Unpack the Application Package

This form is your basic tool for entering college. It asks for a variety of information about you and your high school career. Colleges either have their own online application site or use the Common App.

Learn how to improve your chances of success in our Resources section.

Application fees average $50 each, which can sometimes be waived with a promotion code or if your family income meets the school’s guidelines for a waiver. Other colleges do not charge any fee at all. Check with the college’s admission office for information about fees and fee waivers.

Colleges want to see an official record of your high school grades. When you apply, colleges often request your current grades through your seventh semester of high school as well as a final transcript after you graduate.

Request your transcripts electronically through your high school. If you are applying to college through the Common App, your high school counselor uploads your transcript directly into the Common App. Otherwise your high school will send the transcripts directly to the colleges to which you are applying.

Many colleges and universities require you to submit ACT or SAT scores. You can select four institutions to receive your scores for free when registering for the ACT or the SAT. 

For a deeper dive on college testing requirements, read the ABCs of the SAT, ACT and Other Tests in our Resources section.

Many colleges ask students to submit one or more letters of recommendation. These letters are usually written by an adult who knows the student well but is not a relative. Most students ask their high school teachers to write letters for them.

Important tips for recommendation letters:

• Give your letter writers plenty of time to prepare their letters—at least one month. Teachers can get overwhelmed with requests.
• Use a current reference. Do not ask for a letter from someone who taught you in your freshman year.
• Consider using a teacher who knows your involvement in extra-curricular activities outside the classroom.
• If a college or university does not request a specific instructor to write a letter, consider using an English, math or science teacher to write your letter. If you plan on studying music, theatre or art, though, you’re better off asking a teacher who is familiar with your accomplishments or skill in those areas.
• Communicate with the letter writer. Let the teacher or counselor know about any specific activities in high school that were special to you.
• On your application form, waive your right to review the letters of recommendation. Letters are viewed as more credible if you haven’t seen them before they are sent to the college or university.
• Follow up with a thank-you email to each person who has written a letter of recommendation.

Many schools require applicants to write an essay as part of their application package. The essay is an opportunity to express your individuality and explain why you want to attend the specific school. Schools want to see genuine evidence of your authentic self, voice and thinking. As a result, it's important to avoid using AI tools when preparing your essay.

Within the Common App, you'll choose one of several essay prompts. Essay prompts for the coming application cycle are released several months prior to the Common App's August 1 application opening. Individual schools may also require supplemental essays or short-answer questions.

Read more about Essay Tips in our Resources section.

Some colleges require an interview as part of the application process. Even if the interview is not required by the school itself, you may want to request an interview in order to get a better idea of what it would be like to attend that school.

Read more about admissions interviews in our Resources section

If you are applying for a program in the performing or fine arts such as theatre, music, dance, or art, you may need to supply a portfolio of your work or perform an audition. The portfolio is a collection of your art and can be submitted in a variety of forms including electronic submission. Auditions are usually required for music, dance or theatre applicants.

Apply to multiple colleges and universities at the same time by using the Common App, which is accepted by more than 1,000 schools. The newest edition of the Common App is available annually on August 1, but you can create an account at any time. Routine details such as name and address as well as education information, high school activities and household information only need to be filled in once. However, each school still has its own deadlines, test score ranges and application requirements. Take note of each college's application requirements and follow them closely. 

Visit CommonApp for the application and resources to guide you through the process.