College Zone - Printable Version - Student Zone - 9th-12th Grade

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Once you’ve narrowed your list down to the colleges you’d like to attend, it’s time to start the application process. It’s wise to apply to several colleges. Keep in mind, applications do take time and usually aren’t free, and admissions due dates vary from college to college. Generally, it’s wise to apply by the fall of your senior year in high school, or one year before you hope to attend college.

The application process takes time, so start long before the due dates to give yourself enough time to get the application form(s), transcripts and letter(s) of recommendation needed to submit with your application. Plus, allow time for writing essays and doing any other paperwork that may be required. In order to complete the process by September of your senior year, or the September before you plan to attend, you should already have a list of colleges in which you’re interested by the end of your junior year, or one and a half years before college starts.

Applying to colleges may seem overwhelming. But if you take the right steps, start early and ask people for help, such as your parents, counselors, or advisors, you’ll have no problem getting it done. Use the Application Timeline to keep yourself on track.