Confused about Applying to College...

<p>Hi everyone! I’m a senior and I was wondering what the steps were to applying to college. I know I have to fill out a common app and get recommendations but it pretty much stops there.</p>

<li><p>How do I approach teachers for recommendations? Do I bring letters or mailing supplies to them? Do they let me see what they wrote? Should I ask them as early in advance as possible?</p></li>
<li><p>How do I send my high school grades?</p></li>
<li><p>How do I send my SAT scores?</p></li>
<li><p>FAFSA?</p></li>
<li><p>Scholarships?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>I think my questions are pretty univeral overall. This post would probably benefit a lot of kids who don’t know much about the admissions process.</p>

<p>Does your school have any procedures in place for these things? Check with your counselor first.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Have the teacher recommendation forms ready, along with stamped, addressed envelopes so they can send the recs directly to the colleges. Then ask your favored teachers (WELL IN ADVANCE OF DEADLINES) if they would be willing to write a recommendation for you. Usually you won't see what they wrote, but you could always ask if they would be willing to share the rec with you. Remember, they will probably be swamped with requests, so the earlier you request, the better.</p></li>
<li><p>Check with your high school registrar. Ask for a copy for yourself first so you can check for errors.</p></li>
<li><p>Go to collegeboard.com and follow the instructions there. It will cost money, unless you had them sent when you originally took the test.</p></li>
<li><p>You're going to need your parents on board with the FAFSA - they will need to complete their tax return as soon as possible. (As close to February 1 as possible). You will need to decide with your parents who will fill out the FAFSA. Become familiar now with the form, and also apply for a FAFSA PIN for yourself and one of your parents. CHECK, DOUBLE CHECK, AND TRIPLE CHECK DEADLINES.</p></li>
<li><p>Will vary completely by scholarship.</p></li>
</ol>