2023 saw more than 7 million college applications as new and recurring students began the college application process. Whether it’s completing the FAFSA or deciding what type of financial aid works best for paying for higher education, there are tons of items on any comprehensive college planning checklist.
The question is, however, where do you begin? When to start planning for college makes a big difference, especially if you need student loans, grants, or scholarships, or are applying for early decision. First and foremost, determine which schools you — or your child — will be applying to and determine all application deadlines.
Early Admissions
If you’ve extensively done the research and know which school(s) you want to apply to, then applying early might be the best route for your college application guide. However, the college you apply to must be your first choice, taking into consideration pricing, programs of study, and where it’s located.
You’ll also need to meet or exceed the school’s admission requirements on the SATs. Your GPA and class rank will also be factored in, so understand your prospective school’s requirements ahead of time.
Choosing to embark upon early admissions has tons of benefits, although there is the added pressure of needing to commit to a school if accepted. However, you can reduce stress since you won’t have to spend months waiting for a decision about the college of your choice.
Additionally, if you apply early to your number one institution, you won’t have to spend unnecessary funds applying to multiple schools. On average, college applications cost $50, something that quickly adds up. A survey showed that 78% of students were accepted into their first choice college, but if you’re not accepted (don’t worry — it happens!}), you’ll have plenty of time to apply to other institutions.
Keep in mind that early decision applications are traditionally due in November. You can also look into early action, but application deadlines vary.
They may be as early as October 15 or as late as December. Regardless, contact the admissions office of the school you wish to attend and ask about application deadlines and requirements, as each school is different.
Complete the FAFSA
Part of your college planning guide for high school students includes completing the FAFSA. You can access it via the Federal Student Aid’s website.
When completing the FAFSA, parents and students are required to provide pertinent information. This includes birth date, social security number, marital status, income, household size, and more.
If you’re planning on accessing financial aid, scholarships, or grants, then the FAFSA is required. Even if you do not intend on taking out student loans or utilizing any type of financial aid, it’s important to ask the school you’d like to attend if they require the FAFSA.
Familiarize Yourself With College Application Systems
It’s increasingly common for colleges to utilize centralized application systems. This works to streamline the college application process. One of these application systems is called Common App.
More than 900 higher education institutions use Common App and over 1 million students apply via this app. Another application system is known as the Coalition App.
These application systems are extremely useful when applying to college. They allow you to update your personal information, updating your contact information as necessary. From there, you can use these portals to check the status of your college applications, upload any required documents, and even check your acceptance status.
Gather Letters of Recommendation
It’s not uncommon for colleges to ask students for upwards of three letters of recommendation. These letters of recommendation can be from teachers, guidance counselors, or anyone who knows the student’s academic capabilities.
If homeschooled students have taken online courses or classes at community colleges, it’s important to ask these educational institutions for letters of recommendation. You can also ask supervisors who oversee volunteer work for these letters. Just remember to gather these letters at least a few months before any application deadlines so they’re thorough and document your work — and academic — ethics.
List All Your Extracurricular Activities
Don’t underestimate the importance of extracurricular activities and, when planning your college application process, ensure you list all extracurricular activities — in detail. These activities offer prospective colleges a glimpse into your attendance, overall test scores, GPA, and ambition both academically and in the community.
Although these activities can be clubs you’ve joined, they should also include meaningful activities you’ve taken part in. This includes volunteer work, creative endeavors such as art or music, teams you’ve participated in, and more. Let colleges and universities learn about you and your diverse list of accomplishments and interests.
Standardized Test Scores
Although still important, standardized test scores aren’t as essential for college admission as they used to be. These are some test-optional colleges. These educational institutions let students choose to submit standardized test scores, such as the SATs and ACTs. They also focus on external factors besides test scores, such as your GPA and extracurricular activities.
However, if you’re planning on applying for scholarships, you may need to submit test scores. This is why you should always check with admissions officers before applying, so you know exactly what each school requires regarding standardized test scores.
Preparing for the College Application Process
Although it has a lot of moving parts, the college application process marks the beginning of an exciting journey in your — or your child’s — educational career. From completing the FAFSA to applying for early admission, the college application process is complex but produces great results, especially after you gain acceptance to a college or university.
If the entire college application process seems confusing, College Funding Professionals can help. We have the knowledge and expertise to make your college planning experience an enjoyable one, helping you navigate while providing plenty of great resources and counseling.
Give us a call at 201-285-7890 or email us at INFO@CollegeFunding.com. You can also join our free online Facebook Group to gain access to the best college planning advice anywhere.
