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Applying for College

Selecting a College

How to Apply to College: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand Why You Want to Go to College

  • Think about what you want to achieve: a better job, new skills, or personal growth. Knowing your goal will help you choose the right college and program.

2. Choose the Type of College

  • Community Colleges: 2-year programs, often cheaper, great for starting out.
  • Universities: 4-year programs that offer bachelor’s degrees.
  • Trade Schools: Focus on specific careers (e.g., welding, cosmetology, IT).
  • Research online, attend a college fair, or stop by the CCC for help. 

3. Research Colleges

  • Look up colleges that offer the program or major you’re interested in.
  • Compare costs, locations, and resources.
  • Visit the college’s website or schedule a tour.

4. Check Admission Requirements

  • Find out what you need to apply (high school transcripts, test scores etc.)
  • Look for application deadlines and write them down.

5. Prepare the Application

  • Most applications ask for:
    • Personal information (name, address, etc.).
    • Your high school transcript (download them through skyward).
    • Test scores (like SAT or ACT) if required.
    • A personal essay (many colleges ask for one about your goals or experiences).
    • Letters of recommendation (from teachers, counselors, or mentors).
  • Many schools use the Common app so you only have to put all this info in once.

6. Apply for Financial Aid

  • College can be expensive, but there’s help:
    • Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.gov. It’s free and tells you what loans, grants, or work-study jobs you qualify for. If you are undocumented you can safely use the WASFA.
    • Look for scholarships—there are thousands for different backgrounds, skills, and interests.
    • Ask the college’s financial aid office for more options.

7. Submit Applications

  • Double-check all forms, essays, and required documents.
  • Pay the application fee (some colleges waive this if you ask!).
  • Submit everything by the deadline.

8. Follow Up

  • After you apply, check your email or the college’s application portal for updates.
  • Some colleges may ask for additional documents or an interview.

9. Review Your Acceptance Letters

  • If you get into multiple colleges, compare their programs, costs, and financial aid offers.
  • Pick the one that fits you best.

10. Enroll in College

  • Once you decide, let the college know you’re coming (this is called “accepting the offer”).
  • Pay the enrollment deposit if required.
  • Sign up for orientation and register for classes

Introducing Common App

The Common App is a free online platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with one application.

Applicants may use to apply to over 1,000 member colleges and universities in all 50 U.S. states and some schools in the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, China, Japan, and many European countries.

 

Join it here:

www.commonapp.org

Transcript Request Form

Use this form to request your transcripts! Please read the form carefully and only request what you need. Be sure to check your LWSD email for notifications that they're complete. 

Juniors & Seniors: You can now access your unofficial transcript yourself through Skyward.  Go to your Portfolio Tab, Click Unofficial Transcript, and Download. 
 

Current Student Transcript Request Form

 

First page of the PDF file: College-Application-Timeline

 

4 Year College Application Tips