College Application Checklist

There is a lot to do before you send out your college applications to your target UG colleges. There are multiple stages involved in completing a college application, each stage customized according to individual college requirements.

Included below is a comprehensive list of the major things you’ll need to ensure before starting out with the overwhelming application process.

• Create a balanced list of reach, match, and safety colleges
• Get the application
• Make a note of the regular application deadline
• Make a note of the early application deadline
• Request high school transcript sent
• Request mid-year grade report sent
• Find out if an admission test is required
• Take an admission test(ACT or SAT), if required
• Take other required or recommended tests (eg., SAT Subject Tests, APs)
• Send thank-you notes to the recommendation writers
• Draft initial essay
• Proofread essays for spelling and grammar
• Have two people read your essay
• Revise your essay
• Proofread your revision
• Interview at the college campus
• Have an alumni interview
• Submit FAFSA
• Submit PROFILE, if needed
• Make a note of the regular financial aid deadline
• Make note of the priority financial aid deadline
• Complete college application
• Make copies of all application materials
• Pay application fee
• Sign and send the application
• Submit college aid form, if needed
• Submit state aid form, if needed
• Confirm receipt of application materials
• Send additional material, if needed
• Tell the school counsellor that you applied
• Receive a letter from the Office of Admission
• Receive financial aid award letter
• Meet the deadline to accept admission and send the deposit
• Accept financial aid offer
• Notify the colleges you will not attend

Adhering to this list will help you deal with the application process in a more informed and systematic manner.

Nevertheless, for any other assistance, fill out our Student’s Assistance Form.

Source: College Board Official Website