College Application Procedures for Seniors
1. Narrow down your college list. Focus on schools that MATCH your academic profile (GPA and SAT) and FIT your personal needs and preferences (location, major, cost, social factors). Make sure you're applying to at least one Illinois public institution, preferably one that is also a match school. Recommended search tools:
SuperMatch College Search in Naviance
Cappex
College Board Big Future
2. Make note of the application deadlines and requirements for each schools, such as essays, letters of recommendation, etc. Make sure to target the Early Action or Priority deadlines; meeting these deadlines often increases your chance for scholarships.
3. Request letters of recommendation from your teachers at least 15 school days before the application deadline. Make sure to complete the Counselor/Teacher Recommendation Questionnaire in Naviance (About Me > Surveys To Take).
4. Apply to colleges and keep track of deadlines.
5. Request transcripts in Naviance and via the paper form found in rooms 109 at least 15 school days before the application deadline.
When in doubt, review the college application checklist you received in your senior folder and the below presentation.
College Match
Seniors are encouraged to apply to at least THREE match schools. A college is a match if it accepts, on average, students with a similar GPA and SAT/ACT to your own. Use the College Match Grid and the College Selectivity List below to identify your general match level and potential colleges of interest.
us_college_selectivity_list.xls | |
File Size: | 1488 kb |
File Type: | xls |
College Fit
Seniors are encouraged to apply to schools that align with personal needs and preferences. Factors to consider include:
Location
Academic Major Cost after Financial Aid Size of School |
Graduation Rate (go to www.collegeresults.org)
Athletics Demographics of Student Body Student Clubs and Organizations |
Not sure where to begin? Try the SuperMatch College Search in Naviance or visit your counselor.