Applying to Independent Colleges and Out of State Universities
The procedures for applying for admission vary from one college to another, but the first step is to get an application form and instructions from the college. Follow the college's instructions carefully. Make sure you know what you must supply and when it must reach the college.
What Most Independent Colleges Require:
Application Fee Most colleges charge an application fee. Fee waiver forms may be available for low income students. See your Counselor.
Application Form Colleges require that you submit an application form providing information about your background, previous education, and college plans. At particularly competitive institutions, you will be asked to provide detailed information about your academic record, extracurricular activities, work experience, interests, talents, and achievements. Be prepared to give the time and thought needed to provide a complete picture of yourself for the college to consider.
Many schools use the same application known as the common application. Check: www.commonapp.org online to download an application. There is also a "Black Common Application" for African American students. Students may apply to 29 historically black colleges with one fee of $30. Check out the web sit at www.eduinconline.com.
Transcripts You may receive a form for an official of your high school to complete with a transcript of your courses and final marks, test scores, and materials. Take it to the Registrar's Office with a stamped addressed envelope. Complete the transcript request form from that institution. Check with your counselor to see if the transcript must accompany a Secondary School Report included in the application. See the Davis High School counseling website: www.davisseniorhigh.com/counseling
College courses taken while in high school require a separate transcript. Contact the college you have attended and request that it be sent directly to the school to which you are applying.
Admissions Test Scores Many colleges require one or more standardized admissions tests. Tests most commonly used are the SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject and ACT. Fee waivers may be available for low income students. See your Counselor.
Letters of Recommendation and Secondary School Report The Counseling Office provides an information packet that you will need to share with those you ask for letters of recommendation. The information is also available on the counseling website. Because teachers, counselors and administrators receive so many requests for letters, you need to give your requests to them no later than mid-November.
Essay A personal essay or autobiographical statement is required by some institutions, particularly four year, private colleges. The essay can be especially important if you are not able to have an interview. Take the opportunity to express your individuality in a way that will set you apart from the other applicants.
Interview Many colleges require or recommend an interview of their applicants. Whether required or not, it is to your benefit to arrange an interview - this is your chance to express personally your background, your interests and goals, and why you are interested in the college. An interview can be very important at institutions that have many applicants competing for admission. The interview also is your opportunity to assess the college. For this reason, an on campus interview is best, but most colleges will arrange for you to be interviewed near your home if you live far from the college.
Audition/Portfolio If you are applying for admission to a particular program at a college, such as music, art, or design, you may have to demonstrate or document prior work. Be sure to check each college's requirement.