Get Started – The College Application Process

Below is a condensed list of the MyCollegeCalendar recommended tasks for completing the college application process.  The tasks are listed in chronologic order.

1.  College search.

2.  Select 10 or more colleges/universities.

3.  Finalize your student résumé.

4.  Decide on your student theme to incorporate into application materials.

5.  Register to take (or retake) the SAT® and/or ACT® tests. - Take your last test by October!

6.  Decide on which application schedule is best for you – Early, Regular, Rolling or Late (Early is STRONGLY recommended). NOVEMBER!!!

7.  Print paper copies of application materials for all colleges and universities you will apply to. - CFNC will help with this

8.  Fill out paper copies of college applications by hand or make sure you have your info updated in CFNC.

9.  Write college application essays.

10.  Proof-read college application essays (at least two other people should proof-read each essay).

11.  Request official copies of grade transcripts from your high school and community college (if you completed a community college class). CFNC helps sends transcripts.

12.  Create a list of adults you will ask for letters of recommendation.

13.  Request letters of recommendation from adults (teachers, counselors, employers, other).

14.  Completed letters of recommendation and Recommendation Forms should be returned to students for mailing to colleges with other application materials, or mailed directly to colleges by teachers/counselors/employers.

15.  Finalize college application essays.

16.  Verify ACT® and SAT® scores have been sent to all colleges and universities you are applying to.

17.  Submit college applications online with essays pasted into application spaces provided.

18.  Gather all other required college application materials (i.e., Recommendation Forms, student résumé, official transcripts, other).

19.  Photocopy all paper college application materials.

20.  Mail all paper college application materials (i.e., Recommendation Forms, student résumé, official transcripts, other). CFNC sends the application through the internet for most NC colleges.

21.  Watch for decision letters to arrive.