IMPORTANT TERMS

COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

Early Decision

The term used to describe the application process in which a binding agreement is made by the student to the college, that, if admitted, the student will enroll. 

• Student may apply to other colleges, but may only have one Early Decision application pending at any time.

• Non-refundable deposit due before May 1st if accepted.

• Immediately upon acceptance of offer, student will withdraw all other applications and make no subsequent applications.

Get the Application by choosing one of the following options:

• Apply online at the college's website.  Some colleges waive the fee if you apply online.

• Request the application directly from the college by contacting the Admissions Office

• Use the Common Application if accepted by the college.  Form can be downloaded online at www.commonapp.org

• Pick up a SUNY application in the Counseling Office or online at www.suny.edu/student

Complete the application

• Follow all directions
• Neatness, thoroughness and spelling are important
• Proofread for accuracy
• CEEB code for Catskill High School is 331265
• Sign and date application

Request two teacher recommendations and one non-teacher recommendation

• Request recommendations at least 6 weeks prior to the application deadline
• Be prepared to provide teachers with an activities resume
• Fill out the student portion of the recommendation form
• Colleges expect that recommendations are confidential.  Therefore, we recommend that you waive your rights to see the recommendation
• If you apply online, you must print the teacher recommendation form
• Be sure to THANK those that have written letters of recommendation

Develop an Activities Resume

• Include your resume with your completed application
• Give a copy to your counselor
• Update your resume as necessary
• See examples

Write your essay, if required

• Proofread for spelling or grammar errors
• Have another person review your essay
• Include your essay with your completed application
• Include your name and social security number on each page

Give your counselor your School Report and Mid-Year Report Form and complete a Transcript Request form

• Give your counselor application forms at least two weeks before you will mail in your application
• If you applied online, you must print this form and give it to your counselor
• Be sure to fill out your portion of the form, including courses currently taking
• Complete the Transcript Request form with Mrs. Broccolo so an official transcript can be sent.  BE SURE TO ALLOW THE COUNSELING OFFICE AT LEAST TWO WEEKS TO PROCESS YOUR APPLICATION.

Be aware of deadlines and make sure all materials are sent by the due date

Be aware of testing requirements for each college

• SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT Test scores are reported on transcripts
• Some colleges require that scores be sent directly from College Board and/or ACT.  It is the students' responsibility to request that test scores are sent to colleges.  The websites are www.collegeboard.com and www.actstudent.org.

File appropriate financial aid forms and search for Scholarships

•  See the Counseling Center's website page for financial aid and scholarships.
• Monthly Guidance Scholarship Memo distributed in English class and available in the Counseling Office.
• See if the CSS Profile is required for any colleges in which you have applied.  If so, complete the CSS Profile online at www.collegeboard.com.
• Complete the FAFSA by the college's deadline.  To register, go to www.fafsa.gov.
• Some colleges have their own financial aid for which may also have to be completed.
• Attend the Financial Aid Night and Clarke Scholarship Meeting.  For dates and times see the Financial Aid and Scholarship Page.

Prospective NCAA Athletes

• If you are considering playing a sport at a Division I or Division II college, you must register with the NCAA by visiting www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.  This process must be completed in order to play at the college level. 
• For more information, visit the NCAA page or see your counselor.

Early Action

The application process which permits a student to make application to college of preference and receive a decision during the senior year, well in advance of the normal response dates in the spring.  For most colleges, the candidate is not committed to enroll at the particular college.

• Student may apply to other colleges.

• Student not required to make a commitment prior to May 1st, but is encouraged to do so as soon as final college choice is made.

Regular Decision

The application process in which college reviews most of its applications prior to notifying the majority of its candidates.

Wait List

A process in which the college does not initially offer or deny admission, but extends to a candidate the possibility of admission in the future.

Rolling Admission

The application process in which college reviews applications as they are received and offers decisions to students as applications are received.