The college application process can be a very intimidating process with many complicated steps. There are many steps when applying to college which will be explained in depth. There are any parts of a college application including the application portal, letter of recommendation, when to apply to college, and more.

Common App

CommonApp is a single application portal that allows students to submit a single application to a multitude of universities. This helps streamline the process of applying to college. Not all colleges are found on CommonApp

University Application Portal

Some colleges are not found on CommonApp. This means the college has its own application portal which you will need to find. Often looking up “<college name> application portal” will be enough to find it.

• What are Letters of Recommendation and why do they matter?
  • A letter of recommendation is a letter written by someone recommending you for the college.
  • They give the school a better understanding of who you are as a student and as a person.
• Who/Where do I get Letters of Recommendation
  • Many colleges require/recommend getting 1-2 letters of recommendation from teachers.
  • Other People to get Letters of Recommendation from:
    • Alumni from the college you are applying to
    • Coaches
    • Club Leaders
    • Bosses
    • People with whom you have a close relationship to have an impact when writing a letter of recommendation
    • NOT Family Members
• Early Decision vs Early Action
  • Early Decision
    • Apply early (usually in November) to first-choice college.
    • Receive an admission decision from the college well in advance of the usual notification date (usually by December).
    • Agree to attend the college if accepted and offered a financial aid package that is considered adequate by the family.
    • Apply to only one college early decision.
    • Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans.
    • Withdraw all other applications if accepted by ED.
    • Send a nonrefundable deposit well in advance of May 1.
    • BINDING: A student who is accepted as an Early Decision applicant must attend the college.
  • Early Action
    • Apply early.
    • Receive an admission decision early in the admission cycle (usually in January or February).
    • Consider acceptance offer; do not have to commit upon receipt.
    • Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans.
    • Give the college a decision no later than the May 1 national response date.
    • NON-BINDING: Students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1.