THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
How to apply????
(Applications typically open in early August)
(a) ApplyTexas Application
ApplyTexas.org – used for application to Texas public colleges and a few private colleges. This application
does not require a letter of recommendation. If you still want a letter of recommendation sent then you
will need to supply all the appropriate documents, i.e. resume, brag sheets, envelopes, stamps, etc.
(b) Common Application
Commonapp.org –There are now over 500 Common Application members in 48 states and the District of
Columbia, as well as in six foreign countries. See the website for a complete listing of member
institutions. Common App Member schools require these important forms in the application process:
Secondary School Report (the counselor evaluation form), Mid-Year Report (sent by your counselor in
late January; will include updated rank and GPA from the fall semester), and the Teacher Evaluation.
(c) Applications specific to certain colleges – If a college is not a member of ApplyTexas nor Common
Application, they will likely have their own application available through their website.
Colleges and universities typically require three letters of recommendation as part of the application process.
These come from:
 high school counselor or college advisor
 classroom teachers (typically one Math or Science and one English or Social Studies)
 mentors or members of the community.
How do I ask for Teacher/Counselor Recommendations?
You will give your recommendation writers a two pocket folder with the following documents: copy of your
resume, brag sheet, parent brag sheet, teacher interaction sheet (for each teacher), any other related
documents, a list of schools you’re applying to with appropriate deadlines, and stamped, addressed envelopes
(if applicable).
How much time should I give to my recommendation writers?
Please give your teacher, counselor, or college advisor a minimum of 2 – 3 working weeks (not calendar weeks)
before the deadline to complete their part of your application. This is especially true for December 1 st deadlines
(Thanksgiving holidays fall before this due date) and January 1 st deadlines (winter holiday break falls before this
due date).
ADDING A RECOMMENDER TO COMMONAPP.ORG
Letters of Recommendation: What You Need To Do
1: Register for an account with the Common App
2: “My Colleges” – Add the colleges/universities that you are planning to apply to
3: “Future Plans” – Enter your Term and Decision Plan for EACH individual school
4: “Applicant” – Fill in personal data, address, phone, and email information
5: “Education” – Complete page
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CEEB Code is 441-509
School – Richard King High School
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Type of School – Public
Date of Entry – 08/2010 (if started as a freshman)
Graduation Date – 06/06/2014
Address – 5225 Gollihar, Corpus Christi, Tx 78412
Counselor Information
Step 6: “Academics” – Complete as much as possible (required fields before inviting school
official for letter of recommendation are below)
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Rank: Indicate Weighted GPA
Graduating Class Size – 525
Cumulative GPA – All courses
GPA Scale – 4.0
GPA Weighting – Weighted
Current Year Courses – FILL IN EXACTLY AS PRINTED ON YOUR SCHEDULE!!!!
First Semester
Second Semester
AP US Government – 0.5 credits AP Macroeconomics- 0.5 credits
ASL III –0.5 credits
ASL III – 0.5 credits
AP Psychology – 0.5 credits
Sociology – 0.5 credits
AP Calculus BC – 0.5 credits
AP Calculus BC – 0.5 credits
Astronomy- 0.5 credits
Astronomy- 0.5 credits
Dual Credit English- 0.5 credits Dual Credit English- 0.5 credits
Art 1 – 0.5 credits
Art 1 – 0.5 credits
Step 7: “School Forms” – Fill out completely
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Release Authorization – check box
Privacy Notice – You MUST waive your right to access to your letter (if you do not
waive your right, we will NOT send your letter)
Signature – type in your full name and date
Your Recommenders – Invite Officials
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School Official Type – Click on Counselor (information will auto fill) and Send
Invitation
School Official Type – Click on Teacher (fill in contact info and subject area) and Send
Invitation
Parent/Legal Guardian (Only if you are applying Early Decision to a college) - Invite
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Personal Data – Fill in parent’s contact info and Save
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Early Decision School will be listed – select parent and SAVE
Your parent will receive an email link to your Common App account – they must sign in
and electronically sign your Early Decision Agreement in order for your Counselor
to submit your transcript and letter of recommendation
If you have completed the above steps, you will have successfully invited your Counselor,
Teachers, and Parent (if needed) to submit letters of rec, transcripts, and information on your
behalf.
NOTE: This DOES NOT mean your application is complete. You must fill out all Common
App pages (Demographics, Family, Activities, Writing, Signature, Supplements, Payments, etc.)
in order to submit your applications for each school.
How to invite your teachers & counselors in 3 steps:
Remember to give your teaches/counselors at least 3-4 weeks ahead of time before the deadline.
In addition, prepare them a package of information after they you ask them. Include in the
package: your resume, appraisal form, and any personal essays that will provide more
background info. about you. You’ll usually need two teachers, and one counselor to help you
write it.
(1) Go to http://commonapp.org/
(2) Enter all your information about your school and counselor (the one you asking to write
counselor letter of rec) under EDUCATION.
(3) Go to “SCHOOL FORMS” and check YES on the boxes to waive your right (this give the
letter of rec more credibility since you waive your rights to see it afterwards). Then invite your
counselor and teachers, and “saved” your teachers to the right box.
What about Mid Year Reports and Mid Year Transcripts?
Texas public colleges and universities do not require mid-year reports and transcripts. Most colleges and
universities that utilize the Common Application require BOTH a mid-year report and an official transcript of
grades through the seventh (fall) semester of the senior year.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR COLLEGE APPLICANTS
Richard King High School
5225 Gollihar
Corpus Christi, Tx 78412
School website: www.king.ccisd.us
CEEB Code: 441-509
School Telephone Number: 361-906-3400 x 22051
School Fax Number: 361-994-6918
How do I request transcripts?
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Go to the registrar’s office and request transcripts. Each transcript will cost $1.00 during the school
year and $2.00 once you have graduated.
The registrar will keep a log of where transcripts are sent.
Requests are usually processed the same day.
Most transcripts are sent through an electronic system called TEAL. Most of the larger Texas
schools are members and accept them as official. Unfortunately, test scores are not accepted as
attachments.
You will need to have ACT and/or SAT scores sent to your colleges either through the College Board
website or during the actual exam.
The GPA/Rank at the time the transcript is sent is printed on the official transcript.
When will colleges receive my transcript?
Give colleges and universities at least three weeks after initiating the request to check to see if they have received
the transcript. Remember that for Common App schools, your transcript will be sent at the same time as the
counselor recommendation letter so give your folder to your counselor well before your first big deadline.
Are my test scores listed on my transcript?
The high school transcript does NOT have the following test scores printed on it (Advanced Placement, PSAT, SAT,
ACT). You should request that your ACT and/or SAT test scores be sent directly from the testing agency as many
schools will not accept scores from any other source. To request ACT scores, go to: http://actstudent.org; for SAT
scores, go to http://www.collegeboard.org. Be sure to request your test scores at least two to three weeks before
your deadlines…the earlier, the better. Colleges generally don’t require that you submit official AP score reports
for the application review.