Gathering Application Materials

What is included in your college application? 

College admissions officials weigh a variety of criteria when reviewing applications. Most schools weigh your high school grades and course rigor while considering your essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation to determine how you would fit in on their campus. Students applying to a specific major or program may need to submit a resume or portfolio to show aptitude in their chosen field. Performing arts applicants must submit a video audition or attend an in-person audition for most programs.

• High school transcripts (from all schools you attended during grades 9-12).

  • Keep on top of your transcript by requesting an unofficial copy from your school counselor at the end of each school year or grading period.

• Letters of recommendation 

  • Consider asking two of your content area teachers who know you well as a student, classmate, and person to write your recommendations.

  • Most high schools will require students to complete a form highlighting their strengths for the recommenders.

  • Ask your teachers to serve as recommenders before junior year waps up.

  • Write a thank you note to your recommenders in the fall of senior year.

• High school profile report

  • Your high school counseling office takes care of this piece, but double-check your application portals in the fall to ensure the school profile has been submitted.

• Personal Statement and Essay(s)

  • The Common App requires students to respond to one of seven prompts. Students may use up to 650 words to answer the prompt and share something about themselves that is not shared elsewhere in the application. Use the personal statement to tell the admissions office what is important to you and how you have changed and grown as a person during your high school years.

  • Many schools also require at least one supplement essay, in addition to the personal statement. These questions may ask why you are choosing to apply to a particular college, how you see yourself becoming involved in the campus community, or what academic areas or majors are you considering. These essays will be shorter than your personal statement (200-500 words), so do your research and make every word count.

• Extracurricular Activities List 

  • Keep a running list of your activities from 9th-12th grade. When describing each activity focus on your involvement, role, and time commitment to the group, committee, or team. Highlight any leadership roles within the activity.

  • When ordering your activities, list them in order of importance to you.

  • In some cases, students have multiple activities relating to their passion so a resume/repertoire may be an appropriate addition to your file. Be sure to check with each college to make sure they will look at the attachments.

• SAT/ACT

  • Many colleges moved to test-optional or test-blind policies in 2020, however many highly selective universities have started to request test scores again.

  • Make a plan to register for a standardized test. In most cases, test scores will only help your application at test-optional schools.

• Applicants to visual and performing arts majors will submit a portfolio or audition in person or via video-recorded audition

  • Students applying to visual arts programs will submit copies of their art along with their application.

  • Music students may submit videos or audition in person.

  • Dancers, musical theater, and drama applicants may submit video auditions and attend in-person auditions.

  • Keep an eye on the due dates for audition-based applications. These application due dates tend to fall earlier in the application cycle, particularly where pre-screen auditions are required.

If you are ready to get started, begin by working on the above items and create your Common App account. The AXS companion created by volunteers from the Independent Educational Consultants Association with the help of Oregon State University is a fantastic resource of short videos that walk families through each question on the Common App.

As always, I’m happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the college application process. Feel free to reach out through https://www.jenkinscollegecoaching.com/contact#free-coaching-consultation or meghan@jenkinscollegecoaching.com