial aid can be more generous for early birds.
• Early Decision (ED): ED is a binding agreement— if the college accepts you, you're committed to going. ED deadlines are typically in November, with decisions coming in December. It shows the college you're serious about them and can increase your chances of getting in. But, you can only apply ED to one college.
• Early Decision II (EDII): EDII is just like ED, but with a later deadline, usually in January. It's still binding, though. If you didn't get into your top choice with ED, you can apply EDII to another college.
• Early Action (EA): EA is like ED but not binding. You apply early (usually by December 1) and get a decision in January, but you're not obligated to attend if accepted. You can also apply EA to as many colleges as you like.
• Restrictive or Single-Choice Early Action (REA/SCEA): Only a handful of highly selective colleges (think Harvard, Yale, Stanford) offer this option. It's not binding, but you can only apply early to one college using REA/SCEA. It's like a VIP ticket that can give you a slight edge in admissions, but it’s not a guarantee.
• Regular Decision (RD): This is the most common application option, with deadlines usually in January or February. You'll get a decision by April. It gives you more time to perfect your application and compare financial aid offers from different schools.

‍

Stay on Top of Deadlines

Staying on top of your applications and deadlines can be tricky. Here are some tips for staying organized:

‍

• Calendar is Key: Put all those deadlines on your calendar (yes, even the ones that seem far away) and set reminders. Your future self will thank you.
• Create a Timeline: Think of this like a roadmap for each application. Break down each part (essays, transcripts, etc.) and set target dates for when you want to have them done.
• Prioritize: Some tasks are more time sensitive than others. Focus on those first.

‍

Step 2: Set Your Applications Up for Success

‍

Learn the Application Platforms

Most colleges use online application platforms—either shared platforms like the Common App and Coalition App—or platforms specific to each college or state. To learn what application platform(s) you’ll need to use, head to a college’s website. Look for an application page link (usually on the home page) and click through until you are asked to log in to the college-specific platform.

‍

Required Fields

Every application is a little different, but you can expect to provide the following information:

• Personal Information: Your name, contact details, demographics, and citizenship status.
• Family Information: Information about your parents or guardians, including their education and occupation.
• Educational Background: Details about your high school(s), grades, coursework, and any college courses you took.
• Extracurricular Activities: A list of your activities, along with descriptions of your roles, responsibilities, and achievements.
• Essays and Short Answer Responses: You’ll likely need to submit a personal essay and may have to answer additional essay questions or short answer prompts, depending on the college.

‍

Here Are Some Tips for Setting a Strong Application Foundation: 

• Familiarize yourself with each platform early on so that you can wrap your head around the necessary components and format. 
• Applying to colleges on your list that use the same platform (e.g., the Common App) can save you time and effort.
• Set up digital folders for each college you want to apply to where you can organize all necessary materials; save documents with a consistent naming structure.
• Once you know which application platform you’ll be using, record it in your application tracker and include a link. If you don’t have a tracker already, you can use ours by creating a Level All account!

‍

Step 3: Nail your Application

‍

Your application is your chance to show colleges why you're a great fit. Think of it like a big puzzle where each piece tells them something about you. Let’s break down each of the key steps.

‍

Necessary Documents

These documents are the foundation of your application. Make sure to gather them early and request them well in advance of deadlines:

• High School Transcript: This is your official academic record, and you'll need to request it from your high school. Some colleges accept self-reported transcripts, but others require official copies sent directly from your school.
• College Transcripts (If Applicable): If you took any college courses while in high school, you’ll need to request official transcripts from those colleges too.
• Standardized Test Scores: Some colleges require (or recommend) SAT or ACT scores. If you need to take these tests, schedule them early and allow time for score reports to be sent to colleges.
• Recommendation Letters: These letters give colleges insight into your character and abilities from people who know you well, like teachers, counselors, or mentors. Ask potential recommenders early (at least a month in advance, but ideally more!) and provide them with clear instructions and deadlines.

‍

Personal Statements and Essays: Tell Your Story

Think of your essay as your chance to shine. It's where you can show colleges your personality, your passions, and your awesome writing skills. But don't wait till the last minute! By starting to brainstorm and write early, you can make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.

‍

• Brainstorm Time: Think about experiences that have shaped you, things you've learned, and what makes you unique. Jot down any ideas that come to mind.
• Pick a Topic You Love: Choose something that you're genuinely interested in. It'll make the writing process way more enjoyable.
• Tell a Story: Structure your essay like a story with a beginning, middle, and end. Keep it engaging and interesting.
• Get Feedback: Ask people you trust to read your essay and give you their honest opinions. A fresh perspective can help you catch things you might have missed.

‍

Extracurricular Activities: Highlight Your Involvement

Your extracurricular activities show colleges how you spend your time outside of class. Don't just list your activities—describe what you did, what you learned, and how you made a difference. Here are a few pointers:

‍

• Be Specific: Don't just list your activities; tell them what you did in each one. Instead of just saying "Member of the Debate Club," describe your role, the topics you debated, and any achievements or skills you developed.
• Show Your Impact: Focus on how your participation made a difference, whether it was to the club, your community, or yourself.
• Commitment Counts: Colleges like to see that you've dedicated yourself to your activities, so highlight the ones that you’ve participated in for a significant amount of time.

‍

Step 4: Review and Submit Your Applications

Once you have your applications prepared, it's time to actually submit them. But before doing so, take a deep breath and review everything carefully. Typos and mistakes happen, but it's better to catch them now than later. We’ve put together the following checklist for you to run through.

‍

• Review All Requirements: Each platform has its own way of submitting, but you'll probably need to sign your application, pay an application fee (or get a fee waiver), and maybe submit extra stuff (like transcripts) separately. Just make sure you read the instructions carefully so you don't miss anything.
• Complete All Sections: Make sure you've answered every question and filled out every required field.
• Proofread Carefully: Check for any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It's a good idea to have someone else proofread your application, too, just in case you missed something.
• Confirm Accuracy: Make sure all the information you provided is accurate and consistent across all parts of your application.
• Upload Required Documents: Double-check that you've uploaded all required essays, transcripts, and other materials.

‍

Step 5: Monitor your Application 

‍

Congratulations, the hardest parts are over! Although most of your work is done by this step, we recommend doing the following to ensure the best possible outcome for your application: 

‍

• Monitor Your Application Status: Keep an eye on your email and application portal for updates and next steps, including potential admissions interviews. You can also contact the admissions office if you have any questions.
• Ensure Everything is Submitted: Verify that all materials, including transcripts and recommendations, have been received by the college.
• Follow Up With Recommenders: If any recommendation letters haven't been submitted yet, send a gentle reminder to your recommenders.
• Email the College with Updates: Inform the admissions office about significant changes to your academic record or extracurricular involvement.

‍

You've Got This!

‍

Applying to college is a big step, but with careful planning, organization, and a little bit of effort, you can create a strong application that showcases your best self.

‍

For more step-by-step guidance on the entire college process, create your Level All account! Once you’re a part of the Level All community, you’ll never miss a deadline again. 

‍

Good luck—you’ve got this!

‍