College Application Checklist & Timeline

Expanding on the Regular Decision Application Checklist

1. Register for free/reduced lunch – https://www.myschoolapps.com/
   1. Students register for free/reduced lunch at the start of their junior year to reduce fees associated with AP exams & the SAT
2. Take the SAT
   1. The vast majority of colleges and universities require applying students to have taken the SAT
3. Explore colleges and programs
   1. Students have a wealth of colleges and programs available to them. This vast array of options could feel overwhelming if not given its due time, so take this time to find a college and career path that suits you.
4. Pick up a copy of your unofficial transcript from the school office
   1. Feel free to pick up a copy of your unofficial transcript from the school office immediately after your junior year report card is issued. Having your transcript will allow you to explore your college options more accurately over the summer.
5. Create your own resume
   1. High school resumes are a great addition to your college application. People often struggling writing resumes later in life, when it is far more crucial too, so take this opportunity to learn how to write a resume!
   2. Your resume must be submitted as part of your college application. Some colleges require students submit resumes.
6. Ask teachers if they would write your letters of recommendation next school year.
   1. During your senior year, teachers often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of students asking for letters of recommendation. This could result in you being denied a letter of recommendation. Get ahead of the game by asking teachers for a letter of recommendation in your junior year. This will also give teachers will have ample time to think about what to write for your letter of recommendation. Note, providing teachers with your resume & ample time to write your letter of recommendation will allow teachers to write you the best letter of recommendation possible.
7. Register for free/reduced lunch – https://www.myschoolapps.com/ (again)
   1. Students register for free/reduced lunch at the start of their senior year to reduce fees associated with AP exams, the SAT, and college applications.
8. Complete your Common App application – https://apply.Common App.org/login
   1. Common App is used to apply to all Non-Cuny colleges. Students can apply for colleges after recording personal information. Be mindful of your application type (early action, early decision, regular decision, etc.). This step could be done in advance (junior year).
   2. The Common App application must be done with a parent
9. Complete your CUNY application – https://www.cuny.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/cuny-application/
   1. The Cuny application is used to apply to all Cuny colleges. Be mindful of your application type (regular decision vs. Macaulay Honors). This step could be done in advance (junior year).
   2. The Cuny application must be done with a parent
10. Complete the following Brag Sheet: brag sheet
    1. Completing the brag sheet is important to ensure that teachers are able to write effective, quality recommendation letters for you.
11. Formally request three letters of recommendation
    1. When completing your application, Common App and Cuny will have fields for you to request letters of recommendation. Simply plug in the email addresses of the teachers who have agreed to write you letters of recommendation; then, give the teacher time to write your letter. Supply your recommenders with a completed brag sheet & your resume so they can write substantive recommendations for you. For more information, please visit this recommendation process guide
12. FAFSA application – https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
    1. The FAFSA application usually opens to students in October. Completing the FAFSA application after December could result in receiving less financial aid.
    2. The FAFSA application must be done with a parent.
13. TAP Application – https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/nys-tap/apply-for-tap.html
    1. The TAP application usually opens to students in October. Completing the TAP application after December could result in receiving less financial aid.
    2. The TAP application must be done with a parent.
14. Submit your writing supplements/personal statements.
    1. Students are required to write 1-3 personal statements corresponding to the programs applied. Check your Common App and Cuny applications to see your exact deadlines to submit your writing supplements
15. Send your SAT scores to colleges through your Collegeboard account.
    1. Student SAT scores can only be delivered to colleges by collegeboard as authorized by the student. Unfortunately, Al-Mamoor School cannot send your SAT scores to colleges on your behalf.
16. Explore scholarships available to you.
    1. Scholarships can be just as overwhelming as the college application process. Take your time exploring scholarships. You might just save thousands and thousands of dollars!
17. Make your final decision!
    1. After hearing back from all colleges & programs you applied to, this is the time for you to decide which college you will attend.
18. Graduate meeting credit and service hour requirements.
    1. Your high school career is not over after being accepted into a college. Ensure that you pass all classes and meet your service hour requirement or your college acceptance may be reviewed!