Applying to College

Apply online using these sites:

• • ApplyTexas - can be used for most Texas colleges

  • CommonApp - used by over 900 colleges

  • ​Coalition Application website - used by over 150 colleges

  • College-specific application - many colleges offer their own application

If a college offers multiple application choices, there is no inherent advantage to one over another -- you should choose whatever option eases the process for you.

You will need to create an account, so save your logins and passwords where you will be able to find them. Communication from colleges about the status of your application will come through email, so use an email account that you check regularly.

Get a head start on your college application essays by writing rough drafts over the summer.

• Common App Essay Prompts 

• ApplyTexas Essay Prompts 

• Coalition Essay Prompts

All transcript requests for college applications will be processed through SchooLinks. It is recommended that you submit the college application before requesting a transcript. The college may discard the transcript if they don’t have an application on file.

Learn how to send official transcripts as part of college applications here.

Rather than an official transcript, some schools will want you to complete a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). For these schools, you can reference your unofficial transcript in SchooLinks to complete the SRAR.  You will not request an official transcript for these schools. 

Read instructions carefully to see whether or not your college wants letters of recommendation, how many they want, and who they want to write those letters (counselor, teacher, etc). 

Students requiring a Counselor Recommendation request one through their SchooLinks account.

Students needing a Teacher Recommendation must first ask the teacher if he/she is willing to write the recommendation letter.  If so, the student needs to then send the teacher a recommendation request through their SchoolLinks account.  However, some schools require letters to be submitted directly to them.  Ask the College and Career Advisors if you’re unsure how to submit recommendation letters. 

Keep in mind that it is a courtesy, not an expectation, that anyone write a letter for you. You will want to ASK politely, and give your recommenders 2-3 weeks notice before your letter is due. Writing a good letter takes time.  

Determine whether your school requires ACT or SAT scores. Most colleges require official score reports which are sent from the testing company for a fee.

• If sending SAT scores, sign in to your College Board account, then go to the Send SAT Scores page.
• If sending ACT scores, sign in to your MyACT account and request to send reports from your scores dashboard.

Typically college applications typically have a fee associated with applying. However, most institutions offer a fee waiver to students enrolled in the Free or Reduced Meal program. If you do not qualify for the Free or Reduced Meal program, you will pay the application fee based on the college's instructions. If you qualify for a fee waiver, complete the Fee Waiver section of the Application Manager in SchooLinks.

For more information on Free or Reduced Meal information, see the Child Nutrition website.