Many U.S. colleges require undergraduate
and graduate students to submit standardized test scores as part of
their application packages. Learn more about taking required tests.
Develop a Timeline or To-Do List
Careful planning will help make the college application process less stressful. To help you out, we’ve developed several college preparation checklists.
The checklists are for students (of all ages) who are considering
college or career school. We also have information for parents. Even if
you are getting a late start, we have a checklist for you.
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Remember: The financial aid application
process is separate from the admissions application process. The
financial aid process includes the essential step of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for federal student aid. You also should consider applying for scholarships and other types of aid.
Consider Applying Early
If you are confident that you are academically prepared and want to get into a particular school, you might want to consider early application programs for undergraduate admissions. When you apply early to a school, you’re speeding up the entire application process. Instead of submitting your application in November or later in your senior year, you usually need to begin the application process in September.Applying early can sometimes give you an advantage. At some schools, a higher percentage of early applicants are accepted. And if you do get early acceptance, you can skip a couple of months of stress and uncertainty. You also can get a head start preparing for your freshman year.
While procedures at individual colleges may vary, the two most common procedures are early decision and early action. Some schools have both procedures. Another option is called dual enrollment.
Early Decision
If you have a particular school in mind that is your “first choice,” early decision might work well. If you are accepted under early decision, you must attend that school, unless its financial aid package is too low for you to attend. (If you’re not sure whether the school’s financial aid offer will be enough, make sure to submit applications to other schools.) Usually, you can apply to only one school for early decision. You can still apply to other schools at their regular application deadlines.Early Action
Early action is similar to early decision, but you aren’t “locked in” to attending a school that accepts you. Some schools allow you to apply for early action at other schools at the same time, but some don’t. Know the rules. In addition, under early action, you can still apply to other schools at their regular application deadlines. Keep in mind that there is less incentive for an early action college to accept you because you aren’t committing to attend the school.Dual Enrollment
A third option, dual enrollment, is typically for high school juniors who have most of the credits needed for graduation. If this applies to you, then you may want to consider taking college-level courses during your senior year. Then you could continue your college education at that college after you graduate from high school, or you could transfer the credits to another college. Work with your high school guidance counselor to see if this would be a good option for you.Considerations When Applying Early
If you are thinking about using the early application process, consider the following tips:- Sit down with your guidance counselor, who can explain the pros and cons of applying early to certain schools.
- If you’re really interested in a particular school, contact that school well ahead of September to discuss its early application procedures and to see if applying early is the best option for you.
- Ask yourself: Am I ready to make up my mind about where I want to go to college by October or November of my senior year? Will I be able to complete my applications, along with essays and recommendations, by late October or November?
- Make sure you have thought about your career goals and whether the schools you are considering will help you reach those goals. For example, School A has an excellent journalism department, but School B has an outstanding mix of cultural and academic offerings. Our college search tool will help you find schools that may meet your needs.
