College Application Process

Revised 9/20/06

Applications

A limited number of applications for a select number of colleges are available in Student Services.  However, we strongly recommend that you apply on-line and submit your application electronically.  If we are unable to provide you with a paper copy and you do not wish to apply online, you must contact the college or university directly to request an application.  Paper applications should be completed in black or blue ink and free of scratch outs and smudges.  Be sure to sign all applications and attach application fees.  Once your applications are completed or you have applied online and have a signature page, bring them to Student Services.  Applications must be complete; including writing samples, personal statements, secondary school reports, fees, and letters of recommendations.  We cannot hold incomplete applications.

Letters of Recommendation

Some, not all, colleges will require one or more letters of recommendation as part of the application.  If you are asking a teacher or a coach to write a letter for you, we suggest that you give the names of the schools that you are applying and a list of your activities, awards, and accomplishments.  Allow them ample time, at least 2 weeks, to write your letters.  Many teachers are writing multiple letters.  We recommend that you waive your right to read the letter and that it is in a sealed envelope.  Unread letters are more credible to admission committees.  Submit all letters with your completed application to your counselor.  If a counselor recommendation is required, be sure to complete the blue senior questionnaire packet and allow 2 weeks for the counselor to honor your request.

Transcripts

Transcript request forms are available in Student Services or you can download them from the Student Services webpage.  A one-time $5.00 transcript fee must be paid in the Business Office before transcripts can be sent.  You may request as many transcripts as necessary once the fee is paid.  Bring the receipt to your counselor with your transcript request(s).  A new request form must be completed for each college.  Allow 10 days for your request to be processed.

Reporting Test Scores to Colleges

It is your responsibility to see that the appropriate ACT and or SAT scores are sent to colleges.  If you did not code your selected colleges at the time you registered for the tests, you must request an additional score report be sent.  Most colleges require official test scores.  This means they must be received from the testing office.  Visit www.act.org to request ACT scores and www.collegeboard.com to request SAT scores.  Allow several weeks for colleges to receive the score reports.  Each ACT report will cost $8.00.  You may select a single test date report for the ACT exams.  Be sure to designate the type of ACT test as state or national.  Each SAT report will cost $9.50.  College Board will send all SAT reasoning and subject test scores.  There are additional fees for rush delivery for both ACT and SAT reports.  

Deadlines

You are responsible for knowing your selected colleges' deadlines and bringing your applications and other materials to your counselor in time for us to meet those deadlines.  You must allow 10 days for us to process your transcript request and finalize your application.  Do not include weekends and holidays.  We try to accommodate you as best as we can.  However, our department is serving over 300 seniors and we need adequate time to process the hundreds of college applications we will see this year. 

160 Ridgewood, Riverside, Illinois 60546-2408 ~ Phone 708.442.7500 ~ Fax 708.447.3280