Applying to College
Seniors who wish to apply to college, technical school or trade school should be preparing their applications now. You can begin by researching and visiting the colleges you are interested in. Take advantage of the OPEN HOUSES that the colleges will be having this Fall. Some dates are posted on the Guidance bulletin board near the cafeteria, or you can look on-line at your college of interest.
Most colleges now are requesting that you apply on-line. Some even waive the registration fee if you do. On-line applications need to be followed up with the counselor form and high school transcript. Students requesting transcripts MUST fill out a Transcript Release Form. The form can be obtained in the Guidance Office and must be signed by BOTH the student and their parent. Students needing Letters of Recommendation are asked to pick up a Recommendation Request Form in the Guidance Office. They are to fill it out and give it to the teacher(s) they are requesting a letter from. When the teacher has completed the letter, they are to give the student the letters in sealed envelopes. Please make sure you tell your teacher how many letters you will need.
In order for the Guidance Office to process applications, please allow 2 – 5 days. Postage will be required for us to mail out applications, counselor forms, letters of recommendations, and transcripts. We try to group all of the letters and forms together so the college will receive everything together. Depending on the number of papers in an envelope and the size of the envelope, we will need up to four postage stamps per college.
Application Checklist
Recommendation Request Form – to request teacher or counselor recommendations. Please allow 2 weeks to process request. Letters must be in sealed envelopes with the teacher’s signature on the back.
Completed and signed application and fee. (if not done online)
Transcript Request Form – for official copy of high school transcript
Official SAT scores sent by College Board – Some colleges do not accept the score reported on your high school transcript. Note: Seniors applying to Penn State are required to have their scores send directly from College Board. When registering for the SAT, be sure to use the code 2660 for Penn State.
Counselor Form – if requested by the college.
Resume – Not always requested by the college, but could be included.
Essay – If applicable