Application Process
Once top colleges have been identified, it is time to start the application process. MCA Academy will help you through each step:
Application– Online applications are usually preferred. Attention to admission and financial aid deadlines is a must, as well as, including the correct application fee.
Transcripts– Transcripts from all schools attended during high school are required.
Letters of recommendation– Usually two are required.
Essays– Colleges require an essay that reveals the applicant’s passions and exposes his/her personality.
On-Campus Interview– May be required by some institutions.
Suggested Timeline
FALL
• Focus on getting good grades. All high school grades remain on your final transcript.
• Assume a leadership role. It’s a plus on your college application.
• Plan to obtain a minimum of 15 hours of community service for each year of high school.
• Begin taking notes on career areas of interest. Read about majors and careers at www.collegeboard.com/student/csearch/majors_careers
• Go to http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/search/index.jsp to get matched with colleges that fit your interests.
• Create a file to keep all college information you gather. Begin by keeping a calendar of important dates and deadlines.
Sophomores and Juniors–
• Make plans to attend the National College Fair. www.nacacnet.org/EventsTraining/CollegeFairs/ncf/Pages/default.aspx
• Register for the PSAT offered in October, if you have not yet done so. Check ‘yes’ for Student Search Services to receive information on colleges and scholarships.
Seniors–
• Register for the SAT offered in late fall.
• Begin SAT practice.
• Narrow your college list to top picks, and obtain an application and financial aid information from each.
• Learn more about CSS/Financial Aid Profile (nonfederal student financial aid) and FAFSA (federal student financial aid).
• Make a master calendar to include test dates, fees, and deadlines; college application due dates and fees; financial aid application deadlines; deadline for requesting transcripts from your high school(s) and submitting them; etc.
• Ask for recommendation letters. Give each person your resume, any required forms, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
• Write application essays. Ask teachers and parents to proof first drafts.
• Take the SAT offered in late fall.
WINTER
• Learn about college costs and financial aid.
• Begin visiting colleges.
• Review college materials, guidebooks, and other resources to narrow your list.
Sophomores and Juniors–
• If you took the PSAT in October, use the access code on your score report to sign in to My College Quick Start for a personalized planning kit.
Juniors–
• Register for the SAT offered in the spring.
• Begin practicing for the SAT.
Seniors–
• Any senior who has taken the SAT only once or who has taken it more than once but would like to improve their scores should register for the SAT offered in the spring.
SPRING
• All juniors and any seniors wanting to improve their scores should take the SAT.
• Look into dual enrollment to sign up for summer classes.
Seniors–
• Start getting acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April.
• Visit your final college before accepting, if not yet done so.
• Notify every college of your acceptance or rejection of offers of admission or financial aid by May 1.
SUMMER
• If not yet done so, plan visits to college campuses.
• Summer is a great time to put in some service hours.
Juniors–
• Request applications from colleges you will apply to.
• Register for the SAT offered in the fall.
Seniors–
• Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college.
• Congratulate yourself on your successful high school year and prepare for your new adventure.
