Application Timeline

• Help your child begin researching colleges in the junior year of high school, or one and a half years before attending. Your child should speak with teachers and advisors for recommendations of colleges that might be right for them. Encourage your child to use the Internet to browse different colleges’ Web sites. Go to college fairs. Visit college campuses. And request that colleges send brochures and catalogs to your home.
• Talk with your child about setting priorities when choosing a college. Have them review our College Criteria List and identify which factors are most important. Help compare colleges based on these criteria.
• Have your child write a list of colleges in which they are most interested. Determine which are most difficult to get accepted into, which are easiest and which are in the middle. Select 3-6 total colleges, with 1-2 of the most difficult, 1-2 of the easiest and 1-2 of the middle choices. This will be a good list of colleges to which your child should apply.
• Have your child request applications from each of the selected colleges. Many colleges allow you to download their admissions applications, or apply online. Otherwise, call or write to colleges to have materials sent. Keep in mind, if a friend or family member is an alumni of a college, they may be able to get an alumni referral application for your child. These applications generally waive the cost of applying, saving you money.
• Stress the importance of deadlines, and have your child complete applications with earlier deadline dates first.
• Find out which standardized test(s) (SAT/ACT) are required by the colleges chosen. Make sure your child registers for and takes the test(s) necessary.
• Have your child request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, advisors, etc. Encourage your child to allow the individuals writing the letters ample time to complete them prior to the admission application deadlines.
• Make sure your child thoroughly and accurately completes college admissions and financial aid applications and required essay(s). Double-check all completed forms and keep copies for your records.
• Have your child’s high school send official high school transcripts and test scores to the appropriate colleges.
• Make sure your child sends in completed applications as early as possible rather than waiting for the deadlines. Be sure any fees or fee waivers are attached.

Your child is done applying for college. Now it’s time to apply for financial aid!