What To Do After You Submit Your Application
You've turned in your applications for the top colleges on your lists and you feel so accomplished. Don't celebrate too fast. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that each college has its specific requirements, and you need to ensure that you've completed their applicant files accordingly. Otherwise, the college may not even consider your application.
In general, a completed application file will include transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. Some colleges may also offer an interview.
Once all of the required materials have been submitted, the college will review the file and make a decision. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your application files are complete by the deadline. By taking the time to do so, you increase your chances of getting accepted.
Here is a basic list of things to include to complete your college application
The applicant portal will typically come about 24 hours after submitting
After you submit your college application, the applicant portal will typically become available within 24 hours. This portal will contain information about your application status and any next steps that may be required.
If you're waiting to hear back from a particular college, checking the applicant portal on a regular basis can give you a good idea of where your application is in the process. In general, it's best to submit college applications as early as possible to ensure that you have plenty of time to complete any necessary follow-up steps.
By being proactive and staying organized, you can increase your chances of getting into the college of your choice.
Checklist of required and optional items
The checklist inside your application portal will help you to be certain that your application is complete and on time. Completing all the required items shows commitment, while including some optional ones demonstrates how dedicated you really are.
Academic Record
Your academic record gives the colleges you're applying to an insight into your high school career as well as other key information.
a list of classes
grades in those classes
grade point averages
student information
You will need to submit a transcript to each college. Make sure you check with your college of choice to confirm which type of transcript they accept.
Types of Transcripts
official transcripts
unofficial transcripts
self-reported transcripts
Official transcripts will have a seal and a signature, if mailed, and will be sent directly from your school. Official transcripts can also be sent electronically by your high school.
An unofficial transcript can be sent directly to you. They are printed on plain paper and do not have a seal or official signature. You can upload it directly to your applicant portal or email it to admissions.
Self-reported transcripts are becoming more common allowing institutions to make earlier decisions. Self-reported transcripts can be shared through Common App in the Courses & Grades section or other portals.
Test Scores, if required
You might be required to send in your test scores to the colleges and universities to which you're applying. Because of the growing cost of applying to colleges and taking these required tests, some colleges are allowing self-reported test scores to be submitted as a part of your application.
You can self-report through apps like Common Application and Coalition Application.
Eventually, you will need to send your official test reports to the college you're accepted to, so no inflating your scores. They will see your exact scores eventually.
Not all colleges allow for self-reporting. In this case, you will need to submit official test scores.
To send official test scores to your schools you will have to go through the testing center's site and follow their specific directions.
For SAT that would be CollegeBoard.com
Sign in to your College Board account and click "Send Scores"
Click on "Send Available Scores Now" if you've already taken your test and your scores are available. OR click "Send Scores When Available" if you're scheduled to take an upcoming test.
Search for your colleges by state and by name. Then click "Add" to send them your score report.
Repeat this process for as many schools as you have on your list or are required to send official scores to.
Check your order and pay.
ACT.org has very easy-to-follow directions on how to send your official ACT scores as well as Super Scores, a composite of your best scores in each testing area.
Letters of recommendation
Make sure you have asked teachers and school counselors to submit letters of recommendation to the colleges you are applying to.
A few things to keep in mind:
Make sure you check with the college to see how many recommendations they require.
The more you ask of a teacher, the more you should plan to give them in return. These letters - especially the good ones - can take 3 hours to write. And the thing is, teachers don’t have to write these letters. They don’t get paid for them. They do them out of kindness and care on top of their other work. Make it as easy as possible for them.
Ask in person then follow up with an email. When you ask in person you are making a bigger impression on them. If you or the teacher moved, you can ask by phone. Save email as a last resort. Follow up with an email including the information they will need to submit your letter, some moments you enjoyed in their class, and things you’ve learned from them. This will give them a better narrative to write about you.
School Report
As college admissions officers review college applications, the school report provides context.
It includes the following information:
High school course offerings
Grading scale
Distribution of student data, which can include GPA and test scores
Unique aspects of the high school, such as programs, extracurricular activities, internship opportunities, etc.
Contact information for high school staff, such as counselors and administrators
Demographic information for the high school
This document is submitted by your school counselor.
Financial Aid forms
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. There are federal grants, work-study, and loans available through FAFSA.
Filing for FAFSA is optional. HERE is where you can find more information.
CSS Profile is an online application that collects information used by hundreds of colleges, universities, professional schools and scholarship programs to award financial aid from sources outside the federal government. For more information check out this quick guide from College Board.
Financial Aid forms are sometimes optional. Make sure you check with your institution.
Make sure all items arrive
It is the student’s responsibility to make sure all items arrive, sometimes by the deadline.
Check regularly to make sure all items arrive. You can do so by logging into the portal for your college.
Also, check status changes to indicate the application is in review or awaiting a decision.
Other optional items
Sometimes you want to go above and beyond for your top choice school. If that’s the case, you can include portfolios, research abstracts, video submissions, etc.
Anything that will set you apart from other applicants and is connected to your chosen field of study. Make sure to check with each school to see what optional items they will accept.
Now that you know what is required to complete your application, it’s time to get started. Be sure to check the applicant portal regularly for updates on your status and what is needed from you. And remember, while some items are required, there are many optional items you can also submit to give us a better picture of who you are as an applicant. Good luck!
