You Clicked ‘Submit’ For Your Early College Applications. Now What?

DO NOT WAIT until the night before the published deadline dates to submit your remaining applications! Complete them now, regardless of future deadline dates. It doesn’t matter how many days in advance of a deadline date you SUBMIT ― what’s critical is that you’ve carefully prepared rather than completed in a final rush. Want to be considered for merit-based scholarships? You may have even earlier application deadline dates.

In any case, once you have successfully applied…

…don’t forget the final pieces of the puzzle. The devil is always in these details:

Application

Print a copy of the application for your records (or save it as a PDF) – and the confirmation of submission and application fee payment. Email your JRA College Counselor to let her know you’ve applied.

Official Transcript

Don’t assume anything: Unless you’re certain that your counsellor has sent your official transcript to colleges that require it, remind him or her of your deadlines. It's fine to send a transcript even before you apply! Before your transcript is actually sent, however, check your transcript thoroughly for accuracy. If it includes scores you’re not sending to colleges, ask to have them removed from your transcript (public school counsellors can typically do this through the School District office). Don’t send transcripts to universities that require or accept* the SSAR (FAMU, FAU, FL Poly*, FSU, New College*, UF, UNF, USF, UWF) or the SPARK (UCF) unless you’re admitted and decide to go there. Remember to submit the SSAR and/or SPARK by its deadline date.

Recommendations 

Most state universities in Florida don’t accept recommendations. But most Common App colleges require at least one. Through the Common App, Naviance, Scoir, Maia Learning, your high school’s application management system, or a college’s online portal, you can check which recommendations have been submitted. Make sure your recommenders have followed through in a timely fashion – or remind them again of your request.

Test Scores

Send an official SAT or ACT score report to your colleges that require it in time to meet their deadlines. Most colleges do not require an official AP or IB score report until you’ve committed to actually attending.

Financial Aid Forms

If you feel you qualify for need-based financial aid, your parents must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible after it opens (opening date in early December not yet confirmed). Some universities also require the CSS Profile or their own form for financial aid or scholarships. Don’t let this important part of the application process slip away: deadlines are strict – often around this time of year. Be aware, however, that not all colleges are need-blind, and applying for financial aid can have a slightly negative impact on your application at colleges that are not need-blind.

Bright Futures 

Even if you don’t plan to go to college in Florida next year, apply for the Bright Futures Scholarship because if you ever return to Florida for college, you can get a Bright Futures scholarship only if you apply for it during your senior year of high school. Bright Futures no longer requires the FAFSA.

Demonstrate Your Interest

Official college visits, including information sessions and campus tours, improve your chances of admission at most private universities. You can even arrange to meet with an admissions counsellor, faculty members, and students. And if you haven’t yet submitted your application, in-depth ─ even virtual ─ visits will help you write more a compelling “Why do you want to attend our school?” essay.

Application Portals

Most colleges provide an online portal that you must periodically check for your application status – starting a few days after submission − to ensure that your application is complete. Just one missing item, such as a recommendation, means that your application is not complete; you won’t be considered for admission until all pieces are received. Note: some colleges have additional application requirements in their portal ─ like Stetson, with its additional essay question ─ so you must check!

Housing

Not all colleges guarantee housing to freshmen, especially our state universities in Florida. Check your colleges’ housing application requirements – especially the University of Florida, where you should apply for housing within a week or two of submitting your application for admission.

You’re almost done with this process—you’re in the home stretch. Three more things…

• Most colleges require a mid-year report with an updated official transcript to reflect your first semester grades. Make the necessary arrangements with your school counsellor, as this may not happen automatically.

• Continue to show interest in each college by sending a brief email to your admissions rep in the winter to showcase any new activities and achievements. Follow the colleges you’re most interested in on social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.).

• Keep your grades up – and stay positive!

Need help creating a winning application, essay, or resume? Contact us!