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College Application Process

1. If you haven't asked your teachers/counselors for recommendations NOW is the time. It is helpful if you put your request in writing and note a couple of outstanding moments from your time in class.
2. Remember to register for SATs, ACTs, etc
3. Remember that the Student Services office will need 10 school days to process its portion of each application (transcripts, etc).
4. Keep a spreadsheet of your applications with each part listed and deadlines indicated. To check deadlines for most common colleges click Here .

The college admissions process can be complex and competitive. Getting and staying organized and preparing in stages can lighten the load. We suggest setting up a special file box for materials, making a spreadsheet of the elements of the application package, and keeping a calendar of deadlines up-to-date and visible.

Generally students apply to three categories of schools: 'for sure', 'reach/dream' and 'safety/backup' schools. The type of admission program used may be

1. Early decision, whereby the student applies and is notified early and commits to attend if accepted,
2. Early action, whereby the student applies and is notified early but does not commit until the usual time, or regular admissions.
3. Specific programs and required forms are available at each college's website or catalog.

The basic application consists of :

• the college's application form,
• high school transcript,
• Student Activity Report,
• standardized test scores,
• letters of recommendation and
• essays.

Many colleges request that applications be submitted online. We suggest you copy blank forms before filling out, type if possible, and keep a copy of the completed application. Answer all questions, using N/A for those that don't apply. When writing essays, let drafts ' rest' for a day and then edit. Essays are your chance to present a side of yourself that doesn't appear elsewhere on the application or to explain unusual circumstances. Be sure you carefully edit and have someone else edit, too!

Pay special attention to all deadlines! We suggest a detailed calendar. Allow ten working days for the Student Services Department to process its part of the application and send out transcripts.

Colleges strive for a diversive and qualified student body. Factors admissions personnel will consider include:

• GPA,
• test scores,
• strength of curriculum,
• extracurricular activities,
• awards/honors,
• athletic talent,
• leadership,
• special talents,
• essays,
• recommendations,
• legacies and
• diversity.

To see recent College Acceptance Statistics for HHS Students , click Here .

A General Timetable for the Application Process is:

• Online Common Application - Find your applications and fill it out online.
• Online Common Application for Historically Black Colleges - fill out one application, pay one fee and have the application sent to twenty-two member colleges.
• Virginia College Essay Questions - This year's essay questions for many Virginia colleges.
• Tips for writing College Essays Here .
• More Tips for writing College Essays Here.

*This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the FCPS network. FCPS/HHS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages.