College Applications: What Rising Seniors Need to Know

As the school year draws to a close, students newly promoted to rising seniors often have one thing on their mind: college applications. While it may seem early, having a clear understanding of the essential components and a well-organized plan can make the process more manageable. 

Here is what makes up most college applications and what that means for students:  

1. The Application Itself

First, the actual application, whether through the Common Application, University of California application, or institutional applications will need to be completed. The “common” part of the Common App rolls over when the 2024-2025 application opens on August 1st, which means that you can fill out everything under the Common App tab now. While it’s not difficult, it can be time-consuming, and you may have to ask your parents for some information. Remember to proofread here: something as simple as a missing middle initial can cause issues down the line. 

2. Extracurricular Activities and Resume

Colleges look for well-rounded students who have engaged in extracurricular activities, demonstrating leadership, commitment, and passion. You can fill out the activities section of your Common App now to check one more component off your list in the fall. Reading our blog post from last August is a great way to get you started, too! 

3. Personal Statement and Supplemental Essays

Your personal statement and supplemental essays are crucial elements that offer a window into who you are beyond grades and test scores. These essays are your chance to showcase who you are as a person. 

The Common App personal statement prompts for the 2024-2025 application season have already been announced. Summer is the perfect time to get this essay out of the way. Here’s a blog post we wrote in June 2023 with a few more tips.

4. Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation provide insight into your character, achievements, and potential from the perspective of teachers, counselors, or other mentors.

Ideally, at least one teacher will be from junior year or those who taught core subjects. That’s why now is a great time to choose teachers and mentors who know you well and can speak positively about your abilities and growth. Provide the teachers with your resume and any relevant details about your achievements and future goals. 

5. High School Transcripts

Your academic transcript is a critical component of your application as it showcases your academic performance and rigor over the past few years. If you’re a dual enrollment student, you may have to request official transcripts from your DE college, too. 

Your high school will provide instructions on how to request official transcripts in the fall. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to request an unofficial transcript for you to review. That will allow you to understand exactly what colleges will see and review it for any issues. 

6. Standardized Test Scores

Depending on the colleges you're applying to, you may need to submit SAT or ACT scores. The first step is to try to finish up your testing this summer, if you haven’t already. 

Then you’ll also want to review the testing policy for each college on your list. Are they test optional? Do they allow for score choice? Do they require official scores to be sent from the College Board/ACT? Preparing this information now will help create a smoother application process.

7. Financial Aid and Scholarships

Familiarize yourself with what your colleges require for financial aid and scholarship purposes. Do they require the CSS Profile or only the FAFSA? Do they have separate scholarship applications that you’ll need to fill out? Compile that information now to refer to in a few months.This process can seem overwhelming but you don’t have to do it alone! Cardinal College Planning is here to support you and your family. Schedule a complimentary consultation here. 

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