Key takeaways
- The college application process includes researching schools, submitting applications, applying for financial aid, and waiting for admissions decisions.
- Researching colleges early can help you build a good list of reach, match, and safety schools.
- Staying organized can help prevent you from missing important application deadlines.
- Strong essays, recommendation letters, and academic achievements can help your application stand out.
- Completing the FAFSA and applying for scholarships early may help boost your financial aid opportunities.
Applying to college can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing classes, extracurricular activities, and finishing your senior year. The good news is that the process can be easier when you break it down into smaller steps.
The college application process includes researching colleges, keeping track of deadlines, submitting applications, and applying for financial aid. Each step plays an important role in helping you reach your goals.
Let’s break down the college application process step by step so you know what to expect, how to prepare, and how to put your best foot forward.
Step 1: Decide what you want in a college
Before you start researching schools, think about what matters most to you. Every student has different interests and goals.
It helps to consider the following:
- Potential major
- Career interests
- School size
- Location
- Campus culture
- Available extracurricular activities
- Class sizes
- Cost and financial aid
- Plans after graduation
Your preferences may change over time, and that’s okay. This list simply gives you a starting point as you kick off your college search.
Step 2: Research colleges and build your list
Once you know what you’re looking for, it can be easier to find colleges that match your goals and interests.
You can learn more about schools by:
- Visiting college websites
- Talking with current students or alumni
- Going to college fairs
- Following colleges on social media
- Taking campus tours in person and online
As you do research, you can create a list of colleges that includes:
- Reach schools: More competitive schools where admission may be challenging
- Match schools: Schools where your academic profile aligns with admitted students
- Safety schools: Schools where you’re likely to be admitted
Having a balanced list allows you to apply to competitive schools while also including schools where you’re more likely to get admitted. Many students apply to around 6-10 colleges, but the right number depends on your goals.
Start researching schools early with College Raptor’s FREE College Match tool.
Step 3: Know your application options
Most colleges offer the following application choices:
- Early Action: This option allows you to apply earlier and receive an admissions decision sooner. If you get accepted, you can still choose whether you want to attend the school.
- Early Decision: This is a binding agreement. If you’re accepted, you agree to enroll in that college. You can only apply to one school with Early Decision.
- Early Decision II: Not all schools have this option, but it’s essentially an early decision with a later deadline.
- Regular Decision: This option follows the standard application timeline and is when most students apply to college.
- Rolling Admission: Schools with rolling admissions review applications as they receive them. They continue accepting students until their spots are filled.
It’s a good idea to review each school’s deadlines and requirements before applying.
Step 4: Keep track of important deadlines
Staying on top of deadlines can improve your chances of admission and prevent you from missing financial aid deadlines.
Important dates to keep track of include:
- Application deadlines
- Scholarship deadlines
- FAFSA deadlines
- Test dates
- Campus visit dates
Staying organized can take the stress out of the process and make it easier to get everything done on time.
Step 5: Complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships
Financial aid can help lower the cost of college. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many colleges also use information from the FAFSA when they award financial aid.
In addition to completing the FAFSA, look for scholarships from colleges, community organizations, and other sources. College Raptor’s free Scholarship Search tool is a great resource to check out.
Step 6: Ask for recommendation letters
Many colleges require recommendation letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors. Ask people who know you well and can speak positively about your character, work ethic, and achievements. Be sure to ask for recommendation letters early, so there is plenty of time for them to be written.
Step 7: Write your college essays
College essays give admissions departments a chance to learn more about you beyond your grades and test scores. A strong essay should be honest, show your personality, and highlight your personal growth.
Be sure to give yourself time to write, edit, and proofread your essay before you send it.
Step 8: Submit your applications
Before sending in your applications, be sure to review everything carefully.
Double-check:
- Personal information
- Essays
- Test scores
- Recommendation letters
- Required documents
Many colleges allow students to apply through the Common App, which lets you send one application to multiple schools.
Step 9: Prepare for admissions decisions
After you submit your applications, the waiting begins. While you wait, continue to focus on getting good grades in school. Some colleges may ask you to provide more information, so keep an eye on your email and application portals.
When decisions arrive, compare your options carefully. Think about cost, academic programs, campus culture, and financial aid offers. College Raptor’s free financial aid offer comparison tool makes this process easier.
Take the next step toward college
The college application process can seem complicated at first but taking it one step at a time can make it much more manageable. Researching schools, staying organized, and sending strong applications can help set you up for success.
Ready to start looking for colleges? College Raptor’s FREE College Match tool can help you compare schools based on your interests, admission chances, location, and more.
College application process FAQs
When should I start applying to colleges?
Most students begin researching colleges during junior year and submit applications during senior year. College applications open in August.
How many colleges should I apply to?
Many students apply to 6-10 colleges. A list of reach, match, and safety schools creates a good balance.
What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It helps determine your eligibility for grants, loans, work-study programs, and other financial aid.
What is the Common App?
The Common App is a platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges using one application.
Do all colleges require SAT or ACT scores?
No. Many colleges are now test-optional, but each school has different requirements.
