Welcome to the Applying Process!

Applying to college takes work, but we’ve provided you with information, tips, and tools to make your application process more manageable and help reduce some of your stress.

What’s Involved in the College Admissions Process?

Finalize your college list: Our experts recommend applying to four to eight colleges.

Decide if you will apply early and/or regular admissions: The timeframe and deadlines are different, so you need to know when everything is due. Meet your deadlines!

Gather applications and materials: You should try to have everything you need in one place as far in advance as possible. You want to do everything you can to avoid additional stress during the college application process.

File applications: Most colleges prefer online applications, but you may need to mail some materials. Most colleges require application fees—make sure you pay these if you want your application to be processed.

Admissions interviews: Some colleges require interviews during the application process.

Outcomes: You will receive decision letters—acceptance, waitlist, deferral, rejection—and financial aid award letters. You will need to decide where you will attend based on the outcomes you receive and make deposits at the college of your choice.

Myths About Applying to College

Information adapted from The 75 Biggest Myths About College Admissions.

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Myth: Admission decisions are based on your individual abilities.

Reality: Colleges are trying to sort potential students into categories in order to balance and match an incoming class with that institution's structure and offerings.

Myth: You need to know your major before you apply.

Reality: "Undecided" is the most common major of the freshman class. If you know what you want to major in, great. If you don't know, that's fine, too. And remember, a lot of students change majors at least once, so don't worry if you change your mind.