IMPORTANT LINKS
 

 
 

APPLICATION PROTOCOL

Public and private colleges handle freshman applications slightly differently. Most public schools do not require transcripts or teacher recommendations as part of the initial application process — each college provides directions on their requirements.

Read directions provided by every college, public and private, and follow those procedures carefully and precisely.
Public Colleges and Universities

University of California, California State Universities and out-of-state public schools

What students need to do in September/October

  • File applications in advance of deadlines (November 1-30 for UC schools, October 1 - November 30 for CSU schools.)
  • Review application instructions carefully to ensure  your application file is complete. Some public schools require a counselor signature or verification of classes, some require mid-year transcripts (for instructions on ordering transcripts, see box below ).

What students need to do in May/June

  • Request a final transcript, via a pink form, to be sent to the school you will be attending.

NOTE: ALL schools require an official final transcript confirming successful graduation from high school, so do not forget this critical step! Admission may be revoked if college does not receive this document.
Private Colleges and Universities

What students need to do in September/October

  • • File Application online.
    • Request a transcript for each school to which you will apply. Then go to the Registrar  with the Secondary Report from each application.

What students need to do at school before November

• To ensure counselor recommendations are written, give Counselor an activity sheet/resume and parent/student input sheet. This can be done prior to completing and filing applications online.
• Give the “Teacher Report” to the teacher(s) you have asked to write letters of recommendation along with envelopes stamped and addressed to each school (most private colleges require two teacher reports). This can be done prior to  completing and filing applications online - make sure you give the teachers enough time!

What students need to do at school after Winter Break

• Request that a mid-year transcript be sent to each school to which you are applying  and provide Mid Year Report forms for each school to the Registrar.

What students need to do in May/June

• Request a final transcript to be sent to the school you will attend          

NOTE: ALL schools require an official final transcript to confirm successful graduation from high school. Do not forget this critical step ! Your college admission may be revoked if the school does not receive this document.

SEE ALSO: TIPS FROM PARENTS, APPLICATION TIPS, AND COMPONENTS OF AN APPLICATION!