Navigating the College Application Process

Question:
How do I start thinking about college when I have no idea where to go?

• Talk to your counselor, college coach, teachers, after-school program providers and anyone you know who’s been to college.
• Know what grades and courses are required for college admittance.
• Go to college fairs, make college campus visits and attend college visits at your school.
• Research colleges online using:

  www.collegeboard.com
  www.collegezone.com
  www.whatsnextillinois.org
   

• You should apply to a minimum of three colleges or universities (one reach school, one target school and one safety school).

Question:
Now that I have an idea where I want to go, how do I get an application?

• Go online to the college or university Web site and either complete an application online or download an application. Most colleges and universities prefer you complete all of your application submissions online and in many cases will only allow you to apply online.
   

Question:
What other things are generally involved in submitting a college application?

Personal Statements

• You may have already written your personal statement in an English class at your high school. If so, reread it and edit it to correct any grammatical or spelling errors. Be sure that it reflects well on you. If you discuss challenges that may have impacted your good academic standing, makesure that you demonstrate how you overcame those challenges.
• If you haven’t written a personal statement yet, talk to an English teacher, counselor or college coach for some guidelines and recommendations to follow.

Recommendations

• Most colleges require that you submit one or more letters of recommendation. Talk to counselors or teachers as early as possible. Choose only those who know you well when determining who you will ask.
• Be mindful that they are busy and will often need more than one week to complete the letters. Be certain that they will be able to complete your recommendation by the deadline date.
• Provide your recommender the appropriate form (or forms) for them to complete your recommendation and have your portion completed.

Transcripts

• You will need to request your high school transcripts from your high school counselor or whoever the designated person is at your school at least two weeks prior to the application deadline.
• Transcripts are generally sent directly from your school either via mail or electronically. They are typically not provided directly to students.

Fee Waivers

• If you are eligible for free or reduced lunch, you may be able to request a fee waiver from your counselor.
   

Question:
Now that I’ve applied, how do I pay for college?

Scholarships

• Talk to colleges that you are seriously considering attending to learn more about institutional scholarships or departmental scholarships within the college or university.
• Log onto www.fastweb.com or www.scholarships.com to set up an account. Be as thorough as possible when completing your background information, interests and experiences.
• Research scholarships at the following websites:

  www.collegeboard.org
  www.collegezone.com
  www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov
  www.whatsnextillinois.org
   

Federal Financial Aid (for eligible citizens or residents of the United States)

• You should apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov by December 15.
• Your parent or legal guardian should also apply for a PIN by December 15.
• Begin your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on January 1at  www.fafsa.ed.gov