How to prepare for the admissions process
By EducationQuest Foundation
College admission deadlines typically fall in December or January, so start preparing in
early fall. Contact your top colleges and ask about their admission requirements and
deadlines along with deadlines to apply for financial aid and college-based scholarships.
Most colleges require these items with your admission application:

Your high school transcript with class rank (sent through your high school
registrar/guidance office)

ACT and/or SAT scores (when you take the exams, have the scores sent to all
colleges you’re interested in attending)

List of extracurricular activities

Application fee (may be waived if you qualify for free or reduced price lunch)

Some colleges also require an essay and/or letters of recommendation.
Stay Organized
Mark all deadlines on your calendar and create a folder for each school. Use the folders
to store correspondence and brochures from the schools, notes from your campus visits,
and other college-related information.
Get Help
You don’t have to tackle the college admissions process alone!

Ask your parents or guardian to help you keep track of deadlines, gather required
records, and visit campuses. You’ll also need your parents’ help with financial
planning and with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA).

Discuss your future goals with your school counselor or teachers and ask them to
help you identify colleges and degree programs that match your goals.

Keep in touch with admissions representatives at the colleges you’re interested
in attending. They will make sure you understand important deadlines and
application requirements.

Contact EducationQuest Foundation for free help with the admissions and
financial aid processes. Call the Kearney office at 800-666-3721, Lincoln office
at 800-303-3745, or Omaha office at 888-357-6300. You’ll also find free tools at
EducationQuest.org.
Related EducationQuest blog articles you’re welcome to use (please cite EducationQuest
Foundation as the source):
5 college deadlines seniors forget about
Updated 6/23/15