Career development (certifications, courses & curriculum) for changemakers.
Seniors, it's November. AKA college application time!
Let’s be real, it's easy to get frazzled now. But, wouldn’t it be nice if you felt at ease instead of scrambling to submit your applications? Let’s take a moment to review the final details you should confirm on your college applications so you can feel confident when submitting!
Take a moment to read through these five college application items to help ensure you stay on track.
Before you submit your application, it doesn’t hurt to do a final sweep of the college’s website. Make sure you’ve confirmed:
Waiting until the final hour can be unnecessarily stressful.
If you intend to apply to a college, pick a day and time ahead of the deadline when you’ll sit down to complete (and submit) the application. If you're applying to multiple colleges, you can space this out over multiple days. It all depends on what works best for your mind and schedule.
It's so helpful to have a second set of eyes on your college essay! We recommend having someone else read your essay one more time before submitting it.
Ensure you carefully read the application to ensure you’re following directions, haven't made spelling mistakes, and have properly completed all the sections.
This could include documents like a school report, letters of recommendation, a counselor report, test scores, and more. Ensure to do a final check on any items that require someone else to complete them.
Do your due diligence by ensuring that your counselor is aware of your applications well ahead of time, and be conscientious and appreciative of their time—they have your best interests at heart!
Whether you grab a screenshot, save a PDF, or print, it’s always a good idea to keep a copy of your application for your records. If there are any issues with your application, you will have a record of your submission.
Applying to college is—and should be—exciting! Help reduce your anxiety by following these final steps before submitting your college application.
Looking for most last-minute advice? Check out What College Admission Decision Makers are Really Looking For to help put the final touches on your application.
Still have questions about the college application process? Check out these FAQs.
Be sure to consult your counselor on how you can stand out on your college applications. They'll be able to provide guidance based on your unique situation.
In general, colleges look for a combination of academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and personality. High grades and challenging courses show academic readiness, while meaningful involvement in extracurriculars—especially with leadership roles—demonstrates commitment and initiative. Essays and recommendations that reveal character, resilience, and passion add depth.
Colleges appreciate applicants who demonstrate growth, curiosity, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning and community engagement.
Also, ensure your application and essay align with the college's values!
The following resources share more tips on how to stand out on your college applications:
If the application allows, indicate your areas of academic interest even if you’re undecided. This helps admissions officers understand your academic interests and consider you for related programs or scholarships.
After submitting your college apps, double-check each application portal to confirm all materials, including transcripts and test scores, have been received. If there are any missing items, follow up with your school or the College Board.
Also, don't let senioritis set in! Stay active in school and your extracurriculars, as colleges may request mid-year grades or updates on your achievements. Also, consider sending a thank-you note to anyone who supported your application, like teachers or counselors. Finally, resist the urge to stress—trust that you've put forth your best effort and focus on what you can control!
Yes, most colleges allow you to submit your application before your recommendation letters arrive. The application and recommendation letters are often managed separately, so don’t wait for your letters. However, confirm that your recommenders are aware of deadlines to ensure timely submissions. Colleges usually match your letters to your application as they arrive, so you most likely won’t be penalized if they come in slightly later than the application.
This is another thing that we'd recommend checking in with your counselor about!
Typically, colleges wait until the application deadline has passed to begin reviewing applications. However, Early Action or Early Decision applications may have different processes, and colleges may start reviews sooner for these groups. For rolling admissions, applications are reviewed as they come in, so applying early can improve your chances as spots fill on a first-come, first-served basis.
Generally, once you submit your application, edits are no longer possible. If you realize you've made a significant error, contact the admissions office directly to see if they can update your information.
Contact the admissions office as soon as possible. Some schools may offer a grace period or an alternate solution, but there’s no guarantee. Clear communication demonstrates responsibility and can sometimes help you find a workaround.
This article was originally published on November 10, 2021. It was updated on November 4, 2024 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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