A.H.S. Counseling Department: College Application Procedures

Before you begin:

Visit colleges to get the best perspective. You may have a total of three excused absences from school if you show that you visited a college on that day.

Ask two teachers, and maybe a coach or activity advisor, if they will write a college recommendation for you.

If you haven't already done it, complete the "Student Brag Sheet".  This will need to be completed before you request us to send a transcript and counselor letter to any college.  This survey assists your counselor in writing his or her recommendation/evaluation for you.  Ask one of your parents to complete the "Parent Brag Sheet" as well.

Keep your senior grades up and don't "bail out" on tough courses.  Don't forget - colleges watch your senior grades, course titles and progress very carefully.  Make sure to have your midyear grades sent to colleges that request them by notifying the Guidance Office at the end of semester one.

Procedures:

  1. Print and return the completed Transcript Release Form and Activity Sheet to guidance.
  2. Get the application.  Most colleges now have an online application, which can begin your application file with that college and is usually preferred by the college.  Some colleges offer a way to download a PDF version of the application for printing.  You can also request it by telephone, mail or email from the college admission office.  A few applications are also on file in the Guidance Office.  If all else fails, try this file!  Consider using a Common Application, which can be completed and submitted online or mailed to all colleges belonging to the Common Application pool.  This application is a perfectly well respected way to apply and can save you loads of time.
  3. Review the application and be sure you understand how and when to have all parts submitted.
    • Check deadlines.
    • Make a list of the applications you will be sending and note deadlines for each part.
    • Check your list from time to time!
  4. Submit application to college.
  5. Submit the Transcript Request on Family Connection and print, complete and return the College Application Notification & Transcript Request form.
  6. Arrange to have your SAT scores sent to your colleges by The College Board.  This will be considered an "official score report" by your colleges.

At least two weeks before your application deadline, bring the materials you wish the Guidance Office to send to your counselor.  Anything you wish sent prior to the Winter Holiday Break must be in your counselor's hand by the first week of December.  Do not leave materials in his/her mailbox.  You must review the materials with your counselor so as to be sure the package is complete!  Don't forget your "College Application Notification & Transcript Release" and any fee.  College application season is a very busy time for the guidance secretaries and counselors.  Please help them to meet your deadlines by submitting materials early!