Written By Andie Pinga
College applications require many different components, and each school has their own set of requirements. The best practice would be to check the requirements for each individual school before submitting your applications. Below is a comprehensive list of what could be asked by colleges and additional information to help you put it together.
| Application Form | |
| Personal Information | Basic information about you – name, email address, phone number high school, citizenship information, etc. |
| Extracurriculars And Summer Activities | List and describe your extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, community service, and any leadership roles. You can also include any summer internships or jobs you’ve held. This section may optionally allow you to upload a resume. |
| Essays (Common App And Supplemental) | Your Common App and Supplemental essays will showcase your personality, goals, and reasons for applying. |
| Honors | List any honors you’ve received, as well as descriptions and context (ie. how many people receive the award, what is the award for) |
| Disciplinary Infractions | Detail any information on major disciplinary infractions received. |
| Application Fee | Fees differ across schools. There are also fee-waivers available for students. |
| Standardized Test Scores | |
| SAT/ACT Scores | You have the option to send your SAT/ACT scores to colleges immediately after you take it, or hold off to take it multiple times. Take advantage of Superscoring. Some schools may also have test-optional policies. |
| AP Scores | Send your AP scores to indicate that you’re prepared for college-level coursework. |
| School Reports | |
| Official High School Transcript | Submit official high school transcripts. Some colleges may also require transcripts from any colleges or universities you attended previously. |
| Letters of Recommendation | |
| Teacher Recommendations | Submit letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to your academic abilities and character. |
| Additional Recommendations | Additional letters of recommendation can be submitted by other individuals (ie. coaches, counselors, mentors) who know you well. |
| Additional Components (Optional) | |
| Portfolio | If you are applying to a program in the arts or a specific field that requires a portfolio, submit samples of your work. |
| Interview | Some colleges may require an interview as part of the application process. Prepare for this by researching common interview questions and practicing your responses. |
| Demonstrated Interest | Some colleges track demonstrated interest, so attending information sessions, campus tours, or interviews may be beneficial. |
| Financial Aid Information | If applying for financial aid, submit the necessary documents, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. |
| Language Proficiency Tests | For international students, provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like the TOEFL or IELTS. |
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About The Author
Andie Pinga is an expert SoFlo tutor and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Anthropology. She scored a 35 on her ACT and enjoys rock climbing and playing the guitar.
