We understand that the college application process is exciting, yet can be overwhelming. Therefore, we have outlined the application components which are required as well as the guidelines to follow in completing the applications.
Click below for Step-by-Step instructions on completing your College Applications:
For College Applications using the COMMON APPLICATION
For all other college applications sent via: SUNY Application, CUNY Application and/or Individual College Applications
STEPS IN THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
1) Obtain applications online or request a paper application from the college.
v College & Career Planning Office will have a copy of the application, if the
college is offering on-site admissions’ interviews at LHS.
2) Letters of Recommendation
v Use the ‘Request for Teacher Recommendation’ form available in
the Documents Folder in your Family Connection account.
v Follow-up with teachers to check if they’ve completed your
recommendation letters.
3) ‘Secondary School Report Form’
v The Common Application requires a Secondary School Report form
to be completed by a teacher and your counselor.
4) ‘Activity Sheet’
v Is available to download from the Documents Folder in your Family
Connection account. Please note this form is used to provide
information for recommendation letters and scholarship nominations.
5) ‘Official Transcript Request Form’
v Transcript Requests must be made through your Family Connection
Account. Please refer to the instructions available in the Family
Connection link of the Counseling Department website.
v Forms are available in the Counseling Center to be completed for
each ‘On-Site Admission’ college in which you are applying.
vSAT/ACT scores MUST be sent directly from the College Board or
ACT organization to the colleges in which you are applying.
If you have taken SAT/ACT’s at another school, you must provide a copy of the scores to your counselor.
6) ‘College Application Fee Waivers’
v Based on free or reduced lunch status. Students must speak to
their counselors to obtain an application fee waiver.
Please consider the following guidelines before you complete any application:
1) Create your college list.
v Most students submit up to five or six applications, however, you
may apply to as many colleges as you wish.
v Keep in mind that there is a fee charged for every application that is
submitted.
v Students typically choose one or two colleges in which are ‘reach’
schools, one or two ‘target’ schools and one or two ‘safe’ schools.
2) Read through the entire application, prior to filling in any
information.
3) Complete a rough draft of the application.
v Revise and rewrite, including personal statements and essays.
v Make certain that your final copy is neat and clean.
v It is recommended that your English teacher proofread your essay.
4) Make sure you’ve answered all portions to be filled in by the applicant.
v Proofread the application prior to mailing or clicking ‘submit.’
5) Be aware of application deadlines, particularly ‘Early Action’ or “Early Decision.’
v You will increase your chances of producing a strong application, if
you allow yourself plenty of time.