Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the college application process:
1. What is a test optional school?
A test-optional college lets students decide whether they want to submit test scores with their application. Most test-optional schools will consider SAT and ACT scores if they are submitted, but focus on other factors they believe are stronger predictors of a student’s potential to succeed in college. These schools look at a student’s essays, recommendations, grades, and coursework just as (or more) closely than your test scores.
A test-flexible college lets students submit other test scores in place of the SAT or ACT, such as one or more SAT Subject Tests, an International Baccalaureate exam, or Advanced Placement test.
A test-blind college will not consider test scores, even if you submit them.
2. Can I request that my transcript be sent before my application is done?
Yes, you can request that your transcript be sent (through Parchment) at any time. You do not need to have finished and submitted your application (though its okay if you have) before you request your transcript.
3. Should I apply early?
There are several categories of early admission: Early Decision, Early Action, and Restricted Early Action. Here’s a brief breakdown:
4. Should I use Common Application, Coalition Application, or the school's own application?
Both the Common and Coalition applications streamline the admissions process by combing the main application for a large number of schools. Neither application gives you a higher chance of earning an acceptance letter.
Colleges that accept both the Common Application and the Coalition Application don’t prefer one over the other. However, the Common Application is accepted by more schools.
**We recommend if a school has their own application in addition to using Common Application (for example MSU), that you use the school's own application.
5. Do I have to wait until my Counselor submits my Secondary School Report (on Common App) before I submit my application?
No. Students and recommenders submit their portions independently. The student's application submission, triggers the download of any supporting documents.
6. Do I waive my rights under FERPA?
Ultimately this a student decision. However, we recommend that you choose to waive your rights, as colleges will take your recommendations more seriously if they know they are kept confidential.
7. When sending transcripts do I select "Send Now" or "Hold for Grades"?
Students will selected "Send Now". If a schools asks to see 7th semester grades before making an admissions decision, then you can go into your Parchment and click "Hold for Grades". Transcripts will then be sent out at the semester.
8. How do I get a list of my courses and grades to send to Colleges and NCAA?
You will need to go into Parchment and request a transcript be sent to yourself via e-mail.
1. What is a test optional school?
A test-optional college lets students decide whether they want to submit test scores with their application. Most test-optional schools will consider SAT and ACT scores if they are submitted, but focus on other factors they believe are stronger predictors of a student’s potential to succeed in college. These schools look at a student’s essays, recommendations, grades, and coursework just as (or more) closely than your test scores.
A test-flexible college lets students submit other test scores in place of the SAT or ACT, such as one or more SAT Subject Tests, an International Baccalaureate exam, or Advanced Placement test.
A test-blind college will not consider test scores, even if you submit them.
2. Can I request that my transcript be sent before my application is done?
Yes, you can request that your transcript be sent (through Parchment) at any time. You do not need to have finished and submitted your application (though its okay if you have) before you request your transcript.
3. Should I apply early?
There are several categories of early admission: Early Decision, Early Action, and Restricted Early Action. Here’s a brief breakdown:
- Early Decision- This is a binding early round application. If you’re accepted Early Decision, you must enroll at the school. Use Early Decision only if you have a clear first choice.
- Early Action- Early Action is non-binding. You can apply Early Action to multiple schools, and you aren’t obligated to attend if accepted. You can also apply Early Decision to one school and Early Action to several schools. If you’re accepted Early Decision, however, you must withdraw your Early Action applications.
- Restricted Early Action– Like Early Decision, Restricted Early Action is binding. You must attend if accepted. The difference is that if you apply REA, you can’t apply in the early rounds to any other schools, even Early Action.
4. Should I use Common Application, Coalition Application, or the school's own application?
Both the Common and Coalition applications streamline the admissions process by combing the main application for a large number of schools. Neither application gives you a higher chance of earning an acceptance letter.
Colleges that accept both the Common Application and the Coalition Application don’t prefer one over the other. However, the Common Application is accepted by more schools.
**We recommend if a school has their own application in addition to using Common Application (for example MSU), that you use the school's own application.
5. Do I have to wait until my Counselor submits my Secondary School Report (on Common App) before I submit my application?
No. Students and recommenders submit their portions independently. The student's application submission, triggers the download of any supporting documents.
6. Do I waive my rights under FERPA?
Ultimately this a student decision. However, we recommend that you choose to waive your rights, as colleges will take your recommendations more seriously if they know they are kept confidential.
7. When sending transcripts do I select "Send Now" or "Hold for Grades"?
Students will selected "Send Now". If a schools asks to see 7th semester grades before making an admissions decision, then you can go into your Parchment and click "Hold for Grades". Transcripts will then be sent out at the semester.
8. How do I get a list of my courses and grades to send to Colleges and NCAA?
You will need to go into Parchment and request a transcript be sent to yourself via e-mail.