College Application Checklist

Are you a high school junior or senior who is thinking of pursuing higher education? This post is here to help provide you with a checklist of what you should complete before submitting your college applications. For a more detailed outline of what needs to be done during the college application process, see here. 

College Application Checklist

• Research colleges or universities that have your major of interest. 

   

• Prepare a list of reach, match, and safety schools. 

   

• Take standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, including subject tests if required. 

   

• If you need to fulfil an English language requirement, take the IELTS or TOEFL. 

   

• Retake any tests in advance, if necessary.

   

• Request recommendation letters early - latest by the start of your senior year! 

   

• Have all high-school transcripts ready. If the college requires that your high school directly send them the transcripts, make sure you ask your counsellor to send the transcripts to the college as soon as possible. 

   

• Check the application deadline for Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision for all colleges you want to apply to. 

   

• If using the Common App or Coalition App, start early.

   

• Choose the essay prompt you like the most, plan a draft essay, allow time for proofreading, and get feedback from your teachers or counsellors on how to improve. 

   

• Check whether any colleges require supplemental essays in addition to the Common App or Coalition App essay. Once again, plan a draft essay, allow time for proofreading, and get feedback from your teachers or counsellors on how to improve. 

   

• Apply for financial aid such as grants, bursaries, or scholarships if you are eligible. 

   

• Ensure you have all the required information such as tax documents, parental income forms, etc. that may be asked when filling out financial aid applications. 

   

• Submit your applications and wait for decisions from the colleges. 

   

• Once you receive acceptances, choose the college that works best for you. 

   

• Consider factors such as proximity to home, amount of financial aid received, and choice of program offered (e.g. did you get an offer to your first-choice program or an alternate offer?)

   

• Once you've made a decision, look into housing and meal plan options if you are moving away from home. 

   

• Learn about orientation events or networking opportunities to meet other new students and make friends. 

   

• Start college and enjoy the new chapter of your life! 

We hope this guide helps you with your college application process. Good luck with your applications!