• Class of 2025

    College Application Process 

    THIS PAGE DETAILS INSTRUCTIONS FOR SENIORS ON HOW TO APPLY TO COLLEGE IN THE FALL OF SENIOR YEAR. LINKED DOCUMENTS ARE PROVIDED AS DOWNLOADABLE GUIDES. STUDENTS SHOULD FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO AVOID COMMON MISTAKES AND POSSIBLE DELAYS IN SENDING APPLICATION MATERIALS.

    Downloadable Resources

    College Application Process (PPT)

    College Application Packet 

    School Profile 24-25 

     

    Step One:  Submit a signed Naviance Authorization.

    • Download THIS FORM. Read and check off each box, sign, and return it to the Student Services Office.  
    • We need permission to share your records with colleges. Once the signed form is returned, we will activate the feature in Naviance which allows you to request your transcripts to be sent to colleges. The transcript request button will not appear in Naviance until you submit this form. 
    • This does not request a transcript, but instead gives us permission to send transcripts and other school-based application materials when you add a transcript request through Naviance.  
    • Please allow 1-2 school days for this form to be processed. If you are under 18, you must have a parent/guardian sign this form.

     

    Step Two:  Complete college applications.

    • Download THIS GUIDE to get started. (Reminder do not use your CB email when completing applications)
    • You may use the college's individual website/portal application, The Common Application, or the Coalition Application.
    • Most students use the Common App, and submit that application to all colleges.
      • VIDEO showing Common App Registration & Account Matching.
    • If your college's application requires a Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR) instead of a transcript, their application process will provide you with instructions. You should add the college to your list in Naviance, but do not submit a transcript request for these schools. 
      • Many colleges are outsourcing the self-report process. As an example, view this video from Penn State providing an overview of how to provide a summary of your courses. 

     

    Step Three:  Request your transcripts through Naviance. 

    • Download THIS GUIDE to send transcripts and other required school-based application materials. 
    • Starting on September 10, 2024, you will be able to request transcripts through Naviance (provided the previous steps have been taken).  
    • We ask for transcripts to be requested at least 7 school-days before any deadlines. This will ensure your School Counselor will be able to write a thorough recommendation letter and process applications in time for everyone's deadlines.  
    • The college must be listed in your "Colleges I'm Applying To" list in Naviance before you can request a transcript to be sent.
      • VIDEO showing how to add colleges to your list. 
      • VIDEO showing how to request college transcripts.
    • You can send transcripts to different schools at different times, everything doesn't need to be sent the same day. 
    • Pro-Tip: Be aware of individual college deadlines, which vary by school and will be determined by the type of application you are submitting for (Early Action, Early Decision, Regular, or Rolling). This article provides a nice summary of what to expect. 

     

    Step Four: Request letters of recommendation through Naviance

    • If your college requires Teacher and/or Counselor letter(s) of recommendation, you must follow THIS GUIDE.  
    • DO NOT LIST YOUR COUNSELORS OR TEACHERS AS RECOMMENDERS in Common App! We are a Naviance School, which means we send recommendations through Naviance, not Common App. Adding recommenders through Common App will cause issues/delays. 
    • If requesting a Counselor recommendation, complete the Counselor Recommendation Survey in Naviance before requesting transcripts be sent. 

     

    Step Five: Send test scores (if required)

    • Download THIS GUIDE for an overview of this process. 
    • If any college/university you are applying to require official scores, send them from your account: College Board (for SAT's) or ACT Student (for ACT's).  
    • Be sure to check the college's website for "Undergraduate Admission Requirements," as many schools may be "Test Optional" and do not require scores.
    • Pro-Tip: If you self-report any test scores into Common App, they will be sent to ALL colleges. If you want to apply test-optional to some schools, then it's best NOT to enter ANY scores in Common App, and then just send your scores to the schools you want to using your College Board / ACT account.
    • Note: Most colleges will require SAT/ACT scores for Merit Aid consideration. 
    • To find a current list of SAT/ACT optional schools click here.

     

    Stop by to see your H.S. Counselor in Student Services if you have any questions!

    Updated 9/13/24