Reminder: helpful college process tips are found in seniors’ Schoology page: College Application Help Guide for Seniors.
Application deadlines
Seniors are encouraged to apply early to colleges, as the applicant pool is wide open during the early round of deadlines. Early applications often double as scholarship applications. Every school sets their own deadlines. Students must be aware of the deadlines at the schools they are applying to by checking each school’s admissions page. All required materials must be sent to schools prior to the application deadline.
Rec Letters
Many schools require recommendation letters from teachers and counselors as part of the application process. After gaining approval from teachers to write their letters, students must then invite them through Naviance so the letters can be uploaded and sent electronically to the schools the student is applying to. Students should see their counselor for help with this process if needed.
Requesting Transcripts and Self-Reported Academic Records(SRAR)
Many colleges need an official transcript as part of the application review process. Students request their transcripts through Naviance, at least 10 days prior to an application deadline. Some schools however, utilize a self-reported Academic Record (SRAR) either reported through the Common Application, or, by using a separate link that colleges will send students upon submitting their application. U of I is one school that uses a SRAR.
Sending Test Scores/Test Optional
Students must know the testing policy at each school they are applying to, by checking each school’s testing policy webpage. Many colleges allow standardized test scores to be reported in the Common Application, but some schools may still require the official score to be sent directly from the testing agency (ACT or College Board). As a starting point, please refer to this list of schools that allow self-reported scores. If sending official scores please do so at least 2 weeks prior to an application deadline. Note: many schools remain test optional. Please refer to the article above on Test Score Submit Rates for the Class of 2026.
Financial Aid
The financial aid application timeline has shifted later this year, and will be available starting in December. Please be sure to attend the virtual Financial Aid presentation on October 24th at 7pm. Watch your email for additional information.
