College Application FAQs
Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to College
Once your child decides which colleges to apply to, it’s time to start on applications. It’s normal for students to have a lot of questions about this process. Here are the answers to some common ones.
What’s a good way to organize the application process?
Your child should start by looking over the whole process and learning what needs to be done and when. Although each college has its own schedule and deadlines, the College Application Calendar gives a good overview.
Your child should organize college paperwork into file folders — a separate one for each college — and keep track of each college’s specific requirements. Completing a college application checklist for each one is another good idea.
When should my child start working on applications?
Your child should start on applications in the summer before senior year. Students have more free time then and your child can focus on getting the application requirements and reviewing them. Most students do the majority of their application work in the fall of their senior year. Before diving in, your child should find out exactly what needs to be done for each application.
How many colleges should my child apply to?
Your child should create a list of five to eight colleges to apply to. The list should contain a mix of safety, probable and reach colleges -- that is, some colleges that are very likely to accept your child, some that are likely to, and some that are less likely to. Of course, it’s important that your child feels that all of them are good fits. Read more about the number of colleges to apply to.
Is it better to apply online, or send a paper application?
Your child should check with colleges of interest to see which format they prefer. Most colleges prefer online applications, which are often quicker and easier for them to process. One benefit of applying online is that it is easier to correct a mistake on an electronic application than it is on a paper version. It can also save your family money; many colleges waive the application fee for online applications. Remember, your child’s information is confidential and the college doesn’t share it with anyone else. Most colleges do accept paper applications, but your child should check to make sure.
Is it okay to send additional material to support the application?
In most cases, students should only submit the information requested. Colleges put a lot of thought into their admission packages; they have determined what information they need from each applicant and do not have the time, resources or desire to sift through material that they consider unnecessary. Your child should consult the school counselor if it seems critical to provide additional material. Colleges look negatively on students who don’t follow their directions explicitly.
Do colleges really care about senior year grades?
They do care, and they’re paying attention. Colleges want to be sure that your child has maintained the previously seen level of academic performance, and is ready to succeed in higher education. Your child’s high school sends a mid-year transcript with each application -- and also sends one to the college of your child’s choice at the end of the year. The college expects to see that your child has kept up the same rigorous program the whole year. Your child’s acceptance offer could be withdrawn if the college feels that senioritis caused a drop in grades.
How many times should my child take the SAT®?
Most students take the SAT® twice — once in the spring of junior year and once in the fall of senior year. Your child should practice for the SAT before taking it. Encourage your child to use the free online practice materials available to get an idea of what the actual test is like. Your child may want to take the test a third time if it’s likely that scores could be significantly improved.
Why should my child apply to colleges that we know our family can’t afford?
You don’t know which colleges your family can afford until you get an estimate based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that your child submits at the beginning of January of senior year. The FAFSA determines what your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is, and what types of aid the college can offer your child. Many families discover that they can get financial aid and afford colleges that they thought were beyond their budget.
