EXCEL
at
School
EXPLORE Career Paths
IDENTIFY
Your College
FUND Your Education
APPLY with Confidence

SENIORS
Apply with Confidence

Prepare to fill out college applications

  • Create a calendar of deadlines so that you know when the applications are due. List all application deadlines, including testing and financial aid requirements, for each program that interests you. Use a checklist to stay organized.
  • Compile a list of all of the documents you will need.
  • Identify the teachers, coaches and mentors who will write recommendation letters. Talk to them now, then remind them when school starts in the fall. Ask them early so they have enough time. Make sure they know you well and can speak about your strengths. Provide your resume to help them with specifics.
  • Ask your school counselor about fee waivers. Use fee waivers for the SAT, SAT subject test, ACT and college applications. Many Delaware colleges waive the application fee during College Application Month.
  • Make a list of all your accomplishments, activities in which you excelled and awards you received since ninth grade. You will use these in your application and essay.

  • Talk about your different opportunities. Many paths lead to similar careers. You could earn a certificate, complete an apprenticeship or earn an associate or bachelor’s degree. Investigate what each one may cost and what salary you can earn with different credentials.
  • Ask your counselor about fee waivers for college applications and SAT/ACT tests. Your parent/guardian can authorize your school to use your USDA Free and Reduced-Price Meals status for SAT/ACT and college application fee waivers. Not sure if you qualify? Check with your school.

  • Memorize your Social Security number. You will need it often. Don’t have one? Talk to your school counselor.
  • Apply for a driver’s license or state ID card if you don’t have one. You may need one for financial aid verification.
  • Males have to register with Selective Service within 30 days (before or after) of their 18th birthdays. If you do not register, you will not be eligible for federal financial aid for college.

  • Control privacy settings on your social media accounts so your personal photos and posts don’t jeopardize your chances of getting admitted or receiving a scholarship. After viewing the video Cleaning Up Your Online Act (bit.ly/OwnFuture), use the self-assessment on that web page to check out your online presence.
  • Ensure that your email address is professional and appropriate for communicating with colleges, lenders and employers. Stick to using your name, such as firstnamelastname@gmail.com. Be sure to check your email often because this is how colleges, financial aid offices and scholarship administrators will communicate with you. Do not use your high school email address because it deactivates when you graduate.
  • Request or follow up on letters of recommendation for your college applications. Provide your recommendors with a list of your accomplishments for the letter. Don’t forget to send thank-you notes.

  • Write an essay about you, your qualities and your aspirations. For inspiration, read the tips and watch the video prepared by the Princeton Review, (bit.ly/UnforgettableEssay), and the College Board (bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays). Check out the Common Application essay prompts: bit.ly/TheCommonApp.
  • Share your essay with parents, teachers or other trusted adults. They can offer feedback to craft the strongest essays possible.

  • Designate time to work on college applications. Delaware College Application Month runs from mid- October through mid-November. All Delaware colleges waive their application fees during this month. Your school will hold events so you can learn more about college, and will designate time for you to work on college applications during the school day. Be aware of college application deadlines. If you are applying Early Decision or Early Action to a college, those dates are earlier than regular application deadlines.
  • Have all of your information available when applying.
  • Consider the Common Application. More than 500 colleges use this form. Many colleges waive application fees if you have a fee waiver or explain that you can’t afford it. Check commonapp.org for the programs and colleges you are considering.

  • Finalize your list of three to five colleges or programs and note the deadlines. Remember to think about Safety, Good Fit and Reach. Note what is required in addition to your essay and list of accomplishments.
  • Continue to apply to Delaware colleges for free. All Delaware colleges are waiving application fees during October and November. Attend events at your school to learn more about college and fill out applications during your school’s College Application Week.
  • Check out the Academic Common Market. You may be able to pay in-state tuition at out-of-state universities. Learn more at www.delawarestudentsuccess.org/acm.

  • Ask your counselor about the process to send your transcript to your selected schools.
  • Send your SAT, ACT, and AP scores. These scores can help with scholarships, course placement, or selection for certain programs or majors.
  • Check your email often (including your spam folder). Pay attention to deadlines and information about scholarships, financial aid, deposits, orientation, medical forms and housing. Deadlines are important.