We recommend that seniors start FIRST by reviewing this checklist we’ve created so you know what to plan for. Look through it and plan your calendar according to each step. Be flexible, as some dates can and will change.

View College Checklist

Applications

College applications can take between a day and a few months, and depending on the college, their applications will look different as well.

Types of Applications

Students should apply as early as August if possible. Advisors recommend students to apply DIRECTLY on the college website, but below are some applications you can explore to make your application process more effective:

• Common App allows you to apply to more than 800 colleges. Students may have to connect their Xello accounts to the Common App. Please talk to your Advisor and Counselor before starting.

• MnState System: Allows you to apply to most two-year community colleges and eight state universities in Minnesota.​ You will need to request access to the Steps to Apply: Steps to Apply

• U of MN System: UMN is made of up five campuses. You can download the Share My App to apply other campuses.​ Watch the video for instructions.

Note: Students who need their high school transcript can request it through their Xello account.

Deadlines

Be aware of the deadlines for the colleges and what documents are requested of each school. This will help you complete and gather the necessary documents (essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and others) before the deadline.

Make sure you READ the criteria and put it in your planner before you start!

Types of Deadlines

• Early Decision: Submit your application around November, and your decision will usually be made by December. Though Early Decision deadlines have a similar timeline to Early Action (see below), it has one huge difference: they are binding. That means by applying to a school Early Decision (and you would only apply to one school Early Decision), you are agreeing to enroll if you are admitted. If accepted, you must contact any other colleges you applied to and withdraw your applications. Only apply for Early Decision if you are 100% sure the college is the one for you.

• Early Action: Early Action is the non-binding one. With Early Action, you’ll also submit your application around November and usually get your decision by December, but you can still apply to other schools Early Action, and you don’t have to commit to a school if you’re admitted.

• Regular Decision: these deadlines are non-binding and widely available. Regular Decision deadlines for fall admission usually occur in the preceding January or February, and students will receive a decision by April.

• Rolling admission: Non-binding. Accept applications until their programs fill up, often as late as April and through the summer. However, there’s a chance of losing your spot if the class fills up, and you could miss out on scholarship opportunities, so it’s best not to wait too long.

Source: Types of Deadlines

ACT/SAT: After the pandemic, many colleges removed the ACT score requirement on their application. Although many colleges do not require an ACT score, there are still some that do require it. We recommend you research the colleges you are interested so you can prepare the score in case an application requires it.

If you took the ACT test, but are not satisfied with your score and want to retake the ACT then you must register ahead of time (1-2 month before) to secure a spot.

ACCUPLACER: The ACCUPLACER test has change for many community colleges in Minnesota. We recommend you review their website to confirm if this is something required for their institution.

Application release date: Sunday, December 1, 2024

The process from start to finish of the FAFSA application depends on you.

We highly encourage our Seniors to start as soon as FAFSA opens and complete it by winter break. Why? It’s easy to postpone FAFSA around the time of tests, parents have busy work schedules, and most of all, it is the “FIRST COME FIRST SERVE” kind of approach. Believe it or not, some aids are limited, as well as college funds.

Why do you think financial aid deadlines are set the way they are? What we don’t want to happen is for you to finish it by May, as we had students do in the past because of the limited funds you’ll receive, and it pushes your application process further back.

The FAFSA Application usually opens in in the fall, but Seniors are encouraged to create a FSA ID before the application opens. Once you create your FSA ID, it takes a couple of weeks to process. Preparing your FSA ID in advance will allow you to complete the application right when it opens without any delays.

The parent/guardian will also NEED to create an FSA ID. If you have a sibling that has gone to college before, you may not need to create one but instead confirm they have one.

The FAFSA Application is like a big pool of money, so the sooner you can complete it, the more likely you are to receive a BIGGER financial aid package (more money).

Visit Federal Student Aid 

TRIO ETS collects a variety of scholarship to share with our students. They range from merit to institutional and local scholarships.

• Merit scholarships are based on academic success in high school

• Institutional scholarships are given through the college you are applying to. They are sometimes given automatically if you meet the criteria OR they have a list of internal scholarships you can apply.

• Local scholarships are typically offered at a smaller scale. Therefore, students applying have a higher likelihood of earning this type of scholarship

Scholarships are competitive, but that doesn’t mean you should try them!

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Tips for Essays

This section is all about writing your story. Some essays can be personal and others can be light-hearted. It is up to you and how you want to answer the essay questions, but remember this, it is all about how you tell your story that will keep the reader’s interests. I introduce you to a new concept call Storytelling, then we’ll talk about the structure of the essays.

It is not too late to sign up for a campus visit!

Your high school may offer campus visits throughout the year so keep an eye out for those permission slip forms. Otherwise, you can always schedule an individual visit with the college you are interested in and tour it yourself!

Each year the Minnesota National College Fair is offered in the Fall for students to speak to different college representatives from across the country. Ask your College Counselor at your high school for more information.

The more information you can gather on the colleges you are interested in, the more clarity it will provide you on where you want to attend!

Waiting period happens after your college applications and FAFSA submissions. This waiting period might take awhile and it depends on the colleges/university to process your information.

Around March-May, you should hear back from them on the status of your college application (accepted/rejected/waitlisted). You may also hear back on your FAFSA application regarding additional information and documents they need to move your application forward.

If you feel you have been waiting longer than anticipated, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Admissions office/Financial Aid office for an update.