Request an application from the colleges which interest you.  You can also pick many up in the guidance office.  The guidance office has books which will give addresses for specific colleges if the application is not on file.

Complete the application & attach the application fee.  The payment must be in the form of a check made out to a specific college.  The Guidance Office will not accept cash.  The counselor will record the date the application arrived in the office and write a receipt.

After completing the Secondary School Counselor’s portion of the application the counselor will mail the application, along with the student’s transcript and school profile to the college.

All must be received in the Guidance Office two weeks before the application deadline to insure timely processing.

It is recommended that all applications be in before Winter Break.  This shows the colleges that you are serious and helps you have everything in place to meet scholarship application deadlines.  (Scholarship and financial aid deadlines are usually after Jan. 1.)

SOME TIPS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION
Make a photocopy of the application.  Fill it in first and when ready transfer it to the original.  Neatness is a factor.

Copy all of the support materials that have been created: essays, resume, etc.   Have these available for inclusion with completed applications.

If the application is handwritten, rather than typed, use a pen that will make the handwriting legible.  The application should be student produced.  Admissions officers are able to determine whether the student has done the work.

Follow all instructions carefully.

With the recommendation for teachers and the school there is generally a portion that the student is to complete.  Make certain that this is done.  On some applications there will be a space which asks the student to waive the legal right to see the references upon matriculation to college.  The school suggests that you waive this right.  If the student has chosen his recommenders wisely, there is no reason to see what has been written.  College offices are somewhat wary when this waiver has not been signed.

Start early!  If the application is not completed in advance of the deadline, it may be a sign of procrastination and affect the positive image the student desires to create.

Maintain a separate file for each application.  Use the checklists to provide to make certain that everything has been completed.  Include in the file photocopy of your portion of the application in the event that the college does not receive it.