Here is a generalized college application calendar:
- See the Testing Information Page for testing schedules.
- Spring Junior Year
- Write a practice essay in your LA class.
- Speak to teachers about their willingness to write letters of recommendation.
- Summer after Junior Year
- For each college to which you intend to apply, find out what their specific application requirements are. Request admissions packets from each.
- Figure out why you think the particular school is a match for you.
- Fall Senior Year
- End September - for EA and ED, materials to counselor and teachers who are writing for you.
- November 1 - typical EA and ED application deadline.
- Mid November - for regular admission, materials to counselor and teachers who are writing for you.
- January 1 - typical regular admission application deadline.
The following list is a very quick overview of the college apllication process. For more information, view the Tips article, "The Mechanics of Applying to College."
1. Complete a Junior Review (spring of the junior year) and a senior review (October of senior year).
2. Make a list of colleges to which you intend to apply.
3. Go to the websites for your chosen colleges and study the admissions requirements.
4. Check application deadlines. They vary anywhere from October to March.
5. Fill out the required informational pieces about you and return them to your counselor.
· Student Self-Assessment
· Parent Brag Sheet
· Resume and Activities Form
6. Request letters of recommendation from teachers if the college requires them. Guidelines and requirements for this process are detailed in the document Checklist for Letters of Recommendation from Teachers. Print out and read this checklist carefully.
7. Request a transcript and letter of recommendation from your counselor if the college requires them. All the details for requesting such a letter are available in the document: Transcript and Counselor Letter of Recommendation Form. Make sure to turn in the required materials to your counselor by the due date specified in the document. Typically the due date is
at least one month or more prior to the letter due date.
8. To apply to colleges in Colorado, CollegeInColorado.org has everything you need to complete online applications to more than 40 four-year and two-year colleges in Colorado as well as allow you to sign up for the in-state tuition stipend for which all residents of Colorado are eligible.
9. To apply to colleges outside of Colorado, you can download applications from college websites, or consider using the Common Application (a standardized application form) accepted by more than 300 colleges and universities. Note: Often, the Common Application schools will require a "supplement" that is unique to the college. At the Common App website, there is a list of the 300 schools that accept the application, along with links to their supplemental materials, and an indication of their EA, ED, or REA admission options.
10. Write your college essay.
11. Prepare supplemental materials such as an art portfolio, a music recording, or a writing sample with the application (if the college requires them).
12. Request that test scores and transcripts be sent to schools. This doesn't happen automatically.
13. Keep track of the application process and the outcomes at Fairview Family Connection by Naviance.