College Admissions
After you have selected the schools you’re interested in, the next step is to apply for admission. You can apply through most colleges’ websites. Some colleges and universities have combined their admission and scholarship applications. The benefit is you'll be considered for any merit-based scholarships for which you are eligible as a result. Some colleges continue to accept paper applications. Additionally, the Common App allows you to complete one application, write one essay and provide one resume and letter of recommendation. Upon completion, you'll select which schools should receive your admission application. However, not all colleges are affiliated with the Common App.
Most applications are straightforward — your personal information, GPA, rank and admissions exam scores. It is important to ensure the school has your official ACT/SAT results. Official ACT scores are sent electronically from ACT to the schools listed in the registration process. Official high school transcripts are sent by students via Parchment. You can access an unofficial transcript from Parchment to assist you with completing applications. It’s up to you to take the correct admissions exams and see that the results have been reported to your schools of interest.
Another essential piece of your college application is the fee (if any) charged by the school. Most colleges/universities charge an application fee, but some also provide options to waive the fee. Some schools offer to waive the application fee if applicants complete an application during a high school visit or if they visit the campus. Most schools will accept a Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver if students qualify for the free/reduced lunch program. A school official signature and seal on the document is required before the applicant mails it to the college/university.
Pay attention to deadlines for admissions, financial aid and housing if you plan to live on campus. Find out about deposits, orientation and registering for classes.
Most applications are straightforward — your personal information, GPA, rank and admissions exam scores. It is important to ensure the school has your official ACT/SAT results. Official ACT scores are sent electronically from ACT to the schools listed in the registration process. Official high school transcripts are sent by students via Parchment. You can access an unofficial transcript from Parchment to assist you with completing applications. It’s up to you to take the correct admissions exams and see that the results have been reported to your schools of interest.
Another essential piece of your college application is the fee (if any) charged by the school. Most colleges/universities charge an application fee, but some also provide options to waive the fee. Some schools offer to waive the application fee if applicants complete an application during a high school visit or if they visit the campus. Most schools will accept a Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver if students qualify for the free/reduced lunch program. A school official signature and seal on the document is required before the applicant mails it to the college/university.
Pay attention to deadlines for admissions, financial aid and housing if you plan to live on campus. Find out about deposits, orientation and registering for classes.
Admission Options
Some colleges offer early decision or early action options. In early decision, you make a commitment to enroll in a school if you’re admitted. You withdraw all other applications and make a nonrefundable deposit. One disadvantage to early decision is that it may mean you don’t have any leverage in negotiating a better financial aid package. With early action, you apply to your preferred school and receive a decision before the normal response date.
After you’ve been accepted by a college, notify the school of your decision and let the other schools you’ve applied to know you won’t attend. If you have questions or don’t understand something, ask your parents, counselor or the admissions staff.
Source: Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority
After you’ve been accepted by a college, notify the school of your decision and let the other schools you’ve applied to know you won’t attend. If you have questions or don’t understand something, ask your parents, counselor or the admissions staff.
Source: Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority
