College Application Process

OBTAINING APPLICATIONS

1. Many of the applications from Illinois schools are available in the College/Career Center of your respective high school..
2. Other applications may be obtained by writing, calling the college/university or going to the college’s website.
3. Once you have the application, read it over carefully and note the deadlines!

COMPLETING APPLICATIONS

• Fill out the entire application!
• Some applications have just one part with the counselor information included. (e.g., NIU, WIU)
• Other applications will have separate sections for the student, the counselor, and the teacher (e.g., Northwestern and U. of Chicago). If this is the case, please give the counselor and/or teacher his/her section a.s.a.p. (If the counselor or teacher sends their section before you finish your part of the application, don’t panic! The college will just start a file for you and add information as it is received.)
  • On-Line Applications
    • Many schools now prefer on-line applications
    • Please note what is required from your school (many have you print a signature page for the counselor)
  • Letters of Recommendation
    • Please allow 2-3 weeks when asking for a letter of recommendation
    • Complete Student Information Sheet and provide to teacher/counselor
  • Helpful Suggestions
    • Create a resume
    • Read application thoroughly before starting
    • Make working copies
    • Identify deadline dates
    • Follow directions carefully
    • Proofread
    • Make photocopies of everything you send
    • DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!

SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS

Attach the following with a paper clip and bring to the Senior House

• Completed College Application Processing Form
• Completed and signed application (including essay)
• An envelope addressed to the college with appropriate postage and your address as the return address
• The application fee (if applicable)

MID-YEAR REPORTS

• Many competitive colleges will request a mid-year report so that an official transcript can be mailed to the college at the end of the 7th semester.
• We recommend that you turn in the mid-year report with a stamped envelope addressed to the appropriate college at the same time you turn in your application.
• Your counselor will keep it on file and mail it as soon as the 7th semester transcripts become available; you will need to sign another transcript release.

APPLICATION FOLLOW-UP

• The Senior House will have a record of the date each application is mailed.
• From the date of mailing, allow 2-4 weeks for a college to acknowledge receipt of the application/transcript.
• If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call the college’s Admissions Office.

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