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College Application Process

College Application Process

Students should plan to apply EARLY in the school year. Students and families are ultimately responsible for checking with each college to make sure their application file is complete.

Step One: Log into SchooLinks

Step Two: Search or add colleges and universities through the CommonApp

With SchooLinks and CommonApp, students have access to apply to numerous schools through one portal, upload their transcripts, send letter of recommendation requests and more. Make sure these two accounts are linked for a seamless application process. 

Step Three: Fill out the application

Colleges and universities prefer that students apply online. Complete this through SchooLinks once the college or university is added from CommonApp. 

Step Four: Add Letters of Recommendation

Adding contact information for letters of recommendation only shows up in an application when they are required. After contacts are added, SchooLinks automatically emails the request for a letter of recommendation when the application is submitted. For applications where letters of recommendation are not required, students can opt to include them or a teacher evaluation. 

Let teachers or counselors know when a letter is needed - they require at least two weeks notice and will send the letter directly to the college or university through SchooLinks.

Step Four: Transcripts/Test Scores

Once a college application is submitted, SchooLinks automatically sends an official transcript to the college or university. Official transcripts do NOT include test scores. Contact http://www.actstudent.org/ orhttp://www.collegeboard.com/ directly to have ACT or SAT scores sent to the school of choice.

Student that graduated prior to 2025 should use Parchment to request transcripts by clicking on this link: www.parchment.com.